No matter how far we are going on a journey, each step is a new beginning. When I began intermittent fasting, back in July, I knew from the start that it is a long term project, and progress measured in weeks, months and even years. My incentives for giving it my best shot are huge – better health, a longer life and a more enjoyable and energetic present.
What I didn’t know, at least not in my heart, is that every day would require a new, fresh commitment to the plan. I sort of thought that my inertia would carry me along long enough to sustain me until I reach my goals, which are tangible, measurable and, hopefully, achievable.
Well, no such luck. Almost every day I fast I find myself feeling extremely positive about what I’m doing. Almost every day I’m not fasting I find myself haunted by doubts. I feel like I’m not losing weight fast enough, I’m not managing my insulin and medications well enough, and whatever I’m eating is working directly against my goals. I see a perfectly normal person walk by and I think to myself, “What a fat slob”. Because I’m afraid that somehow I’ll lose my commitment and indulge myself in foods that I don’t even really like or want anymore.
And I’m still less than a half the distance to my weight loss goal, and still unsure about how long it will take me to get to the point where I don’t need my diabetes medications and insulin any longer. I guess I’ll know when I get there, because both goals are measurable, and there is external evidence that I’m making good progress on both fronts. But in the meantime, I feel a little bit lost at sea, from time to time. The worst times are when I’m eating, and wondering if I can really afford this whatever.
I also know that even when I reach my weight goal, and my ambition to defeat metabolic disorder, and eliminate my diabetes, that I will then have to undertake another journey. Maintaining my healthy body will require vigilance, and committing to a healthy low carb diet, not for a while, but for the rest of my life. So the change I am currently experiencing through intermittent fasting will only be sustainable if I commit fully to the change in lifestyle needed to maintain the results.
This doesn’t discourage me, but it does present me with a challenge in the present, which is that my level of commitment to a certain and achievable weight and health goals must be followed by an endless journey, if the effort being made now isn’t to be completely wasted.
At that’s just a little intimidating. Well, maybe not just a little. Maybe a lot.
Rain Coast Review 
Hey Don
How are you ?
Other than the fasting how is the rest of your day/ days going?
I’m sorry I left town and just walked over the Rockies but bright blue skies most days but damn cold…..
I hope all worked out and your financial situation took a weight off your shoulders .
I still chat with Jan Collins so I’ll say to and from her lol
Take Care Mr Wilson
Huggggs
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What makes you happy?
Which song lyrics are resonating with you right now?
Could you write a poem about your end goal?
This journey is going to get tough, is there a creative practice that could help you? You can find people on a similar path on WordPress, maybe reach out to them and help each other through. You are doing an incredibly brave thing, keep going 🌟
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I’m not sure what to comment, but I did enjoy the read. Your thoughts were honest, I like that.
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Sharing your journey here is a powerful act in building a support network to encourage you—because it is hard work that will really never be done.
But you ARE doing it!
If I had one piece of wisdom to share it would be to act with compassion towards yourself. The key to long-term success is not necessarily never “failing” but rather to pick yourself up and try again when you do. We’re all rooting for you!! 👍
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I hear you, but it’s hard to be kind to myself. Being accountable has never meant giving myself a break at all. If anything it has always meant to keep the pressure on all the time. Not necessarily the best bet, but alas, there I go.
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Another way to think about it might be the rewards you give yourself for effort (not outcome). And I don’t mean food rewards…but self-care such as a favorite book, massage, event, etc or just saying to yourself “go me!”
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Well, just keep writing the urges away.
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Remember: you are not at war with yourself. Best wishes.
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Sometimes it does feel that way, but you’re right. I have to try to remember to be kind to myself, and task not always easy.
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Reblogged this on Lawless Order: Jeremy Santos and The Outfit and commented:
Your observation that every day requires a fresh new commitment to the plan is very true and can be applied to almost everything that has to do with living. That hit home. Thanks!
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Thank you for linking my blog. Writing this blog has been a rewarding experience, particularly when I receive approbation from a reader, even more so in a reblog or link to my story.
Thanks again.
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I have been fasting now for a month and I love it, I feel so much better. Good luck with your fasting
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Our bodies just need a break once in a while 🙂 just like our minds .I am confident with enough time and patience towards yourself you will find the right balance for YOU!! Good luck !
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