You Raise Me Up

Falling Down, Getting Back Up

I recently returned from an overnight camping trip with the family about 2 1/2 hours away.  I thought I’d been pretty good.  We did a lot of walking around, and I ate mostly salad and fruit.  However, I also spent about 8 hours in the car between the two days.  So, when I got home, I stepped on the scale – and felt like crying.  It looked like everything I had worked hard to lose in the past three weeks had come back in one day.

I still had a workout to do for my program, but wasn’t sure if I should do it.  I was tired from the campout, depressed with the number on the scale, and just didn’t feel like doing anything.  So, I did what I normally do when I feel like being lazy – log onto Facebook.

I had a new message from the friend who got me started on the workout program I’m following.  She happened to be online, and we chatted for a bit.  We both shared our frustration with weight fluctuations.  We discussed our mutual fear of gaining it all back.  She gave me a little advice and encouraged me to keep going.

However, Josh then came in to the room.  He turned on the TV and my workout, and said I had a choice: I could either close the computer and do my workout, or I could go clothes shopping the next day.  Now, when money is a little tight, I HATE spending it.  Especially on clothes!  So, between my conversation with my friend and my husband’s inspiring choices, I finally found some motivation.  I got my butt in gear and began doing my workout.

I Am Not Alone

If there is one thing I hear you need for a successful weight loss, it is support.  For a long time, I thought I was pretty special because I was successful with all my weight loss doing everything “alone.”  However, I haven’t been alone.  I’ve realized that I have a lot stronger support system than I thought.

My husband.  How dumb would I have to be to say that I haven’t had support, when I’ve had the biggest supporter right by me every day?  Josh has done several things to support me.  He downloaded an app on his tablet to help me count calories.  I hear comments such as “Good job” when I finish a weight lifting workout, or “You’re looking great!” when I stand in front of the mirror.  He’s willing to try new food and give me his honest opinion.  My poor husband has even sprained his knee going on an evening run with me to make sure that I was safe.  Josh hasn’t always worked out with me, but he has done nothing but give me support.

My children.  One of the reasons I finally got serious about my health was the example I wanted to set for my children.  Though my kids may not intentionally give me support, they have given me motivation.  Most days PJ will ask me if I’m going to do my “exercising.”  Some times he will grab a small weight and try to do it with me.  AJ will then imitate me when I do yoga.  When I see my children copying my exercise moves or my food choices, it gives me more motivation to set a good example and lead a healthy life.

My family.  Something that kept me going when I first started losing weight  was a Biggest Loser competition I was having with my sister-in-law.  Since that began, all of my family has done different things to support me in my goal to get healthy.  My mom and sisters are constantly looking for ways to help.  When I’ve said I need to work out, they don’t say “Do you have to do it?”.  They encourage me to exercise, and have even made accommodations to help me in my goal (such as watching the kids so I can go for a run).  My older sister and I have tried a few workouts together when she comes to visit.  My older brother does tease me about my new food habits – but it’s done in a loving way.  Even my in-laws have shown support with little things they’ve done – like bringing salad mix on a camping trip!

Friends.  Sometimes its from comments such as “You’re looking good”.  Other times, it’s  sharing different workout ideas or food recipes.  It was a good friend who recommended the current workout program that I am doing now.  Whether it’s through social media or a personal talk, I’ve received support from many of my friends.

Weight Loss Group.  A few weeks after I got serious about losing weight, I had a friend add me to a weight loss group on Facebook.  I didn’t know many of the women in the group (only two in person), but we all had the same goal of getting healthy.  This was one of the best things for me.  Whether it was cheering on accomplishments, providing support during hard weeks, or providing advice for questions or problems we might have, we were all there for each other.

Finding Shoulders to Stand On

While taking one of our many walks camping this week, AJ was getting tired.  Her dad soon picked her up and set her on his shoulders, carrying her the rest of the way.  She was still able to complete the walk – she just had a little help!

So it is with many things we set out to do.  We try so hard to do it on our own, but we can’t.  But asking and accepting help doesn’t take away from the fact that something great has happened.  In fact, it allows others to share in the joy.

If you have something great that you want to accomplish, find a support system.  Look to your significant other, your family, friends, or even a support group.  There are those who are willing to help you.  They want to rejoice with you in your success.

I may have done the majority of my workouts by myself.  But that doesn’t mean that I have reached all my accomplishments alone.  I’ve had my husband, my children, family, friends, and others there supporting me in a variety of ways.  They are the ones who keep me going when I want to quit.  They are the ones who raise me up.