This lifestyle isn’t for everyone and it sure as hell isn’t for the weak minded. It’s not just enough to want to look different, you have to feen for this change. Motivation will only take you so far and then along comes our good ole friend discipline.
Now as if overcoming our own obstacles during this journey isn’t enough we have to deal with those who are not exactly like minded individuals. And unfortunately for you and I they tend to be those closest to us: parents, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. I already know what you are going to say, they are your family they just want what’s best for you, they are your friends they are only showing they care. While all this may be true, you can’t tell me you don’t feel the stares, the whispers when you walk away, the sly comments about you being too thin or too toned. I know I’m making it sound like a dramatic Lifetime movie moment but I’m serious.
All it takes is one, one loved one to make a comment about what you are or aren’t eating. “ So you don’t eat meat anymore, now your just being difficult.”
One loved one to say “don’t lose anymore weight your starting to look weird”. Or “So your not drinking huh” followed by an eyeroll.
These comments although harmless to them can be stifling to those on a journey. If we weren’t already self conscious about what we looked like or what we consumed this definitely could be that final push. And sometimes that push will break us mentally or break our good habits trying to please everyone else. Giving into the drinking because everyone is doing it, or consuming meat so that the chef of the night doesn’t have to worry about how to feed you too. This is where I say discipline comes in at and out works motivation.
Journeys are filled with just as many lows as highs, my own journey has gone through peaks and valleys. I’ve struggled with being obsessed with the scale. I’ve struggled with restricting myself so much when it comes to food that I began binge eating. I would eat minimal calories during the week, workout until I was too sore to move. And then on Saturday when no one was around I would binge. I would sit on my couch and stuff my face until my stomach hurt. Just to try to make myself feel better, feel more complete and curb the hunger I had.
Anyone who understands or has experienced binging knows that much like drugs, it’s a temporary fix, a quick high that you soon regret. Now I’m in no way saying that my loved ones were the cause of this, I’m simply letting my readers know that fitness journeys are not easy on you mentally or physically. I am very fortunate to have a supportive foundation, loved ones in my life that get it. With that said I know that is not the case for everyone. So my fellow fitness friends know that you are not alone, anything you think you struggle with I assure you someone else has that exact same struggle. To all loved ones, hopefully this has offered some insight as to how your words can be a hindrance to someone’s path to a healthier lifestyle.
Love and light .