Change

I have clothes in my closet in three different sizes.  I have my “skinny” clothes that I refuse to throw out because every few years they fit again.  I have my regular clothes that fit most often and I have my “fat” clothes that I never want to wear again.   I’ve thrown out my size 12 clothes as I will NEVER wear those again and throwing them out made me commit to that.  Why do most women have multiple size clothes in their closets?  Because we generally go through these cycles of change.  Lasting change in our bodies and minds takes time. We have to accept this fact or we will never stay on the path long enough to achieve it.

Change in our mindset has to happen to help us push through when the going gets tough.  Let’s face it, most of us are emotional eaters.  We eat when stressed, depressed or even happy.  We seek comfort in food. It’s not realistic to think we will just block out stress or emotional issues in our life.  Finding better ways to deal with them is our best tool and “comfort food” shouldn’t be our go to solution.

One way I’m trying to deal with the stress of my life is exercise.  It is a great distraction and stress reliever.  It doesn’t even have to be hard.  If I’m sitting in my office and feel stressed, rather than going to the dreaded snack drawer, I grab my notebook and go walk the building.  I visit classrooms and change the channel in my brain.  These visits can do just as much for me, if not more, than any cookie ever could.  Can you walk around the block during work?  How about at home, put the kids in the stroller and go?  Can’t get out, buy a treadmill and walk when they are napping.

Another way I’m trying to control my emotions is through yoga.  A regular yoga practice is very good for the mind and body.  I practice Baptiste yoga, which is done in a heated room, 3-4 times a week. (Currently not allowed due to injury but May I’m back). When the class is over, I feel emotionally ready to face my day.  This practice is more than just “exercise”.  It’s truly a personal journey to reset your inner voice.  If you are saying you are too fat, not flexible enough or interested, I’d say yoga is for every body.  Anyone can practice and there are so many variations available to choose from.  Take a gentle or restorative class and I guarantee you’ll be hooked for life.

Last week I talked about celebrating small victories along the way.  This too helps control our emotions around this journey.  The photograph for this week’s post shows 5lbs of fat vs 5 lbs of muscle.  They are both representative of the same amount of weight, but they look drastically different, don’t they?  Print this photograph and hang it near your scale to remind yourself that we are changing our bodies. A daily workout will help reshape your body.  Your scale may not move at first, which is why I keep saying to take measurements.  Even if your weight remains the same, think of our photograph.  You are reshaping the muscles and they are far more compact than fat.  If your clothes are fitting, it’s working despite what the scale says.

I hope you are willing to commit to this  journey.  It is hard and you will face many challenges along the way.  Try to be proactive and seek different ways to deal with the stresses in your life.  What’s working for you?   I’d love to hear from you here, or join my private Facebook group.  Send me a message to be added to the group.

Next week we will talk about excuses.  Have a great week.

Author: laurakump

I'm a mother, wife and daughter on a mission to reclaim my health. I've watched loved ones suffer from memory robbing Alzheimers and refuse to lose my precious memories to this disease. Small changes have helped me achieve health and fitness. I'm an Elementary School Principal on a mission to impact students lives. I believe we can change this world one child at a time. View all posts by laurakump