By now, you all know my weight loss story. Started out 280lbs, decided to take charge of my life and health, set a goal, achieved set goal in a year, helping others do the same.
Lately, I haven't been feeling like I did before when it comes to knocking out my next goal. What is that next goal? I want to be a size 8. I think my problem with reaching that goal comes from my original goal of being a size 12. I'm a size 12 now. Depending on the brand, I'm a size 10. When I was a size 24, I couldn't walk in any store and find what I wanted. Now, oh honey, the possibilities are endless! Because of that, I feel as if I've gotten a little too comfortable where I am. Then I hear from people all of the time telling me not to lose any more weight. "You've come so far. Don't over do it", they say. Believe it or not, I start to ask myself if they're right and if I'm greedy for wanting more! On top of that, I feel tired. Not physically tired, but mentally tired. Drained! And I'm starting to wonder if it's because I'm pouring so much of myself into this part of my life and not feeding the other parts that make me me. This is going on year 2 for me since I first started my journey and I have been totally dedicated to it nonstop. Aside from working out the way I did in the beginning, I still live and breathe my health (in terms of staying on track) and I think that is what's leaving me stuck.
(Image by Kaye McCoy)
I was discussing this with my husband last night and he said he thinks it's because the kids are home for summer and that its throwing me off schedule. He also mentioned me comparing myself to others a lot lately. He's right about that. I do compare myself to others, but not in a "they're better than me" type of way, but more of a "if I had kept going doing that" kind of way:-)
Anyway, I'm just curious as to if any of you have experienced being comfortable in your journey or feeling unbalanced after you've dedicated so much of yourself to one thing. Would love your feedback!
Stay inspired,
Lakeitha
9 comments:
You're beautiful. You have have to do what's best for you and what makes you feel great! One day at a time is the best feedback I can give you because you are such an inspiration and a phenomenal woman. P.S. COME VISIT north Carolina! Hahaha
I follow you on insta follow back xoxox @i_amb_me
Honey please, I think as mothers we all feel that way at times but you my friend are so inspiring to me and I know thousands of others. I wish I had the support that you do because I think it's important in trying to live a healthier lifestyle and loose weight. Just being honest I look at your picture everyday because I know that once I get or shall I say pull myself together it will be no stopping me. You look stunning. If you jump off track, I think that you've earned the right too. Xoxo
Sometimes when you are so determined you channel all focus onto one thing.And once it is completed you say to your self damn what was I doing again.You look amazing but we both know to maintain you must work out.My advice is What does Lakietha want? What's life after weight loss? You can still work out.Maybe focus on your jewelery line? What's your next goal...go for it.You got this!!!
I think it's normal to feel this way, what's great is you recognized it, focus, reevaluate and make the next goal. In the end all things should be in moderation and I think it's very possible to focus too much on weight loss. I don't think anything is good when you put everything in it and take your focus away from other things in your life. Give yourself a break, stay mindful of how far you've come, work out but enjoy other things like your jewelry line, family and your home! You seem great at all of these!! As always thank you for sharing!!
I think the issue for me when it comes to feeling too comfortable is that it's a matter of goal levels.
Let me explain. I've always been underweight so when I moved to the US in 2006 and saw what a big deal weight was, I felt supremely good even though I was not actively doing anything to control my weight. Then I started getting bigger, panicked and set a goal to lose weight and stay a certain dress size but that strictly aesthetic/physical goal didn't keep me motivated for long.
When I started following your journey on Instagram, my new goal became to eat healthy and that impacted the lifestyle changes I made a lot more than just the goal of staying a certain dress size.
Now that I've made significant gains in the way I eat, my new goal is to strengthen my body so I can age well and be there for my kids. That includes getting into strength training which may actually cause my body to grow bigger but I don't care about that anymore because I now value a strong body over a sized body.
I think of it almost like applying the Maslow's Hierarchy to goal setting for your life. Once I get too comfortable with a goal, the only way I can get out of the rut is to set a goal at a "higher level" of living. I hope my long-winded answer makes sense. And while I'm here, gotta say thank you for being an inspiration. I don't think you fully realize how awesome what you're doing is.
2 years ago I lost 50 lbs while on weight watchers and working out...I got comfortable, enjoying the clothes options, listening to the comments of others, and even allowing my newly stumbled upon relationship to interfere with my focus. I then went back to school to pursue my Master's Degree and allowed the dedication needed for that to overtake my dedication for my weight loss/healthy. Sounds more like excuses than anything. I say all of that to say, don't allow "life" to consume your desire for bettering your life...KEEP AT IT becAuse you have no idea who you are inspiring or effecting. I cane across your IG page at the right time ��, and I thank you.
Hmmm. This is such a hard question. Because goals should be measurable - but I think saying I want to be an "8" is hard because an "8" can vary by designer. Would a specific weight help? Your story is inspiring - keep up the good work!!
Very much so! I just wrote pretty much the same thing in my book. I haven't lost as much as you but I too feel "stuck". My top weight was around 230 wearing a size 18 and probably knocking on 20. It was a struggle everyday. Going back and forward with diets. Once I lost about 30lbs, I was happy and maybe too comfortable because it does feel good not to look for XL or checking to see if they have plus sizes. I haven't let my weight elevate back that high up, but it did creep back up about 15 lbs not too long ago. Sometimes you just have to do it. Meaning, not expressing your interest to others about being a certain size or weight. It's great to have cheerleaders but they too sometimes are nerve wracking because they are going to support you no matter what and that's not what you want/need to hear. You need that push. You've made that decision and then you have someone tell you, "no you look good. Don't get too skinny." Following you IG made me realize that I just need to do it. If I started months ago I probably could've been a size 12 or maybe a 10 by now. Also, I like the fact when you mentioned about comparing the 280 lb to the 1XX lb LeKeitha. That's so not you anymore and you're trying to make "this" picture your before. That's what motivated me! Therefor, start pushing, keep pushing and you'll be there before you know it!
I love what Marianne Williamson says about emotions: There are two basic emotions, love and fear.
And this: "Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our Light, not our Darkness, that most frightens us."
Take a break if you need one, listen to that still small voice. As much as I love them, kids will throw off all equilibrium. Having fun with them and carving out some time for just myself and Deepok and Oprah's meditation 😊 has saved our summer.
Take care and thanks for sharing your journey-you are an inspiration!
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