Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Scale or nonscale?


Every Tuesday, our leader Dee opens our Weight Watchers meetings the same way:

"Do we have any scale or nonscale victories to celebrate?"

Scale victories are obvious. My fellow members will say "I got rid of 2.5 pounds this week." And we all cheer and clap. Scale victories are awesome.

Nonscale victories take on a wide range. "I worked out every day last week." "I avoided the tortilla chips when I ate at a Mexican restaurant." "I got into a smaller size." Nonscale victories can be awesome, too.

Quite frankly, it's been a while since I've had a scale victory. And lately, it's been difficult to find my nonscale victories, too. So when I'm feeling like this, I try to remember how far I've come. Here's something that recently reminded me of that.

The best part about my older apartment complex is the pool. It's a lovely, two-story, lagoon-style pool with waterfalls and a little island in the middle. I remember when I first moved in, thinking how nice it would be if I felt comfortable enough to hang out there during the summer.

I spent a little time there last summer, always on the lookout for the place where I'd be most hidden. I'd certainly never get chatty with anyone. And I'm a chatty person.

This year, though, as soon as the weather was warm enough, I was out there. Talking to people, meeting my neighbors. A few weeks ago, I spent two hours talking to a guy and we exchanged numbers to hang out for future pool time. No, it wasn't like THAT (don't get excited), but it made me think of how much I tried to hide myself before. And how much more true to myself I am by not hiding.

On the beach during Memorial Day weekend. Yeah, I'm posting a bathing suit picture. I'm calling that a nonscale victory.
It isn't so much that I look any different than last year, but I think I've come to a place of acceptance with where I am right now. It's not where I want to be forever. But it's also not where I was. 

And I'd say that's a nonscale victory. Right?

I know I've been sporadic at best. Thank you to those of you who have checked in on me. While I know I've said it before, I promise to be better about blogging. From now on, twice a week. No exceptions. Hold me to that, OK?

13 comments:

Anonymous said...

This may be the most impressive post you have ever done! Attitude has everything to do with how happy you are in life and it sounds like you are developing an awesome attitude about yourself. As always, you rock!
~Laura S.

Anonymous said...

Yay for NSVs! I want to come hang out at your pool, it sounds incredible.

I'll hold you to posting at least once a week!

xoxo-Teem

Anonymous said...

I'm holding you to it also.

Scale or non-scale victories, doesn't always mean it's easy or good, but this is where the adventure begins.

Zero regrets.

Anonymous said...

PS - But when the good happens? Well, it's great. Be prepared.

LT said...

I thought of another one for you. You've kept the weight off for a whole year! People say losing weight is easy, keeping it off is the hard part. I know you still have a few more lbs to get rid of, but you still are my beautiful friend who has accomplished some incredible goals! Don't thank me for this post...tell me when I can come to that fabulous pool :-)

Love ya!

Anonymous said...

Love this post. I, too am not where I want to be long term, but am certainly in a far better place than I was a year ago. Thanks for reminding me that this a victory. I certainly admire you posting a bathing suit photo and you look so good in it, too.
Jennifer

Anonymous said...

ahh yes, a new post just as you promised me. :-) I am always proud of you, erika. no matter what. just because you are YOU.

Love,

Girl on the Phone

Anonymous said...

Loved this post! You look great, and I'm so glad you are hanging by the pool now! I agree with LT that it is HUGE that you have kept the weight off for so long! Looking forward to reading more from you this summer!

{{{hugs}}}

Sharon

cd said...

girl!! how liberating!!! you must feel just awesome - i feel awesome after reading your post. you have come SOO far - i'm happy foryou - keep it up, friend - you are awesome and strong and beautiful and funny and smart and lively and energetic and focused.... you are the best!

Anonymous said...

Nonscale victories are the sweetest and most meaningful! Numbers can be deceiving, but those emotional, attitudinal, confidence and "reframing" victories are the ones that are the most true adn run the deepest!

Camille Davis said...

Love this post. I, too am not where I want to be long term, but am certainly in a far better place than I was a year ago. Thanks for reminding me that this a victory. I certainly admire you posting a bathing suit photo and you look so good in it, too. Jennifer

Anderson said...

girl!! how liberating!!! you must feel just awesome - i feel awesome after reading your post. you have come SOO far - i'm happy foryou - keep it up, friend - you are awesome and strong and beautiful and funny and smart and lively and energetic and focused.... you are the best!

Ball said...

Nonscale victories are the sweetest and most meaningful! Numbers can be deceiving, but those emotional, attitudinal, confidence and "reframing" victories are the ones that are the most true adn run the deepest!