We are pleased to announce that today, March 4, 2025, an updated Rich Text Editor has been introduced in the MyFitnessPal Community. To learn more about the changes, please click here. We look forward to sharing this new feature with you!

Look at what you have, not what you had

superwmn
superwmn Posts: 936
edited September 2024 in Motivation and Support
Look at what you have, not what you had

I was watching the Suze Orman show FOREVER ago and she said the below in reference to people who's lives were devastated by the financial crisis:

"Look at what you have, not at what you had, such as a job, a house, a hefty 401K account, etc. Stay with gratitude, not envy, regret, and anger. Don’t watch the rear view mirror of yesterday, while driving into the future, or you’ll get into an accident."

I feel like this is also SO relevant to weight loss.

If you're looking in the rear view mirror at last night's binge, last week's weigh in that wasn't what you'd hoped it would be, that week you didn't go to the gym, the size pants you used to wear when you were in high school, whatever, you are looking in the rear view mirror while driving into the future.

I think of this all the time when I'm tempted to let my past influence my present. I try as often as I can not to even LOOK in the rear view mirror and to only focus on where I am and where I'm going.

There is no 'on the wagon' or 'off the wagon'. We are only where we are. There is only forward trajectory. The past is in the rear view mirror and has no bearing on this moment. I refuse to look in the rear view mirror of yesterday while driving into the future.

Charmagne

Replies

  • Meganne1982
    Meganne1982 Posts: 451
    *Like*
  • pkgirrl
    pkgirrl Posts: 587
    That's beautiful. Thanks for making my day! =)
  • wannabehotmomma
    wannabehotmomma Posts: 190 Member
    Thanks Charmagne, for your wisdom once again!! So true!!
  • odditblue
    odditblue Posts: 34 Member
    Wow, excellent post. Very good advice. Thanks for that.
  • Krizzle4Rizzle
    Krizzle4Rizzle Posts: 2,704 Member
    Charmagne:

    I adore you. You always seemed to know what I need to hear. Thank you.
  • Still_Sossy
    Still_Sossy Posts: 868 Member
    That is awesome, And so very true to many aspects in life. Thanks!
  • Chiquita_Banana
    Chiquita_Banana Posts: 500
    that makes me feel better =) thanks charm!
  • mirna_ayala0428
    mirna_ayala0428 Posts: 406 Member
    Thanks, it hit the spot!:happy:
  • amandat_79
    amandat_79 Posts: 221 Member
    Totally what I needed to hear (read). Thanks for that.
  • bevpulse
    bevpulse Posts: 35 Member
    That philosophy also applies to food choices. Keep it positive and focus on what you can eat, not on what you can't. Learn how to cook delicious nutritious foods that appeal to all your senses and take your time to prepare them and enjoy the colors, textures, aromas and beauty.
  • samb
    samb Posts: 464 Member
    LIKE!
  • janemartin02
    janemartin02 Posts: 2,653 Member
    NICE!!!
  • superwmn
    superwmn Posts: 936
    That philosophy also applies to food choices. Keep it positive and focus on what you can eat, not on what you can't. Learn how to cook delicious nutritious foods that appeal to all your senses and take your time to prepare them and enjoy the colors, textures, aromas and beauty.

    This is SO true! Rachel Wilkerson (http://www.rachelwilkerson.com/) focuses on all the amazing things you can INclude in a healthy lifestyle. I love this attitude.

    Charmagne
  • tmthorn0927
    tmthorn0927 Posts: 155 Member
    like! :smooched:
  • tkroeker
    tkroeker Posts: 19
    Look at what you have, not what you had

    I was watching the Suze Orman show FOREVER ago and she said the below in reference to people who's lives were devastated by the financial crisis:

    "Look at what you have, not at what you had, such as a job, a house, a hefty 401K account, etc. Stay with gratitude, not envy, regret, and anger. Don’t watch the rear view mirror of yesterday, while driving into the future, or you’ll get into an accident."

    I feel like this is also SO relevant to weight loss.

    If you're looking in the rear view mirror at last night's binge, last week's weigh in that wasn't what you'd hoped it would be, that week you didn't go to the gym, the size pants you used to wear when you were in high school, whatever, you are looking in the rear view mirror while driving into the future.

    I think of this all the time when I'm tempted to let my past influence my present. I try as often as I can not to even LOOK in the rear view mirror and to only focus on where I am and where I'm going.

    There is no 'on the wagon' or 'off the wagon'. We are only where we are. There is only forward trajectory. The past is in the rear view mirror and has no bearing on this moment. I refuse to look in the rear view mirror of yesterday while driving into the future.

    Charmagne


    I LOVE THIS!!! Very true!
  • sophiajackson99
    sophiajackson99 Posts: 90
    Very zen-like. :) Yes, today right now is the only moment where we can act. Past is done. No guilt no regrets. Only choices and life llessons! That's how I roll.
  • callipygianchronicle
    callipygianchronicle Posts: 811 Member
    A closed fist cannot receive. If you are holding on to what has happened, what didn’t happen, what maybe should have could have happened, your hands are closed to all the possibilities that this moment is offering you NOW.

    Open your hands. Let it go. What you did to get fat doesn’t matter. What you ate two hours ago doesn’t matter. The only thing that matters are the choices you are making right now, in this moment.

    Every day, every moment, presents us with a sacred opportunity for exponential change. If only our hands are open to receive it.
  • superwmn
    superwmn Posts: 936
    A closed fist cannot receive. If you are holding on to what has happened, what didn’t happen, what maybe should have could have happened, your hands are closed to all the possibilities that this moment is offering you NOW.

    Open your hands. Let it go. What you did to get fat doesn’t matter. What you ate two hours ago doesn’t matter. The only thing that matters are the choices you are making right now, in this moment.

    Every day, every moment, presents us with a sacred opportunity for exponential change. If only our hands are open to receive it.

    Beautiful. Amazing. LOVE this.
  • bmreed0920
    bmreed0920 Posts: 139 Member
    Thats a good motivator. I'll be sure to keep this so it will help me along the way. Thank you.
  • callipygianchronicle
    callipygianchronicle Posts: 811 Member
    bumping, because I needed these words again today and I bet someone else does, too.
  • justleeanne
    justleeanne Posts: 251 Member
    Great post! :)
This discussion has been closed.

Categories