Hello again, everyone.

I thought I would start a new thread about why we've decided to embark on our journeys of weight loss/healthy living, and what inspires us to keep going.

I figure that if we can see why other members are doing this and what keeps them on track, than we might be able to recognize new reasons or inspirations to continue the effort.

Anything goes here...You can tell me about a how you're losing weight to look great at a wedding or a reunion, or to get off medications, or whatever. Maybe you're inspired by someone in your life, or on this forum, or whatever. You could even insert some inspirational quotes...It all counts.......

there are a few words in the english language that I hate - the word inspiration is fast becoming one of those word... To me - it's lost it's meaning it's so overused...

Why am I doing this? Simple. Because I Can... and Because I want to do it for me -and only me... If there's fallout from that -well then Ok fine but it's not my purpose -I'm doing it to prove it to myself.

Okay, so I'll start.

There are so many reasons that I want to lose weight. Quite simply, I don't like the number I see on the scale in the morning. I am tired of never admitting my weight. I want to fit into my clothes more comfortably, and I want to buy smaller sizes. I want my thighs to live independently of one another. I want people to think, "Wow, she looks great for having had three kids." I don't ever want to have hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, or diabetes. I don't want to be the fattest of my group of friends (sounds vain, but it's true). I want my kids to see me working out all the time, so they know how important it really is. I am a perfectionist in every way but diet/exercise...that's now changed.

My inspirations are just as numerous. My 8 year old nephew died last year, and it was then that I realized that we only have one life to live, so we have to do it as well as possible for as long as possible. He is my inspiration. My three children inspire me to add years to my life through healthy living. My husband inspires me because I want him to always find me beautiful and sexy. This forum inspires me.

I'm sure I'll think of more things. Different days bring different reasons, different motivations, and different inspirations!

Oh yeah...I'm tired of my ass having its own zip code!

Sorry you hate the word, I actually don't mind the word...there's so many other words I hate (man, i could give you a list). I am asking people to use it in a way where it hasn't lost its meaning, at least on a personal level.

And, you are obviously proving to yourself that you can do this. I can totally respect that. I could even say it's inspir.....nah, I won't use the word.

Thanks for the input.

A few days ago I went to the store and wow I was shocked. Even the XL tops were somewhat too small. I mean I could fit into them but they were tight.
I also realized that I went up to a juniors Size ELEVEN jeans. I'm only in highschool, my friends wear size 3 jeans, and me at size 11, yikes!


So that basically motivated/inspired me to start a whole diet/excersise thing. =]

What's really motivated me is my bf calling me fat, even though i know for a fact that he dind't mean it. Plus i had too many nights out feeling ugly and feeling like i wasn't as good as everyone else.

I really want to be slim, to be able to wear any clothes i want, i want to be able to wear a abikini.

I want to feel good about myself, look in the mirror with no shirt and like what I see... I want to be able to wear swimming suit and take of my shirt with pride... this will increase my self-esteem, make me feel better of myself, make me feel more secure about myself... be more attractive and get a girlfriend :P

I don't have control of a few things in my life right now and it's an uncomfortable feeling..., so eating healthy and getting to goal weight is the one area that I DO have control over. And it makes me feel better to be in a healthy degree of control. I know the other things will fall into place. Eating healthy takes the focus off those areas and puts it back on nurturing myself first. I like that.

lol Mal, the word inspiration is used too much because you are one! and people tell you this all the time! You truly are someone that people in here look up to because you have accomplished so much and done it healthily. But I can see how the word could seem overused, but when people are talking about you, they are not just spouting words, they truly do mean what they say.

I have soooo many reasons for wanting to lose weight, but all the reasons seemed to come to a head about 3 months ago when I began this journey. I began to have health problems (at 19 years old) including being pre-diabetic and starting to have high blood pressure. This scared the hell out of me. I started looking at weight loss surgery. I went to the doctor to see if my insurance would cover it, but it turns out that my insurance doesnt cover any weight loss surgery (even if you are morbidly obese-which i am). So, I knew that I had to make a change. I didnt have any other option. My other motivations, though, include a wedding that I am in next January, and the fact that I am studying abroad in Scotland- I leave at the end of August and stay for almost 4 months. I want to be able to enjoy my time in Europe, and I wont if I weigh 280lbs and im incredibly self conscious.

Other reasons include:
I want my first boyfriend (and first kiss lol)
I want to be able to wear shorts
I want to be able to wear a swimsuit without feeling INCREDIBLY uncomfortable
I want to be able to shop in regular sizes
I want to be able to ride a horse again
I want to inspire my mom to lose weight as well- I fear for her health
I want to see the faces of the people who thought I could never actually do this.

I am losing weight to improve my running and athletic abilities. I'm losing it to look lean and strong instead of flabby. I'm doing it to look great in a swimsuit. I'm doing it to prove to myself that I CAN get back to my slimmest weight in high school and maintain it.

What inspires me? Hmm...the people on this forum and the progress I have made thus far. And my mother and boyfriend, who take great care of themselves and are wonderful examples to follow.

But, if I had to pick one in particular it would be an 8 year old little bundle of energy that calls me Daddy. I grew up in an overweight family. There were no family hikes, swims, bike rides or other healthy activities. And the ones my sister and I did do, we did alone. I never had a father growing up myself, but I had too many friends with big fat daddies, who were really sweet and nice old guys, but they also never did anything with us.

That will never be me. I want to be the 60 yer old fit daddy that my 22 year old daughter will call to go hiking, mountain climbing and playing tennis with her and her friends. I want her friends to say "Hey, invite that fun old dad of yours to come skiing too!" etc.

I want to give my daughter all the things I never had, including a healthy outlook on exercise and diet that I never had, leading me to be here today.

sirant

i live in scotland where r u studying?

I'm new to this but I like the concept of the thread you posted. I believe that we need to focus on the positive in life and if negative thoughts start creeping in change them.

What motivates me is me. So I look for support where I can find it. I was reading Fitness Magazine on Sat at the gym which is how I found this site. About 4 years ago, I wasn't sure I wanted to live anymore. Life seemed very hard.

I have a new perspective today. I like the results I get from exercising. I have more stamina, my body shape changed, and I started to jog. My sister inspires me. For her entire life she has kept in shape and loves to exercise. She is 55 and runs half marathons. I don't want to do a marathon but my goal is to do a 5k without needing to walk.

I fell off the wagon for about 9 months. Now I'm back on. I stay non-judgmental about myself and let each day be a new beginning.

My sister taught me this:

The difference between an ordeal and an adventure is attitude.

I find its true. Thank you for starting a positive thread.