Encouragmenet Please?!

J

Jillie

Cathlete
This is my first "real" post, I've responded to a few, and I sure hate to do this as my introduction (LOL), but ladies, I really need some encouragement. This may be long, so I apologise in advanced.
I discovered Cathe in July, after I saw my sister's "new" figure, and it inspired me to take a more active roll in my attempt at weight loss. To give you some background..... As I teenager I was a "STICK" size 2 at most. At the age of 20 I was pregnant with my first child, and was on bed rest for 3 months, and gained 80lbs durring the pregnancy. After she was born it took awhile but I was able to get back down to about 135lbs, and into a size 8. Then my second child came along, about 3 years later, and the weight would not come off, I discovered I had "Graves disease" (thyroid condition) and had my thyroid radiated and am now on synthroid (although It keeps going up and down and I have to change dosages often) Durring my heaviest I was 180lbs, that was about 3yrs ago, I was able to go from a size 16-14, and now I teeter between a 8-12 (been staying a 8-10 since finding Cathe in July) ANYWAY.. (LOL) I have been so proud of my progress, although the scale isn't being as nice as I'd like, I've seen a difference in my arms and my tummy, in fact was so thrilled on friday, that I actaully got dressed and wore "clothes" rather than sweats, or a jogging suit.
Well, My sister had a birthday party today, (I haven't seen her since before I started working out, so early July) and was excited to "show" her what I've accomplished.. We get there, and I see her, and think.. "I've accomplished NOTHING compared to her" I know I know, I'm certainly NOT trying to have a pitty party, but thinking I was so close to my goal, and then seeing how wonderful she looks, has really set me back, which I'm ashamed to say. We all have different body types, and she has always been petite, but she did get quite "heavy" after her second son was born, and I remember not being as self consious around her, thinking "Ohh good I'm NOT the fat sister anymore" lol.. Petty I know, but it sadly felt good. Now, as I said, seeing her today, flat tummy not as "hippy" and looking wonderful, I feel like I'm not getting anywhere and certanly not accomplishing what I thought I was. I know I have to keep going and keep working, but feeling like it's not worth it right now.. How do you keep your goals in check, when you have lows?
I have seen how supportave you all are to others, and I do know this feeling will pass. In fact part of me is determined to work harder... I guess I just needed to feel sorry for myself, do any of you ever feel this way?? Thank you so much for letting me "vent" and I'm sorry it got so long. You ALL inspire me on a DAILY basis, thank you for that too! Take care all of you!!
 
Jillie ~

I just read your post in between GS Legs WU and feeding the cat (who so rudely interrupted my 4A workout!) so I gotta be quick and get back to it!

It sounds like you've made great progress. Do not minimize your accomplishments.

When I get caught up in the "comparison trap" I dwell on all the positive steps I'm taking to improve. Ultimately, I've come to compare myself and compete with only one person - ME! Admittedly, this becomes much easier after 40!

(((HUGS))) to you! You're doing GREAT! Keep at it...I gotta get back to work on my legs!

Have a SUPER DAY!

~ Kim

"Welcome the challenge...Embrace it...Don't fear it." -Cathe Friedrich
 
One thing stood out as I read your post, you are fitting in your clothes and if felt good to wear clothes whether than sweats. Apparently this hasn't been possible long by the way it read. This is a victory. I agree with Kim, be the best YOU can be and don't compare yourself to other people, ESPECIALLY someone who does have the same body type as you. Keep working out with Cathe, eating clean, checking in here with all the wonderful supportive people on this forum, and don't rely too much on the scale. Keep up the good work because YOU ARE moving in the right direction!!! Jillie, there is a check-in titled Moment of Truth/Fall Check-in. We weight and measure on our own scheduled days and report our losses and sometimes our gains. Three of us on there are following the September rotation and motivate each other. Other follow their own rotations and of course everybody gets support from everybody. We love to **see** you every day if you'd like to join us.

Hang in there Jillie, we'll all in the same boat and we will not fail, we may have set-backs, that's just part of it, but we will win the war.:+
 
Hi Jillie,
First of all welcome to the forums! There are so many intelligent and supportive people here ... a great place!

Also CONGRATULATIONS on your progress! I know that when I find myself comparing I try to remind myself of how far I have come. You have made such wonderful progress over time and that is something to celebrate! ... from having 2 kids to dealing with an illness and not to mention losing weight ... You go girl!

So .. yes, I have felt this way before x( ... but I try to use the experience to focus on what I've accomplished in my own fitness journey ... and then I'll top it off by starting ... and completing ... a kick butt Cathe workout! ... another big accomplishment :) !!!

(((( HUGS )))) too :) !

Hope you have a great day :)

Cath :)
 
Hi There and welcome!:)
The thing is, is we will always see someone out there who looks better then us.There is always someone smaller,someone prettier, someone smarter and someone who as more money. But that doesn't make our work useless.You have to learn that you have worked hard and no matter what stands in your way...just knock it over...don't knock your sister to the floor though..LOL!
Sometimes I wonder the samethings.None of my friends workout and most of them are smaller then me.Sometimes I find myself asking "Why is this" and I never come up with an answer.And as much as I would like to lose 5-10 lbs, I am getting more comfortable in my own skin:) And I knowmy friends look at me with envy sometimes b/c I have the discipline to workout.
Just keep your goals in mind and remember its only been since JULY! Thats only 3 monthes! Just think of what you will look like in another 3 monthes!
And you know, not that I am saying you are, but when we see people that make us feel a little jealous, sometimes we feel like they are against us.But I am sure your sister didn't want to flaunt this in your face, so why don't you ask her what her eating plan is like? Maybe there are some new recipes out there you can try.
Take care and keep us posted,
Lori:)
 
hi jillie,

it sounds if you are working hard with cathe but not seeing a budge in the scale you could be gaining more muscle(which inadvertly burns more calories while at rest isn't that so cool LOL). but if you are concerned about it keep a food journal to see where improvements you can make. sometimes(like me) its always something as little as replacing a glass of o.j. in the morning with an actual orange or apple(less calories,more fiber)or checking portions.

i always say to focus more on your strength gains and endurance, as well as how you feel. when you don't dwell on the weight thing to much it tends to work itself out. its just a laid back approach b/c i began obsessing over body shape and there is nothing one can do about genetics accept to make it the best with what you got. and know that anybody can lose weight to look "thin" but working towards more then that can create a real sense of accomplishment for you.

kassia
When they discover the center of the universe, a lot of people will be
disappointed to discover they are not it -- Bernard Bailey
 
Jillie,
Hi, and welcome!

Sounds to me like you've accomplished a whole lot of good things already. Focus on what you've done and be proud. Know that you can achieve even more. Don't compare yourself to others. Yeah, I know, easier said....Just keep on keeping on.
 
Hello Jillie and welcome to the forum!:)

I know it's hard to do but you have to forget about what your sister has accomplished. She's not YOU!!! Everyone is different! Concentrate on YOU! Take those negative feelings and turn them into positive encouragement to work harder (like you said!)! If you are not getting the results you want, look at your diet. That could be the issue and there a plenty of ladies here who can guide you in that area if you have any questions. JUST ASK! You can even post your exercise routine and a sample diet here and you will get tons of suggestions on how to "spruce it up" for better results!

I know how hard it is NOT to compare yourself to others because I have a bad habit of doing it too....everyone who does this needs to stop. Unfortunately it's easier said then done, ey?

Hang in there girl and keep up the good work! :)
 
Hi, Jillie! I find nothing petty at all about your post and think your introduction shows great charm and humor too. Welcome! It seems to me that you are doing just what you need to do and you already have all the tools to accomplish great things. It can't hurt to let your sister motivate you but you HAVE accomplished a great deal and that while dealing with your diagnosis so please do not sell yourself short. I agree that the diet is key and added to consistant exercise that focuses on your goals, you will see the results you want. At times, I am all about working out and sometimes it takes a backseat to other things because life's crazy like that. But always, it is waiting and I can be back in the game very quickly because this stuffs so familiar, it's as natural as breathing. I find it never hurts to go through periods of less where I might seem to lose ground. I am always rested and ready to go hard when it's right to do that.

I suggest writing down your goals and creating an exercise plan and then playing with it until it's what you love. You might follow a rotation and there are about a million of them here for the taking! Using a food journal to track food intake and checking in are great ways to keep you on the straight and narrow too ;) Being certain to balance your nutrients by eating complex carbs, lean proteins and good fats. I eat small meals every few hours with a mind to keep my blood sugar level and not to set myself up to crave junk food! I also always make room for a treat and occasionally indulge in something really decadent but only if it's worthy, which to me means chocolate, chocolate cake and the new gelato place they opened far enough away that it will remain an occasional splurge. Thank goodness! :) I also sort of have vison of the optimal diet for my exercise goals as they are a any given time. What do I want to eat to nourish my body for the type of program I have going at any given time? I change my plans a lot too, switching back and forth between placing emphasis on cardio, strength and always taking time for yoga because my flexibility ain't what it used to be which is the only thing I will complain about not that 40 has come and gone and the decades keeps on going at lightening speed. :eek: Sitting down with a pencil and paper and designing what you want and need is a beautiful thing!

You have come to the right place to be the fittest you and to find the best fit lifestyle for you and it's all about you! Good luck and happy training!
Bobbi http://www.handykult.de/plaudersmilies.de/chicken.gif "Chick's rule!"

Tell me, what it is you plan to do with your one wild and precious life? -Mary Oliver
 
Hi!

I didn't get a chance to read the other responses so I hope I'm not being repetitive here.

First of all, you work out with Cathe. That means you have guts and determination.

Second, you are losing weight despite your thyroid condition. Kudos to you there, too!

Third, you CANNOT judge yourself against other people. Please, please, please don't do that. Your fitness journey is very personal and is different from your sister's, your friend's, any of us, etc. Focus on the progress you've made and strive to improve on that. That's what keeps you going! Comparing yourself to other people will only discourage you.

Keep up the good work and don't apologize for venting!

:7

Becky
 
Thank you so much, ALL of you!! I checked in this AM as I always do before my workout. (Its only 9am here in Colorado) and saw these responses to my post, and I wanted to thank you who took the time to lift me back up, I'm still a bit "Low", but last night, after I posted, I went to bed, thinking "OK, Jillian!!!! feeling sorry for yourself isn't going to do a whole heck of a lot" there ARE a few things I can do, so.. This Am I got my blood work done, make sure its not my thyroid being a PIT, should have thoes results within the week, so I can rule that out, or adjust my dose. I KNOW my diet isn't as "clean" as it should be, I'm going to be more Conscious about that too.. I HATE cardio, with a PASSION, but after reading your responses, it reaffirms what I already know... MORE CARDIO!!! Man and here I thought I'd hear something like.. "Ohhh no sit on your rear all day, eating chocolate, and the pounds will just MELT away"..(thanx guys)J/k LOL I'm about 143-145lbs now, and I'm about 5'5, I apologise, but one other question, Is 120-125 a reasonable "goal"? I'm praying for a size 6... is that obtainable?? Today, I'm going to do Lower body Pyrimid, and Core Max, maybe I'll stick in a little rythmic step. I don't often plan my workouts, with 4 kids (2 of my own, and 2 step children FULL TIME), its hard to know what I'll be up to doing, however, I do put in at least 20min of abs a day. Next week I'm having outpatient surgery, and I'm not sure how long I'll be "down" so I want to get in as many workouts I can until then.
Again, THANK YOU THANK YOU... and now that I've come out of my shell with you ladies, what a wonderful support system you are!! I'm sure you'll be "seeing" much more of me.
Take Care!!
 
Jillie, when I was new to Cathe, I was fresh out of physical therapy and could barely do post-delt flyes with 3-pound weights. I was on different prescription meds and my doctor told me she wanted me off them. She told me these meds had side effects and she hated to see someone as "young" as I was (at the time) to suffer from these side effects. She suggested I weight train and do yoga. I thought she was crazy. My back had given out after nine months of carrying a baby 24/7. My son was incredibly fussy, and the only way to keep the peace was to carry him around. Years later we found out he had a certain dysfunction, nothing serious, but it explained the endless crying I couldn't soothe in his infancy -- but that's another story...

Anyway, I got Pure Strength and worked my way up. Eventually I had to get a barbell. I amazed myself at every step. I had a certain goal and tried to work towards it. If I couldn't reach it, I'd just extend my deadline.;-) The way I see it, it's MY body, MY way of working out, MY results, MY accomplishments. I don't look like Miss Olympia or whatever title holder you see on those muscle mags. BUT I got off the meds three months after I started weight training and have never used them since. That was the goal and I did it. Every time I fall into the mindset that I should be doing MORE, I go to my medicine cabinet where all these expired meds still sit, to remind myself that I've already done something good for myself.

Like everyone has said, you've lost the weight and are using Cathe's workouts, which ARE tough. You're doing something good for yourself and that's what matters. There are many rotations in the rotations section to help you with your other goals as you go along. Just be consistent with your workouts and you'll see even more wonderful results. Hope this helps.

Pinky:)
 
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