Stunning gown and photo by AnastasiiaMokko
In the earliest part of the twentieth century and a New York Times article read, “(It) might be assumed that the flying machine which will really fly might be evolved (by the people in) one to ten million years.”
Eight days later the Wright Brothers lift-off at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina.
A Cinderella story comes to life when a single mom – living on government assistance – rides train, conceives story and devotes six years to writing her first book. The author receives a dozen rejections until one publisher’s eight-year-old daughter inhales the first chapter and begs her dad for more.
A young woman raised in an extremest-version of a Mormon home with two parents who “homeschool” the kids so ineptly (i.e. not at all) that the author takes matters into her own hands. She educates herself, enters college, and eventually earns a PhD at Cambridge.
Tara Westover’s first book, Educated, sells more than four million copies, spends two years on the New York Times bestseller list, and is translated into 45 languages.
Why Do These Stories Matter?
When I talk with women about losing weight after age 50, I’m often told, “I’ve dieted since I was eight. It’s never worked for me.”
But here’s the thing: saying that you haven’t lost and maintained before only tells me about your past. It doesn’t tell me anything about what you’ll create this year. And that’s the difference.
Is food happening to you? Or do you happen to food?
Huge distinction.
Meaning: are you a passive player in your life or an active player?
The Wright brothers didn’t say, “Humans have never flown, what makes us think we can make it happen?” And the authors didn’t think, “I’ve never written a book. No way I can pull this off.”
I’m suggesting that we play an active role in deciding how we’ll navigate food in our lives.
The Whole Truth And Nothing But
It happens. I stepped on the scale Saturday morning and didn’t love the numbers.
And here’s what I told myself, “Huh. Up four.” At that, I took a good look at what, when, and how much I’d been eating, made corrections, and got on with the day.
I did not remind myself that I’m 57. Or even that my Italian DNA produces dumpling-people.
These are not thought-paths that help me improve the situation.
Instead I talk to myself about the fun of being at my preferred weight. How much I love putting on clothes that fit. And how much better my back problems are now.
And then you know what I do? I move on. I read, walk my German shepherd, bug my kids to study for their SATs (they love that), clean the kitchen, run a load of laundry and read more.
Speaking at Harvard’s graduation, J.K. Rowling said:
“It is impossible to live without failing at something, unless you live so cautiously that you might as well not have lived at all – in which case, you fail by default.”
I failed my way into a large weight-loss, and I most definitely failed and corrected my way into these fifteen years of maintenance. I’m inviting you to fail with me to success.
“Failing well” is absolutely the path to permanent weight loss. (And thank you to a sweet reader who gave me this amazing term.) Read about my most favorite thought here: Love, Love, Love this Metaphor.
Have a wonderful week everyone. And please ask questions or make suggestions in the comment section below!
And remember, it is not your imagination. Health is hard.
♥, Wendy
P.S. Are you new to the Inspired Eater? Welcome!! This blog won’t make much sense until you first read the Aunt Bea post (and you’ll find Aunt Bea on this page to the right under my short bio). On your cell you’ll see it immediately following the first post. After you enter your email address, the Aunt Bea article will be sent to your email’s inbox. If it’s not there, you might check the spam folder. And always feel free to email me at Wendy@TheInspiredEater.com and I’ll get Aunt Bea right to you!
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10 Comments
One. More. Time. You hit the nail directly and solidly on the head once again Wendy! Your insight never fails! Thanks so much – I totally needed this today!!
One more time to you too! You are so kind!
It’s only a failure if I quit. I love your blog so much. <3
You are the most supportive person. And you’re right, slipping is just part of this game. Thank you Katie!!
Love these motivational stories at the beginning!
You noticed — thank you!
W.
I love your website, and am so glad to have found it
Thank you so much! Welcome!
W.
I’m 65 and still working on the losing. Not so easy!! I spent my younger years being a bit underweight and when menopause hit my body changed, but I didn’t. Thanks for sharing this post at the Share the Wealth Party! You’ve given some great food for thought.
You are just like my sister: always thin throughout life, then menopause, and then an annoying ten or twenty that won’t budge.
You can make it budge, I promise. I’ll keep saying this, there’s nothing special about me. If I can do this, you can do this.
W.