Before T-Tapp I actually prided myself on not obsessing over the scale or diets, and most of the time I had no idea what I weighed. Of course I was very busy, but part of it was denial. So it was a bit of a shocker to begin my T-Tapp journey with weighing and measuring. 52" abs?! Oh. My. Word. Then there was the mirror and the workout clothes. I bought actual workout tops and shorts to motivate me and see my form, but the view was pretty discouraging. My husband finally told me to stop brushing in front of the mirror because I would get so depressed about my appearance. I went from hiding my body from myself (you know, get undressed in the closet) to scrutinizing every lump and bulge. I hadn't paid much attention to sizes before, but then I began to covet the next size down.
The trick as a More to Lose person was to appreciate how far I had come and celebrate the changes I was feeling and seeing. There was a temptation to feel like I wouldn't look good until I reached goal. When I wore a size 22W I thought a 14 was model-thin and I would have been very happy to squeeze into 14s. When I wore a size 14 I thought only a 10 would make me happy. See the trap? As women we are so hard on ourselves. A man can look in the mirror, flex his muscles, and think "hey, baby, I'm lookin' good!" A woman looks in the mirror and thinks "this cellulite is horrible and my inner thighs are flabby and...."
The MIND and THOUGHTS are the place to start. How do you feel if someone says something critical or unkind to you? Your spirits fall, your heart pounds or maybe you get angry or want to give up. Guess what? Studies show that your body reacts the same way if YOU say critical or unkind things to your self. Same goes for saying positive and encouraging things to your self. Your heart soars, you feel like smiling and you want to rise to the occasion. Sure, those discouraging thoughts pop up, but you just don't go there. Don't water and fertilize them. CHOOSE to be kind to yourself and be hopeful.
I've got more to say about this, so stay tuned. Time to get back to the Extreme Laundry Challenge of getting out the summer clothes and putting away the winter stuff!
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Hi Charlotte!
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading and watching your story on the T-Tapp website. I'm thrilled to be able to read through your journey in this blog -- thank for taking the time to do it. It really makes a difference to me to understand your thought process along the way -- it's very, very encouraging.
I'm a 35- year old homeschooling mom of 3. I'm doing T-Tapp and a bible study program called Setting Captives Free. I've only lost 10 pounds so far but am hopeful and motivated. I think I remember you did Weigh Down? I have done WD before, and it worked great (when I did it). This Setting Captives Free study is a bit more what I need right now (calling me on the carpet about overindulgence).
I hope you'll keep posting for us "hungry" readers!
God bless you and yours!
Deborah
Hi Charlotte,
ReplyDeleteLoved this post! I can so relate. Especially looking to the next size down. It has only been recently that I am finding contentment with where I am instead of where I want to be. Don't get me wrong,I am still excited about where I am going, but I have to take those thoughts captive and be thankful for where God has me now. He has blessed me with lots of inch loss and pound loss and I need to be thankful instead of complaining like the Israelites!
I also agree with being kind to myself. I always am so HARD on myself in every area! Especially my physical body. I even looked in a full length mirror lately. . .naked (gasp) You know, the first thing I noticed was my legs looking leaner instead of bulkier and my hips looked so small! It took me quite a few minutes to notice my dreaded 'big belly'. As soon as I did the Lord reminded me that that 'big belly' carried nine precious gifts to term and even was home to five other babies who now reside in heaven. No more cursing that 'big belly'. It is an honor to have been blessed with so many babies, I will not curse it anymore! Stretch marks too! Would I trade these gifts for a flat tummy or no stretch marks, NO WAY!
Sorry to ramble, this post blessed me, that's all I'm sayin' ;-)
Blessings to you Charlotte!
Charlotte,
ReplyDeleteYou are an inspiration for so many of us and I want to thank you for everything you had to go through, and all you are now providing for us.
Is there a way to work with you personally in this T-Tapp world and have individual contact with you? I would love to be able to have your support with having T-Tapp work for me, and also losing a lot of weight.
Let me know if you are open to a more personal contact. Thanks.
Hey Charlotte! I have identified with your story so much and am still on my journey to being healthy again. Being the same body type as you and almost the same starting point your are truly inspiring me that I can do it.
ReplyDeleteI've done it before but I didn't have as far to go that time nor as many challeges to contend with. Seeing how far you have come and with how much you must have to do to care for your family I know I can do it. Thank you.
Charlotte,
ReplyDelete"The Mind and Thoughts are the place to start." I love the theme of this post because, as you know, this is central, key, numero uno and you've proved the point!
You have a real gift for being able to connect with other women with your story - and even more, in the way you tell it.
Beautiful!
Lani
Thank you, thank you! I am very glad to encourage anyone that YES, YOU CAN! I believe that T-Tapp is one of the most efficient tools we can use to change our bodies.
ReplyDeleteNanci, I sent you a FB message...
And Lani, thanks for stopping in--you are a true mentor, role model and friend!
Love your blog, Charlotte!
ReplyDeleteHave you been inside my head?! LOL!
Very good thoughts, and I needed those reminders this morning! ; )
HUGS, sweetie!
Trisch