Me v. The Scale – Round 1
Ding, ding, ding….Round 1….In the pink corner, former heavyweight, now super welterweight, Kathleen Fee. In the other corner, public nemesis number one, the Homemedic scale. You may think this is dramatic, but this is what goes on in my head every Saturday morning in my bathroom. My size has varied from a high of size 22/24 to my current size 8. I really thought that smaller would mean easier, for me, it doesn’t. I know (and try to appreciate) that the scale is a great tool for accountability. But without fail, that “freak out” moment occurs each week right before I step on. Why the hell did I eat those cookies ? Ok… take a breath.. turn it over …forget the cookies..no really, forget the cookies and step on.
Here is what I think I know. No matter what the number on the scale says, it really is just a number. That number, whether it went up or down, cannot measure our heart, souls, or our dedication and commitment to wellness. Just for today, no matter what that number is, let’s vow to remain committed to our physical, spiritual and emotional health. Just for today, if you know one of your girlies is fighting the battle of me v. the scale, remind them ..….. that number is just a number…and it cannot or will not define us.
We would love to hear how you deal with the battle of the scale. Please share your stories, and any great tips for making that weekly moment better or easier.
Posted on July 6, 2012, in Health & Wellness and tagged battle, commitment, health, homemedic, mental-health, scale, weigh in. Bookmark the permalink. 12 Comments.
Isn’t that the truth, Kath. I’ve decided to minimize that battle by fighting it less frequently. I only weigh myself every month or two (to keep it real); in between, as long as my clothes keep fitting, I’m good to go. I guess that’s my way of not letting a pound or few (either way) decide my peace of mind.
That is so great that you honor your peace of mind, Cin!. You have always been a great example of balance and perseverance!! Thanks for sharing my friend.
I work with clients who struggle with this conversation on a daily basis. We tend to do our own worse bruising of ourselves when it comes to weight management. I like your suggestions and re-framing. The number on the scale, in and of itself, is neutral. What we attach to it is where is where the real meaning comes from. Hope this dialogue continues.
Thanks for your wonderful insight Mar! You are so right that we do our own worst bruising . The reminder about what we attach to the number is priceless.
Ah, the all-knowing, all-seeing scale! It is just a number but it is, to me, an important number. I try to see it as an affirmation that I am being healthy and that I have made healthy choices that week… or not! I do wish the scale came with not only a number but a ranking of where my health stands. We all know that just because you are what people consider skinny, doesn’t mean you are healthy and the same goes with those with some “extra” weight. I have been passed on many a run by someone who would be considered overweight but they are clearly kicking my ass so it goes back to wanting to measure HEALTH and not weight alone.
Just so you know you are not alone, before stepping on the scale I have that internal beatdown of “Why did I have to have those extra chocolates? Why oh why????” I am really trying to retrain my thinking on that!
Thanks for the great insight.. as always Tavia. Any negative thinking is not good…. working on re-framing the thoughts is such a great suggestion!
Ah, the scale. I hate the scale and yet I get on it every day. I loose a few pounds then I gain a few pounds. No one other then me seems to notice. Sometimes I am amazed they don’t notice, they just seem to accept me for the person I am. I wish I could accept myself the same way, instead I keep trying to loose weight and why don’t I accept myself.
This is starting to sound like I don’t like myself, but at this age I realize I will not be a top model but just a nice person that some people like to be around and I like to be around them.
PS I love lipstick chat even if I don’t respond all the time, keep up the good work it is so encouraging.
Hope I spelled everything OK I am not the best at spelling.
Everybody loves you .. and you’re a top model in our book.
Thanks so much you always make me feel so good.
I think the battle of the scale can really only be won in our minds and when we realize how much more we have to offer the world than just a number on the scale perhaps we will win….even if it is just for a moment or two. You know before we have to step on again next week!
P.S. Mom you really are the best!!!
Too often I let the scale define who I am, and how I feel about myself. As if the scale was a measure of my value as a woman…(in this case the lower the number the better). I have to remember its a measure of one thing and one thing only – what I weigh. Not how smart I am, how much money I have, who likes me, who doesnt, whether I am pretty enough or a good enough friend. Amazing how much I attach to that number- no wonder sometimes its HIGHER than I want it to be!!!!! LOL! Love you mama fee!