I woke up this morning thinking about the fact that last night I had gone bike riding with my kids down our neighborhood road. We went slowly, as my little guys are still learning. The whole time we rode I thought about how much fun we were all having. I also thought about the fact that even though it has been 12 years since I lost my 150 pounds, I haven’t forgotten the little things that make me appreciate the fact I’m no longer morbidly obese.
♥ Folding chairs seem bigger now
♦ Swimming is possible
♥ Clothes are fun
♦ I can walk up many flights of stairs
♥ I’m rarely tired
♦ I’m not embarrassed to walk into a room late
♥ I weigh less than my husband
♦ People don’t ask if I’m pregnant
♥ I can run
♦ Chairs don’t break when I sit in them
As I was going from average sized to morbidly obese, I saw my range of activities decrease. It happened gradually, but it happened nonetheless. When I started losing weight, there were many things I looked forward to being able to do. If someone had asked me to name just one thing I’d like to be able to do when I got down to a healthy weight I would have said: “I’d like to feel better about myself, physically and mentally.” There were many other things I looked forward to, and imagined doing, but if I had to narrow it down to one thing, that’s what it would be. Enjoying life more fully.
Today’s post is short. If you can narrow it down, what’s just one thing you are looking forward to being able to feel, experience, or share when you get to where you want to be? Or what’s one thing you’ve already experienced that holds a special place in your memory bank? Diane
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I know I say it frequently BUT for me the biggest THANK YOU I CANT BELIEVE THIS IS ME is/are my energy levels.
Im not tired all the time any more.
MizFit´s last blog ..Monday Facetime: your questions answered (video post).
Number one has to be no longer needing the hated inhalers I have carried for decades for asthma – wow!
But it’s such a good question that I can’t just stick to one. Agreed with MizFit about the energy levels as I’m really happy about this too. And something pinged into my head which happened just yesterday, but will stay with me for a very, very long time to come.
It was going out with my lovely, but ever slender, sister to look at clothes… and realising that the things we picked up were the SAME SIZE!!!
Deniz´s last blog ..Random acts of kindness
Being there 100% – with no limitations from my weight – for my husband and future children.
266´s last blog ..Advertising Healthier Outlooks
Okay, this one is totally superficial. but I want to wear a bikini. When I was in my teens and had a rockin bod, I didn’t FEEL like I had a rockin bod, and I definately did not have the confidence. NOW I have the confidence, but not the bod! Ha ha. So, next summer I want to buy a bikini and feel comfortable wearing it to the beach.
Sue´s last blog ..pathetic is not my comfort zone
I’m looking forward to shopping for a bathing suit next year! I haven’t owned one in years and years, but next year I’ve already told myself I’m getting one. Maybe even something that isn’t a one piece!
Liz´s last blog ..Group Chibi Pic
When I lost a few pounds I remember feeling an overwhelming sense of self confidence. I walked taller and made eye contact with others.
It really is true….nothing tastes as good as being lean feels.
Joanna Sutter´s last blog ..A bowl of oooh’s and Oz
You nailed it! I want to be able to do more activities.
Hanlie´s last blog ..Hot 100 – Going Out With a Bang
For me it is simply the knowledge that when I get to my goal weight I will have accomplished the one thing I have been trying to do for my entire life .
Diane´s last blog ..Truths discovered
On my walks I often visualize myself in my favorite pair of jeans with a belt, skin tight shirt and a great pair of boots. I have this outfit in my head that I know I’ll get to wear late this winter and I can’t wait!
Amy H.´s last blog ..Cranberry Apricot Pork Tenderloin
“I’m not embarrassed to walk into a room late” It’s funny you mention this, because walking into a room late used to terrify me. I used to skip classes rather than walk in 5 minutes late because I didn’t want everyone looking at me.
When I was heavier, I always felt uncomfortable. No matter where I was, I was consciously aware of how big I thought I looked in comparison to everyone else in the room. I’d always be tugging at my clothes or folding my arms around my stomach. The best thing since losing weight (besides getting fit) is being able to be around others and just not have that on my mind anymore! There’s no other way to explain it other than to say it’s completely freeing
Susan´s last blog ..Another Weekend, Another Race
Something that I am looking forward to is being able to buy normal sized clothes. I have been in plus size all of my adult life…most of my teenage years as well.
Something that I already can do? Play with my son – get down on the floor with him, run with him. I know its only the beginning and this too will get better, and I am looking forward to it as well!
Pam´s last blog ..Weekend Wrap Up (And Prgress Pics)
The best thing after losing weight is that I “feel good in my own skin.” I feel like “me” again. It’s the best feeling!
Happy Monday, and have a great week!
Andrea@WellnessNotes´s last blog ..Pushing Yourself, But Not Too Much
Always such a real post! I love it & love the thoughts you put forward.
Way back when, I remember thinking as a teen when I lost my weight first that I just did not want to feel fat anymore.
As I got older & was doing things “right” and gaining muscle, my thoughts were more to just feeling good about myself & what I had accomplished for my age. I will never forget do a bodybuilding contest for the very first time at 37 years ole.. and the smallest bathing suit I had ever worn as an adult!
Hi Diane. This is an easy one – I want to be able to go out in public without being severely anxious about people looking at me. At the moment my stress levels at being out are through the roof. It definitely doesn’t help with my agoraphobia!
Best wishes,
Bearfriend xx
Bearfriend´s last blog ..The binge that saved my ancestor
I always wanted to go unnoticed when I would go into a room. When I was obese, I felt everyone was judging everything I did, especially when eating out or going to an event where there was food. I hated things where we needed to be active because I couldn’t do it for very long without huffing and puffing, drawing attention to my fatness, which would make me feel horrible about myself.
It’s funny, but I love the anonymity of being a normal-sized person. I can go anywhere and not stick out or feel like someone is judging what I do.
Your list is the same as mine with a few other things:
- I love knowing that I can go on an airplane and not worry about who has to sit next to me.
- Rides at amusement parks are no longer thought of as “can I fit?”, but rather “let’s go!”
I know that with working out, I walk with a sense of confidence and purpose and it feels really, really good.
Lori´s last blog ..Cold bike ride and tips to fool the bulk eater.
It would be nice to be known for something other than being overweight. I always think it’s the first thing people notice and remember me for – true or not. I just want to “fit in”.
Gigi´s last blog ..Catching Up
If I have to narrow down what I look forward to when I reach my goal it would be to finally not be the fat girl/woman. For me not being the fat girl won’t necessarily mean that I have a quick metabolism, but that I have been able to get control over my eating habits and have implemented good exercise habits.
I like your “I weigh less than my husband.” point.
That would be dreamy for me since my husband has always weighed less than me. He was a stick (118 lbs) when we were married, but I don’t think he’ll ever be that small again. So, there is a chance I could weigh less than him some day. hhm…. whee!! 
Leah´s last blog ..Stopping At Satisfied
One word: Confidence. Something that I experience all the time now. I don’t feel like every person that I walk by is secrectly making fun of me because I’m fat. I feel better in clothes. The confidence factor, at least for me, has been completely priceless.
Great post.
Hope´s last blog ..And Update and Confession-time!
When I took my daughter Pisa to the outlandish City Museum in St. Louis last month, I had a great time crawling through tunnels and climbing through crazy chutes and slides with her. A few months back, I would have watched the whole thing from the sidelines, probably absent-mindedly munching on a fatty snack and wondering why oh why I couldn’t get my act together and get in on the fun.
Jack Sh*t, Gettin’ Fit´s last blog ..Choose Your Own Weight Loss Adventure
I agree a lot with the weighing less than your husband one … I’ve never actually weighed more than my husband… pregnancies (justifiably) excluded… but I love being able to put on some of his clothes and have it be BAGGY…
Janet´s last blog ..Day 126 – Half Marathon Success!!
My hightest weight was about 185. Lethargy/tiredness was a killer for me!
Now I feel lightweight and energetic. I’m no longer imprisoned in my body.
Yum Yucky´s last blog ..The Calorie Game: Microscopic Serving Size
I can’t wait to enjoy those things.
Lisa´s last blog ..Oh no…
Well, one thing that was a goal I have accomplished: Being able to tie my shoes. In fact, my avatar is me when I was little, bending over (another thing I can do better now) and it was symbolic for me because I wanted to be able to bend and tie my shoe. While I’m still heavy and have a big tummy, I can now bend and tie my shoes.
I cried when I was able to do it again.
Jo´s last blog ..Monday Morning Weigh In
I think I look forward to most just not obsessing and thinking about my body and what I’m eating every second. It’s exhausting.
I want my daughter to look at the photos of us from when she was little and say, “Wow, Mom, was that really you?”
LoriAnn´s last blog ..Nanny state snatches kids for being too fat
getting there, and already enjoying feeling better. It’s funny how weight affects EVERYTHING else…
natalie´s last blog ..good way to start the day
That’s an inspiring list! Unfortunately, most of the people I know are still in the before stage, and doing those things on your list , and do not want to be told to change
Dr. J´s last blog ..Why be normal? 10 health characteristics of normal Americans you don’t want to emulate
I can bend over comfortably.
Anyone w/ little ones know how many times a day you must bend over. My protruding belly used to make this so uncomfortable and now I can do it with ease!
Michelle @ A Shade of Gray´s last blog ..Nurturing Balance in Action: September 2009
Good post! I love the feeling of taking up less space. The feelign of lightness has been a joy for me.
lyricgirl´s last blog .."Boundary vs Moderation"
I love the energy….and the fact that I feel sexy.
)
Lola´s last blog ..Fake It, Till I Make It
I’m really looking forward to walking with confidence in my step. I’m so used to feeling ashamed of myself all the time and always wanting to hide. I’m just starting to feel that pride and confidence in my body and carrying that around all the time will be so amazingly awesome.
Sarah´s last blog ..Meal Deal
There are so many….not missing events because of my weight would be the #1.
For me it would be the energy level. I notice when I am active and eating healthy, I have all the energy in the world. I feel horrible when I don’t. Great post.
She-Fit´s last blog ..Zevia: Aspartame Free Soda
I had to really think about this to get it down to ONE thing. And my ONE thing is living pain free.
vickie´s last blog ..My body parts thank me – less to haul, less to lift, less impact
The night I walked into a classroom at a local university and realized that not only did I fit in the chair, there was room left over! The photo that serves as my avatar is from that night. (Yes, I’m a geek and asked a classmate to take a picture of me.) I still get teary when I remember how accomplished I felt. Thanks for reminding me!
Cammy@TippyToeDiet´s last blog ..Makeover Monday: Back Away from the Computer
I guess the one thing would be having the ability to run. I can run now, but it’s sooo hard on both my lungs and knees. I can’t wait until that is easy(well, easier).
Mary :: A Merry Life´s last blog ..Horseback Riding and Shopping
Oh gosh…there are so many things I don’t know how in the world to pick one.
Lori said something that was a big deal for me last week on vacation….A couple years ago I was at Busch Gardens with my family and several of them went on a roller coaster and wanted me to join. I knew I wouldn’t fit…I attempted to sit in the test chair and…nope…couldn’t ride. What a horrible moment.
Fast forward to last week. My hubby and I took our kids on vacation and we went back to Busch Gardens. We were blessed to have no lines…and I rode every roller coaster (some twice)!!! And fit just fine!!!
I still have a bit of weight to lose on my journey and everyday I find something else that is new and wonderful!!
Barb´s last blog ..Vacation ups and downs….
Some of the things you mentioned really hit home for me. Mostly, that your weight loss was 12 YEARS AGO – I am so glad you did not put the weight back on. That is often a lingering fear in the back of my head because I have done yo-yo dieting for so many years. I could really relate to all the other things though – like not wanting to walk in late, and wishing I was smaller than my husband. I still remember a few years ago when we went to six flags and we sat together on a ballon ride that would not go up because there was too much weight in it. My husband was kind enough to play it off, but we both knew the real truth. You would have thought that would have been enough to push me over the edge, but no, it was only this March that I started to seriously address my health. the only thing that makes a difference this time is I am walking 3 miles a day – every day.
The one thing I’m looking forward to is fitting in. No longer needing necklace extensions, plus sized dresses etc etc.
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This is a great question…
For me I think the biggest thing I look forward to is not being the largest woman in the room anymore.
Jenn @ Watch My Butt Shrink!´s last blog ..Back To Reality…
My one thing is easy – to be healthy. That makes it all worth it.
South Beach Steve´s last blog ..Motivation for Monday/Contest Intro.
I’m dreaming of my thighs not touching when I walk. Going skiing again is up there on the list.
Hadley´s last blog ..Hadley and the new suit jacket (with pictures)
Your observation about walking into a room late and being overly self conscious is so spot on! I love when I read things and say aloud, “I thought it was just me!”
Crys´s last blog ..Fast Fading
Another one to join in about the increased energy level. I’m so happy that I no longer feel tired, lethargic, and exhausted by the end of the day. As much as I love all those little things like clothes shopping, they are not a constant, 24/7 thing that I’m facing every living moment.
The euphoric post-workout feeling is so incredibly good that I’m almost sorry for my younger self to miss it out. Now I can truly understand how some people can actually be addicted to exercise!
A little late, but here. The one thing I would look forward to and miss is this. When I sit, I want to be able to have my arms at my sides, not always trying to hide my bulge. Or when standing, and having my arms hanging down, I don´t want them to feel my sides!
For me, I would love to wear clothes with my shirt tucked in, or a shirt with a cute belt instead of always wearing shirts on the outside!
Jenn@slim-shoppin´s last blog ..Thai beef lettuce wraps
I feel like a whole brand new me.
Everyone who sees me says I look and act differently – and I do, losing weight does that to one.
I hated the angle I had to lift my legs to get my panties on as my stomach got in the way…that stood out to me when I was overweight..
Oh thin tastes so good – I am going to work my hardest at keeping the weight off and have u as an inspiration.
Marcelle´s last blog ..Grandparents Day
I am excited to go clothes shopping and feel sexy again!
Staci´s last blog ..Motivation
What an inspiring post. I’m coming back to read it whenever I get discouraged and can’t remember the “why” of my journey.
I’m not sure I can explain this so that it will come across just right, but I look forward to a day when I will no longer feel like I need to “jump-the-gun” and make apologies for my size or point out that I realize I’m fat and XXX (as it applies to the situation at hand) every time that I’m in a new situation or around new people and feeling self-conscious about my size and/or appearance. I realize this is something that I do that is totally not necessary, but I’ve been doing it for so many years that its automatic. I want to be free of this monkey!
teresa´s last blog ..B A N G !!!
So many things hard to pick just one. Last week we were on vacation and ate at several restaurants. It was really cool to fit into every booth at every restaurant we visited.
Kat´s last blog ..Back from vacation, photos and HYC update