I am an all-or-nothing type of girl.
I don’t like that part of me. It has gotten me into some trouble. But it also translated into really good grades in high school and college, and determination to finish most things I begin.
But with my more recent attempts at weight loss, my all-or-nothing mentality has really been a day to day thing. One day, I’ll do great on everything, and then the next day I feel like a miserable failure.
So I must learn how to balance. I need to figure out where my sweet spot is between all out diet-crazyness and downing handfuls of goldfish crackers to fill my salt craving. Balance is my new word.
Ever been on a balance board at the gym or a BOSU Ball? Have you ever lifted weights on balance discs or done ab work on an exercise ball? Training your body to right itself when caught off balance stregthens most of the large muscles of your body including your core and legs. Just the simple act of trying to remain upright helps you to become more fit.
So, I need the equivalent of a balance disc for my eating and exercising habits. I need to train myself to make the small changes needed to remain upright and on track with my plan. I need to try forget the all-or-nothing mentality. I need to stick with it even when I feel like I’m going to fall flat on my rear.
Balance from Sarah Markley on Vimeo.
I am still praying for you all who are joining me on my long journey. Hopefully you all have learned something about yourselves somewhere along the way too.
Forgive yourself for one week of no motivation for exercise. I’m 37 and have gone about 36.5 YEARS with no motivation for exercise.
This is all a huge learning process. I believe as long as we’re living no two weeks will be the same for us…whether it’s with eating, exercise, or whatever. Striving for balance is an awesome idea. That’s the “everything in moderation” that is sooooo hard to keep in check. I think that’s a terrific goal!
We’re working on following our new meal plans (2200-2400 calories a day for my 6’7″ hubby, and 1400 calories for me). Yesterday was the first “real” day we’ve been able to do it since we learned about it Friday. I don’t really like the weighing and measuring of the food…but I see the real need for it in our lives. We have had no clue about real portion sizes for most of our lives, and this change is making portion control a reality for us. Even though it’s hubby with diabets, I’m joining in too in support of him (and to drop pounds!).
So, Happy Monday to you! Thank you again for your honesty and transparency. You are a motivation to me, and I appreciate you!
Kim
Oh, boy. Did I pick the right week to jump back into making the bloggy rounds or what? I’m all over this one with you. Balance is hard and I think it will ALWAYS be hard. Because sort of like when you get one stage of your kids figured out, they change. Same thing with this, at least for me. I love your honesty!! Hugs to you.
ah, girl. Just start over like it never happened. That’s the way you HAVE to look at it so you don’t give up.
You’re cute. Even if you had a bad week.
Are we related??
I’m right there with ya. Not such a good week and felt like dying on my (not long) run today. Ugh. And on the all-or-nothingness, I find it to be one of my greatest strengths and weaknesses all in one. Hey, I’m great on the Bosu, so why can’t I be the same in area that are abstract?
Hey, I emailed you the other day–not sure if it went through. Did you get it?
Yea..learning moderation and balance might be a life long goal.
Good days and bad days. I’ve learned to NOT have junk in the house….kids hate me but I’ll eat and drink every bit of it. So…just don’t buy it.
Keep at it girlfriend. Its my goal this year to be the healthiest I’ve been since having children.
WE CAN DO IT!
Love,
Fran
I had a bad week last week myself. What with the birthday and all. LOL
Balance is a great word of the week. I am back on track this week.
I hav also found that evening TV is distracting during the week. It is amazing what I can get accomplished when I keep it off. Little things like going on walks with the family.
You are doing great!! Keep it up! I’m with Cindy…You are beautful no matter what!
Sarah, you are awesome. I pray you find the sweet spot and enjoy the journey!
This is such an emotional roller coaster, isn’t it? It’s just HARD that is all there is to it. Emotionally, physically, even spiritually…maybe especially spiritually for me. Stay in it. I’m finally coming out of my 5 WEEK stand still and the pounds are coming off a gain. Thank God. Not sure how much longer I could have gone on with no progress. I tend to be all or nothing, too. Balance is a good thing.
i’m stuck! i’m unbalanced (in every area as well).
and, i’m truthfully kind of pouty about it.
i’m praying for you (and me) that this week will be better. i know it’s not about the numbers, but it helps so much when they move on that scale!
I appreciate that you’re very real about it…like not weighing yourself this week. If I were dieting, I would so do that. It makes the videos more genuine, I think.
hi.
i love your videos on monday and look so forward to seeing them
) thanks for doing this series.
balance: good topic. i find when we are busy and have crazy schedules I tend to not eat as well. Usually while kids are eating I try to do some laundry or pick up and then I am eating on the fly as we head to gymnastics or errands or whatever it is. It is so frustrating. I tend to go all or nothing. These last five pounds are hanging on, not moving anywhere. It will come with patience and trying to maintain the balance.