Motivational Monday – The Weight Loss Journey – 3 Ideas for Surviving a Challenge

 

I’m working once again to lose my post-pregnancy weight…it’s been 25 years...since the baby. There have been peaks and valleys, fitness regimens and meal plans; Just when I thought I had things under control, menopause slapped me in the face. I hit a plate, a brick wall, a stand-off.

In school we learned the theory of man against man, man against nature and man against himself. We can now include woman against her waistline. There are many days that I wish my superpower was appetite control, but since it isn’t, I go with Plan B – live joyously anyway.

I’m not going down without a good fight, and if you’re facing a challenge, you don’t have to either. How do you encourage yourself through a challenge?

Here are 3 fun ideas for surviving a challenge:

1.      Play the song I will Survive by Gloria Gaynor – sing along with the song (really loudly), say the words like you believe them.

YouTube Video: I will Survive by Gloria Gaynor

2.      Play the Rocky theme song – do this one at home. Put on a pair a loose-fitting jogging outfit, leggings, or anything comfortable. Bounce around your room like you’re preparing for a boxing match. Let the song lead you. Here are some of the lyrics to put you in the moment – Trying hard now. It’s so hard now. Getting strong now.

YouTube Video: Rocky theme song - Gonna Gly Now

You can count this as part of your fitness for the day.

3.      Do something fun – go easy on yourself. Allow yourself to relax, do something fun, the regroup later to refocus on your situation.

You can apply these ideas to a weight loss journey or a different difficult situation you’re facing. I’ve found that it helps to sprinkle any situation with humor.

My sons are encouraging when I complain about my weight struggles. They say things like, “Ma, you look fine, you’re probably gaining muscle.”

I started to buy into his theory. An invisible thought bubble formed above my head, and my eyes shifted upward – maybe I am gaining muscle. I looked at my right arm, then my left, and lifted each one into a bicep curl.

“I see your muscles Ma,” my son gave my arm a firm squeeze.”

A toothy grin erupted on my face, it was a proud moment for my arms, but then…

I looked down at my stomach, it looked back at me as if to say, I’m not with them, don’t set your expectations high.

And that my friend, is how I use humor to make it through.

If you’re on a weight loss journey or another challenge, silence your inner critic and keep pushing forward. Transformation doesn’t happen overnight, consistency pays off.

Go through your day with laughter as your sidekick.