Blissful Progress

The number on the scale doesn't matter is my new mantra, but it is a hard one to stick to when it doesn't move--or worse--goes up. Deep down I know that there are so many factors that influence weight that worrying about it will only cause undue angst, but the reality of it is that deep down a lot of my self worth is tied to making that number on the scale go down.

I've been trying very hard this year to not focus on that number and instead look for other metrics that will prove my hard work and deprivation (i.e. not eating unlimited chocolate sundaes) is really paying off and I'm finally starting to see signs that my body is really changing. I'm at our Chattanooga Manufacturing Operation (CMO) this week and our campus consists of several buildings, one of which is almost 1/2 a mile from the main facility. The last time I walked out to the hinterland, I got embarrassingly winded and had to stop and catch my breath several times. Walking out there yesterday was like a stroll in the park as I was able to walk at a good pace without having to catch my breath.

CMO has a stair culture where most people take the stairs instead of the elevator. In visits past, I was always the one taking the elevator up and down one flight instead of hoofing it. This visit, I'm the one turning to the stairs. Even after my 1/2 mile hike to the outbuilding yesterday, I was able to dash up the stairs without being winded at the top.

Those metrics along with the electronic praise I get from the Wii Fit are the motivation I need to keep going as I realize that even if the scale hasn't caught on yet, my body is changing and getting healthier.