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Weighing In

3/7/2014

6 Comments

 
"The worst loneliness is to not be comfortable with yourself."  ~Mark Twain
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I've become a "woman of a certain age." I once thought that meant reaching a birthday women no longer admitted to. In my case, however, it's an age of appreciating where I've been, and recognizing - optimistically - that the journey is far from over. 

The bywords of this stage in life seem to be health and fitness.

Programs such as Dr. Oz and The Biggest Loser attract millions of television viewers; magazines and newspapers are full of information on the latest superfoods and weight-loss trends. It seems like everyone I know is talking about some aspect of wellness. This isn't a new cultural obsession; I remember my mom going to Weight Watchers when I was a teenager. What's different now compared to four decades ago (with the notable exceptions of infomercials still touting six-pack abs and dimple-free derrieres) is emphasis has shifted from outward appearance to nutrition and physical dexterity. For this woman of a certain age, that's an appreciated perspective shift. 

I've ridden the weight roller coaster for decades. The peaks have grown higher, but so have the valleys. I put the stats in a table (okay, approximation of stats - my husband didn't even know this stuff!) which led to reflecting on my life status during each weight high and low. 
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My focus this time around has not been specifically on losing weight; dropping pounds has been a happy side effect of lifestyle changes. My real motivation is seeing the big 6-0 on the horizon, and fearing if I can't be my healthiest self now, my senior years could be riddled with avoidable health issues. Numbers on the scale or my pants size no longer has power over how I feel about myself. The facts are:
  • Looking good and feeling fit at age 48 was very different than it was at age 18. Good eating and exercise habits didn't turn the clock back 30 years then, and it won't now. I don't want to be 28 again, anyway.
  • If I ever weigh under 130 again, it will be likely due to serious illness or loss of some body parts. Neither option is appealing. I'll choose to celebrate that a little softness over muscle helps fill out some wrinkles. 
  • The scale will eventually stop showing lower numbers. Healthy eating and daily exercise will help my body get to the weight it's intended to be. Trying to weigh less will be an endless battle, and I've got better things to do with my energy.
  • It's really stupid to believe I will "never gain back the weight again." I might. Life happens. 

For now I'm happy to be feeling - and seeing! - the results of moving more and making better food choices. The best physical me now won't be the same as a few decades ago, but I'm fairly certain that 20 years from now, the current me will be looking pretty darned good.
6 Comments
Jill link
3/7/2014 08:15:49 am

What a great post, Natine! I love how you were able to go back and figure out the reasons behind the ups and downs in your weight. I believe your early 50 explanation is the cause for much of our weight gain, the sedentary job behind a computer screen. I think if we all keep moving and making those better food choices, we'll be happy with the results.

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Natine
3/8/2014 08:48:19 am

Thanks, Jill! There's no question the long hours spent sitting was wreaking havoc on my body. It wasn't just weight gain; aches and pains and fatigue -- the whole caboodle. Even when I knew how important it was to get up and move every hour, I didn't do it. Always "one more thing to do first." It's a deadly cycle.

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Shel Harrington link
3/7/2014 12:08:54 pm

This is so right on target - love the shift in thinking that evolves. Maturity whether we claim it or not!

"The best physical me now won't be the same as a few decades ago, but I'm fairly certain that 20 years from now, the current me will be looking pretty darned good." - this cracked me up because it's sooooo true. As I look back at each of my own phases and think how good I looked at different times, I remember well the dissatisfaction and lack of appreciation in the moment!

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Natine
3/8/2014 08:51:49 am

Ironic, isn't it, Shel? I feel so good at a weight (now) that made me so unhappy as I was moving UP to it years ago. Maturity may not bring back the bodies of our youth, but it sure does ramp up the appreciation factor for what we have! :)

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Fat-Bottom-Fifties Get Fierce link
3/7/2014 12:25:28 pm

We're with ya, sistah!

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Natine
3/8/2014 08:54:27 am

Thanks for checking in, Mel! I'm enjoying your site immensely (as you know!) :) If you're reading this and haven't visited yet, check it out: FatBottomFiftiesGetFierce.com

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