I'm starting off today's blog post from where I left off in yesterday's post ...
Control.
Letting go of fear and dealing with control issues were things I tried to tackle in 2011 ... I think I did a good job - my confidence in swimming has increased, my fear of dogs is much, much more controlled - I no longer have a full-on panic attack but can just calmly stand (next step is to pet one!), if someone doesn't get back to me soon confirming/canceling plans we made then I no longer wait and obsess - I move on and do what I need to do ... I think all these things were positive steps, but I have also realized that it is a work in progress -- and indeed, three is a lot of work still left to be done!
Fear is what kept me from reaching my goals in the past - fear of failure, fear of rejection, fear of confrontation, fear of pain ... but this year I thought "Fuck the fear. I can do this. There is no reason I cannot succeed."
So I went forward and gave it my all. I tried to keep pushing through no matter what.
Ironically what got in the way were things that were completely out of my control - health issues, family issues, etc. These are things I had not foreseen or planned for. I had not choice but to let go and roll with the punches. It was tough - really tough. I used to not be able to workout if I forgot my iPod and other silly things like that. This year I said enough was enough - it was time to grow up and realize that not everything could be controlled, and more that that, not everything has to be controlled! That doesn't mean that I will be able to completely let things go (I haven't come that far!) but I will definitely try.
I like that I am now able to tell myself - You CAN do this. You are strong. Try and you will achieve.
I definitely believe in myself and have more confidence in myself than I did a even at the beginning of this year - at least when it comes to my fitness. However, food/exercise is just one aspect of my life -- I still have a lot of insecurities and self-doubt. I have often thought, 'When I reach my goal weight, I will be happier.' However, I know that the happiness I am seeking is not hidden in my layers of fat. No, they're in my mind and in my soul ... hours on the cross-trainer will not take care of those mental demons. So there is still a lot to be done.
I take comfort in the fact that I have not given up. I am still driven and eager to make my life the best it can be. I have learned that I am strong and that no matter how far I've fallen down, there is a way to come back up again ... if that is what I desire.
With hard work, dedication, and patience ... anything is possible.
When I want things done I'm a control freak. "Let me do it because you dont know how".. but when it comes to counting calories, logging food, or working on schedules.. I want none of it. Isnt that odd? Maybe that just makes me a freak in general. lol :0)
ReplyDeleteWonderfully insightful! I wonder how many of us with weight issues have control and fear issues because it seems to be a common thread of an awful lot of posts I've been reading this past week. I could very easily have written every word of this post. It's like you live inside my head. All we can do is be mindful and vigilant and progress will come. As I said on my blog, I view myself as someone with addiction issues similar to alcohol and learning to let go of control and fear will be something I have to actively manage for the rest of my life.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you've made a lot of progress this past year and I hope you are able to give yourself credit and be happy for it. Sometimes we don't make progress as fast as we'd like to, but forward movement is still progress and should be celebrated! Sometimes the smallest steps are the hardest.
Here's hoping 2012 offers us both many opportunities to shine!!
I'm a control freak too--but more in the way that Carbie described herself. I think considering the things you've gone through this past year, you're doing really well. Keep that in mind. <3
ReplyDeleteI think Kim is on to something - I really do think many of us with weight issues use every opportunity to control other things in our life so we feel better about our lack of control with our weight.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you're making good progress though - and recognizing that happiness may not be linked to weight is important! Make yourself happy, then worry about the weight. :)