Chapter 1: Embracing the Journey

This morning, I woke up feeling unusually buoyant. It's one of those rare days when I don't feel weighed down at all. Instead, I feel the weight of my joy—it's a blend of quality time spent with my children, a fulfilling workout, a delightful dinner, and an evening of relaxation with a good book.

The lightness I experience today stems from a satisfying meal and a mindful choice of decaf coffee instead of indulging in ice cream or snacks. It's a lightness that arrives from progressing, no matter how slowly, toward my goals.

This past month has been rewarding. I've done quite a bit of writing and have taken steps to declutter my environment—an emotional yet gratifying journey that rewards me in small ways. I'm checking off items on my to-do list, enjoying precious moments with my teenagers, and staying active.

I cherish this feeling of lightness, and I intend to continue engaging in the activities that foster it: writing, reading, decluttering, exercising, and spending time with my family.

However, I acknowledge that this lightness won't be a constant state. There will be days when I wake up feeling heavy, burdened by choices made the day before, late nights spent binge-watching shows, or simply the weight of everyday life.

Yet today, I feel light. I carry the weight of daily achievements and progress, and I will strive to maintain this feeling.

Oh, and I did weigh myself this morning. So, How Much Do I Actually Weigh?

At the start of this challenge, I weighed ABCD.E pounds. This morning, my scale read ABCD.E pounds minus 1.6 pounds. A weight loss of 1.6 pounds over 30 days—does that warrant a feeling of lightness?

Indeed, I’m progressing slowly. No, I won’t achieve my goal of shedding 10 pounds in one go, but I’m moving in the right direction. And that feels liberating.

Chapter 2: The Weight of Numbers

The first video titled “HOW MUCH DO YOU WEIGH?” explores the relationship between body weight and self-perception. It emphasizes the importance of focusing on overall health rather than just numbers.

In the quest for self-acceptance, does the number on the scale truly matter? Theoretically, I agree that it shouldn't. I aspire to detach from that number's significance. Perhaps one day I will fully embrace this mindset, regardless of whether my weight fluctuates.

I don't judge others based on their weight; I view it as a neutral fact, akin to their height or birth location. Yet, can I extend that same neutrality to my own self-image?

To openly state my weight without attaching any emotional significance to it would be liberating. I want to reach a point where I can declare, "This is my weight—it's just a fact. It may change, or it may not, but it does not define my worth as an individual."

For now, I choose to focus on the weight of my efforts, my evolving habits, and the peace I find in this process. Today, I embrace feeling light and will continue pursuing the activities that nourish that feeling.

Thank you for taking the time to read. Join me on Friday, July 28, for insights into the role of exercise in weight loss. Spoiler: I had a lot to learn!

And if you enjoyed this, please consider reading to the end and giving it a clap. Your support helps others discover this piece and means so much to me.