When it comes to getting healthy when is failure not an option?

1. 72

   livelifeworryfreeposted 10 years ago

   When it comes to getting healthy when is failure not an option?
   
   Everyday we make choices. We can choose to do the things we need to improve our lives or we can choose to do nothing. Whatever we decide the sun will rise in the morning. Do we wait until things are so bad (get sick, can't move, look bad in our clothes) to make needed changes or do we make changes daily so change isn't so hard.  What forces you to power through the hard stuff to finally decide that failure is not an option? I started my journey on my own more than a year - when failure was not an option - the fat started to fly out (no tricks, no docs, no shots) just me finding my own way.
   
   

   replyreport
2. 73

   JamiJayposted 10 years ago

   For me my decision to get healthy was after I had my daughter, and I knew I had to be a good role model. After she was born and I lost the 20lbs in baby weight and I was still at 165 (which was my heaviest). I didn't like the way I looked so I made the decision that I must get healthy and be active so that my daughter could grow into the person that I want her to become. I lost an additional 40 lbs and now I weigh between 125 and 130 and I love my body. I am healthy, active, fit, and happy (well, I am happy most of the time, we all ride an emotional rollercoaster). Today, failure is not an option, and going back to my unhealthy and unhappy life is not an option either. I need to prove to myself and my daughter that I can be a strong woman, physically and emotionally, so she too can grow up to be a strong independent woman.

   replyreport
   1. 72

      livelifeworryfreeposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Love this! Our kids have a way of giving us purpose and pushing us beyond all perceived limitations.  I didn't realize how strong I was until I had kids.  So proud and inspired by your share and intention. You are a strong, independent woman!

      replyreport
3. 38

   ChristinSposted 10 years ago

   I think I had the realization pretty early on because several members of my family died young from preventable illnesses due to lifestyle choices.  I started to take the same road and realized in my late 20's - I don't feel good.  I don't feel vibrant, I am exhausted all the time etc.
   
   Like you, I dug in and just made the lifestyle choices I needed to make. For me support was a big help.  I joined a calorie count forum and used the free online tools and that gave me something positive to focus on - instead of turning to food in times of stress. 
   
   I have let the weight creep back on slowly and I am in the process of dropping 25 pounds again (I lost 60 previously).  This time, it kind of hit me slowly that this is going to get out of control if I don't get back into my good habits - so I am. I want to see grandchildren someday - something two of my aunts never had the opportunity to do. One from lung cancer and smoking (I quit that stupidity in my early 20's) and one from heart disease from drinking too much and eating junk.  Most of the other women in my family have diabetes to boot!

   replyreport
   1. 72

      livelifeworryfreeposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      What an awesome share! I'm very proud of your accomplishments both in the past and now.  Sometimes its easier to run from the harsh reality of our lives than face it and take action. I'm so glad you are doing so.

      replyreport
   2. 38

      ChristinSposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      thank you - you look great by the way, a lot of hard work for sure best wishes.

      replyreport
4. 85

   Efficient Adminposted 10 years ago

   I think you just have to be mentally ready for changes because major changes take a lot of work and can be challenging and you have to make up your mind you will stick with it. 
   
   I quit smoking 16 months ago but it was a long battle for me personally to become tobacco free and I love it every day.  Now I need to lose the 30 lbs I gained from not smoking so I finally joined Weight Watchers about 7 weeks ago and am down 13.8 lbs.  I hope I can keep that up!  I really need to get rid of this extra baggage I feel I am carrying around and WW is helping me so far.  I guess I came to the end of myself and knew I couldn't do the losing weight thing without some help.
   
   I like the way you put it:  Failure is not an option!

   replyreport
   1. 72

      livelifeworryfreeposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Woohoo Efficient Admin! Congratulations on all your success! Two big achievements like quitting smoking and losing weight are praiseworthy indeed. Your next 16.2 lbs won't be a piece of cake but you will savor every moment of it. All the best 2 you!

      replyreport
5. 0

   lisasuniquevoiceposted 10 years ago

   
   
   livelifeworryfree,
   Failure is never an option. At least it shouldn't be, especially when it comes to improving ourselves. We have to be strong and know that our goals are just that, ours. Other people will chime in now and then, but what really counts is our own opinion. Strive like you never have before. Live life and be happy.
   Lisa

   replyreport
   1. 72

      livelifeworryfreeposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Lisa, thanks for the empowering answer and I couldn't agree more. 

      replyreport
6. 70

   Man of Strengthposted 10 years ago

   Hi,
   Failure should never be an option, but sometimes we don't stay proactive unitl a major health threat is looming. Then it becomes desperation, or in other words, life or death. My old boss always told me, it's better to PROACTIVE than REACTIVE. I've learned that consistency is key. No one is perfect but if you're willing to be disciplined you should be fine.

   replyreport
   1. 72

      livelifeworryfreeposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Great answer Man of Strength! You're right discipline and focus are key.

      replyreport