Your Weight is the Most Boring Thing About You

Have you ever felt like you've spent most of your adult life trying to lose weight (maybe part of your adolescence too)?  This article struck a chord with me and I'd like to share how it reminds me of my own story as well as offer some tips that have helped me stop obsessing about my body and start paying attention to some important/neglected areas of my life. 

The first diet that I ever tried was Atkins back in 2001. I was lured in by the idea that I could eat all of the butter AND lose weight. Of course it worked......while I stayed on it but eventually potato chips and beer called to me.  Since then there have been a series of diets, food rules, progress photos and food journals to mark my 15 years of dieting efforts.  For most of that time I was also in a long term relationship. I was constantly working on my physical self but it never occurred to me that I was creating a mental and emotional deficit.

I've always been fairly even keeled, independent and strong so I figured I didn't need to work on other aspects of my wellness. Instead it was all about the weight and a near obsessive mission to eradicate my love handles.  It wasn't until my marriage ended that I realized I had been neglecting myself and that my inner growth had been stunted for the sake of external goals.  Looking back on it now I realize some of my more obsessive behavior started when my ex got sober about 6 years in to our relationship.  It was a challenging time for both of us but I considered the alcoholism his problem and I was there to support him.  It didn't occur to me that I needed support of my own and that I could use some self development.   The dieting, boot camps and half marathons were a distraction from other issues that could've used my attention. 

I see it often with my clients as they stress over their weight and appearance.  They're overworked, overtired, and unfulfilled in their relationships yet they continue to focus on their bodies rather than pay attention to other aspects of their lives.  It's as if they're putting off improving their situations or living their lives until they reach a subjective aesthetic goal. 

 B.D. (Before Divorce) I was a passenger in my life not really driving or making decisions, except deciding whether or not to have a "cheat" meal.  The split pushed me to acknowledge my emotions, consider my career choices and think about what I really want from my life.  Here are a few things that helped me both assess and enjoy my life beyond my fat loss goals.

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Get A Hobby

I work in the fitness industry and it often feels like my life is 24/7 talking/thinking about carbs and deadlifts. I enjoyed cooking and hiking but they seemed a little too close to fitness and nutrition so I learned how to play the ukulele. Before you get stressed out about not being "good" at anything else, remember it isn't about being good at it. You know what I love about the uke? When I'm playing it, I'm focused and in the moment. I can't worry about my bills, what I'm going to eat for dinner or why that guy from Bumble ghosted me.  Sweet island sounds take away my troubles for a bit and it's a lovely feeling.

Take Inventory

Remember how I said I was a passenger in my life? Sometimes my husband was driving, other times circumstances were behind the wheel.  I never took time to ask what I really wanted.  In January I did my first year in review (this is the article I pulled it from).  I realized that rather than finding a more traditional job I wanted to continue training because I love it and I vowed to take steps to increase my business.  It's been simultaneously frightening, challenging and rewarding.  Assessing what I really want has lit a fire under my ass and I'm so glad that I did it.  

Help Others

I will never forget a drunken fight I had with my best friend in college coming home from the bar one night. I must've been ruminating about my bad luck with men and she looked at me and said "Oh Jen, just get over yourself!"  Any time I find myself feeling like a victim or in need of pity I think about those words. One way to get over yourself and stop stressing about your weight is to help others.  This could mean helping a friend move, being a Big Brother/Big Sister or holding space for someone in your life who's having a tough time. Hopefully it will help you remember that your value as a human being on this planet is not tied to what the scale says.

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The Secret Side Effect

Ironically, putting more attention in to your quality of life and less in to your body could actually help you achieve your aesthetic goals.  Eating better and exercising are sooooo much easier when you're well rested and content with your life.  If you've been obsessing over your weight/appearance for a long time (as I have) it may take time to refocus your attention. I still have moments when I think "I should do X diet, just for a few months to drop that extra 10 lbs" but I tend to have those thoughts less and less.  
And anytime you're struggling you can turn to Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson :) I never knew he played the ukulele but now I know that we are totally meant for each other!