Transformation Tuesday

Dear Santa: I Can Explain!

Somewhere along the way, somebody invented the idea of ‘Transformation Tuesday‘.

Basically, on social media, this is an excuse to post before/after pictures of people who have had an impressive physical transformation of sorts.  I’ve done it too, people do like to see the photos.  Although I do not like to call them before/after.  I like to say ‘Then and Now’ or ‘Before and Present Day’.   I don’t really see anything wrong with this idea.  The pics are motivational and inspirational to a lot of folks.  A lot of people encourage me to keep posting my story because it shows them that if I can do it with my obstacles, then they can too.

Here’s the thing.  There’s always a thing, ya know.  The photos do not show the transformation of habits, and thoughts, and the psychology that goes on behind the scenes.   People see pictures, and they think – oh wow, she exercised and worked her butt off; and watched what she ate, and she had success.  She must have amazing will power and dedication.  She’s so strong.  I get messages from complete strangers saying things like that, which is nice.

The pictures don’t show the tears, and the struggle, and the frustration … and the fear … and the anxiety … and the constant mind-game that goes on ~ wondering if you’re enough, if you can actually do this thing.  And the prayers.  I don’t usually have anyone taking pictures of me in prayer, handing it all over to God, because Heaven knows I cannot do this on my own anyway.

I’m not going to lie.  If you have a weight problem, weight loss is hard.  Permanent, lasting weight loss anyway.  You have to start with your head before your can change your body. And in some cases you may have to start with your heart.  You have to get to the core of the problem.  Sometimes it’s medical and physical.  Sometimes it’s emotional.  Whatever it is – figure that crap out.  Or it will just keep rearing its ugly head like the demon that it is.  You can read magazines, and study diet and exercise plans all ding dang day, but if you’re not seriously ready to change your lifestyle, and address the core of the issues … don’t waste your time.

What do you see when you look in the mirror?  Do you see your flaws first?  Do you really SEE yourself?  Do you see fat?  Do you see beauty?  Start paying attention to how you see   yourself.  It matters.  And how you think about yourself matters even more.  And what you say about yourself is critical.   If you want to transform your body, start by transforming your thoughts.  Transform how you talk to yourself.  Believe me, it matters, I tell ya.

Yes, people love to see my fat photos.  People love to hear about how much weight I’ve lost. But they’re usually not overly interested in the emotional scars, or the decades of war I spent with myself to arrive at this place.  And that’s okay.  My only point is this.  Don’t let it take you decades.  Seriously, there is no time like the present.  Stop fighting with yourself, and start partnering with God.

So, yay for ‘Transformation Tuesday’.  I do confess that I like wearing size 8 jeans and size medium tops.  I’m blown away that my bra is now 34D, when at one time it was like 52F, I think.  But you know what’s even sweeter?  Being at peace with my body.  Not at war.

As always, make champion choices,
The Healthy Habit Lady