Tuesday, January 05, 2010

Coulda Woulda Shoulda

One thing I've realized on this weight loss journey of mine, is that I spend a lot of time lamenting about stuff I shouldn't have done.

Like, the chocolate shortbread cookies I devoured from Trader Joe's. Or the burrito bowl I ate for dinner last week. Or polishing off the last of the Christmas chocolates.

The guilt from poor performance is horrible. Because you know what? It perpetuates more guilt. And then some more. And then that makes me say, "Screw this! I'm wallowing in guilt! Let me drown my spirits in more chocolate". Hence, the vicious cycle.

Lately, I am truly learning that the whole day doesn't have to go out the window because of one small indulgence. It's possible to course correct. It's possible to rebound from the "oops". And move on.

Instead of wasting my effort wallowing in self pity and guilt, I'm going to turn that energy into something positive. I will find a way to compensate for my slip-ups so that they don't take over and pack on the pounds. I will focus on working out for longer, or harder. I will concentrate on making up for it with a lighter meal. Because I'm in this for the long haul, and you know what? This is exactly the protocol that people who are of a "healthy weight" follow!

I'm still struggling after the holidays. January 1st isn't a light switch that just flicks on. Getting back on track is a work in progress. Which will make me think twice (thrice?) about veering off path again, believe me.

Nonetheless, I'm getting there, one day at a time. And I'm not wasting anymore energy on what I should have done, could have done, or would have done. Instead, I'm going to focus on what I will do to become healthy and strong.

8 comments:

nic said...

I think you'll find looking at things as what you "will" do and what you "get to" do will make the whole adventure more exciting.

Great mindset!

Sheridan said...

that's the attitude! You go girl!
I find that I shouldn't call a piece of cookie a slip up, I'm still human, living every day life and I still love sweets, and indulging in some isn't a crime, as long as like you said, you make up for it. It's about balance. Plus I have a feeling that all you need is one spinning class and the words Trader Joe's wont be on your mind anymore ;)

Martalu said...

Amen sister! It's a marathon, not a sprint, after all. And hey, the holidays take a bite out of everyone, so please be forgiving and move on. Hooray!

All Women Stalker said...

Mish, over at Eating Journey, talked about guilt. We should let go of guilt. It does us no good. It holds us back from the things we could be doing in the present. I hope you find the strength to deny guilt forever.

Go girl!!!

David said...

Well said! Keep up the great work!

Carolyn said...

You are sooo right. "January 1st isn't a light switch". How true is that?? I think so many people have that attitude and they just let everything go to hell over the Holidays knowing that January 1st will be a new year and a new start (including me!) I even had a "last supper" consisting of pizza, mozza sticks, garlic bread, and cheesecake!

I love the message in this post. Thanks so much for motivating us!

Teresa said...

I think you got it right with the "will do" attitude. Holidays are tough on just about everyone. You're off to a great start for 2010 all the best for much success.

Anonymous said...

Oh so true. I am learning to embrace that I can't be the perfect dieter, but I will no longer stand to be the perfect overeater. A couple pieces of chocolate aren't going to change much in a day....but then blowing it because you steered of course will. Good luck to you :)