I mentioned in my Turkey Day post that I’ve been feeling a bit unmotivated. I’m not sure what it is but body conscious issues are creeping back into my brain. The good healthy decisions that seem so easy the past few years are getting harder and harder to make and I just feel…. well… blech. That’s about the only way I can describe it.
Trying hard to ward off these feelings AND come up with an idea for this weekend’s quote I remembered something I read on Mark Salinas’ blog last week. It was a quote by Elizabeth Kubler-Ross and although it’s not specifically about weight loss I believe it’s very poignant…
It is only when we truly know and understand that we have a limited time on earth and that we have no way of knowing when our time is up that we will begin to live each day to the fullest, as if it were the only one we had.
When I first read that I nodded and thought, how true! I think we get so caught up in the daily grind that we forget that our time here is quite limited. Why do we want to waste it worrying about getting to a specific number on the scale and fitting into a certain size dress? How does that REALLY matter in the grand scheme of things. Are we really going to let things like that get in the way of enjoying the little bit of time we have here on earth?
I think that’s why having a child was such a life changing event for me. It really made me aware of my own mortality. I wasn’t a kid anymore. I now had a child of my own and I didn’t want to miss a thing! I especially didn’t want my poor body image to get in the way. I mean really, in the grand scheme of things does it matter if I’m a size 4 or 14? Either way that baby is going to grow up. He’s going to want me to play with him. He’s going to want to go into the ocean, jump in a pool, run in the backyard and I WANT to enjoy that time with him. I spent too many years not doing things I wanted to because I didn’t like my body and my child deserved more then that. I deserved more then that.
Having "The toddler" was the moment I came to "truly know and understand that we have a limited time on earth". For me, living life to the fullest means doing all the things I wanted to do without fear that I’m going to "look fat". It means, learning how to have a good relationship with food and eating things that are good for my body. Finally it means using this healthy body I’m lucky enough to be blessed with. One day, I may not be so lucky. Actually, one day I KNOW I won’t be this lucky. That’s why this quote spoke volumes to me.
I hope I didn’t get too deep for ya this evening. :~) I’ve been in a pretty reflective mood recently. Sometimes I have to remind myself how far I’ve come and what’s really important to me.
13 Responses to Weekend Quote: Living Life to the Fullest
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About Roni
Roni started this blog in '05 to journal her weight loss. 70lbs later, she's committed to living a conscious, healthy life and hopes to inspire others along the way. Read more on the about page.
I completely agree about making healthy decisions. I think at a certain point we all hit some kind of wall where we just don’t want to do it anymore. And not just with healthy habits… I think with anything. Even when I used to do ballet there were so many times when I just didn’t want to do it anymore… but I’d push through and keep going and a few weeks later I’d be glad that I did. And when I hit that point with health, I try to just push through. It’s really hard though. Especially when the only person that can make you do it is yourself! I’ve been feeling a little bleh recently too. Maybe it’s the winter?
Great post :) Have a good night.
I have lived with a knowledge of my mortality all of my life. I have had two kidney transplants. One when I was 6 and another when I was 23. I don’t live every day to its fullest but I do live with the knowledge that some things aren’t worth worrying so much about. What’s important is family, friends, and good health so that every day *can* be lived to its fullness.
Not that I ‘no’ when a Belgian chocolate presents itself ever so winsomely at me. That’s a part of living life too. ;)
I adore eliz kuber ross as well.
and, as I watch a friend lose her young husband this weekend, Ive never been more painfully aware of the brevity of life.
the importance of making HEALTHY choices and, for me, the importance so many times of NOT.
of living.
just remember the quote doesn’t mean to the FULLEST, meaning we are so FULL from eating that we can’t move. LOL! sorry~~just wanted to lighten the mood, guys….
I really like that quote a lot. I’m definitely struggling with this mentality too … I’ve gained a couple and it’s really bothering me. I’ve kept off most of the weight I lost 4.5 years ago, but these few pounds bleat out “FAILURE” which is then chastised by my rational self that says, “You’re still you, living each day; you’re a 6 or an 8 and you can wear almost anything you wish now. You’re fit and healthy!” It’s a constant struggle, but hearing a quote like this DOES put it all into perspective. Especially since we want to start a family in a year or two, and I don’t want to miss anything because I was so obsessed with my body.
Reading Courtney Martin’s book, Perfect Girls, Starving Daughters, after meeting MamaV at the Chicago meet-and-gree also helped me see the light. I’m more than a number or a size. And life’s meant to be lived. The delicate balance is in not giving up my exercise or diligent eating … just trying to enjoy a little more.
Anna – That is hysterical! LOL I didn’t even catch the “fullness” pun opportunity! :~P Thanks for lightening things up!
Roni –
I realized yesterday that I have been reading your blog for about 2 years. That’s a long time! I’m still struggling with my own weight issues – I’ve got about 20ish pounds that I need to kick to the curb. I haven’t found that deep inner motivation yet, and I find myself eating just to fill a void, I guess. I guess it’s such an ingrained habit for me…but I’m still working on it. I love your site. I, personally, really enjoy the “deep” posts!
-Elaine
Last night went to the wedding of two 65 year olds…as both had been widowed…….It was one of those times that really got me thinking….. Watching them look at each other and fuss over each other like they were 17!!! It was awsome. Watching them live life as if they had it to start all over again. It was a cool moment that got me thinking about my own marriage and perspective on life. Just funny that this was your quote of the day.
I have been quite the same lately. I am not sure if it is a combo with cold weather and no light in the evenings or what. I am wanting to turn back to old habits. And on top of it, hubby brought home a cherry pie one of the ladies at work gave him. He is good with no sweets or just a taste…..me, I want to eat the whole thing until it is gone….it is like a constant calling from the counter. :( But I will win over it! I have been thinking of how much exercise it would take to burn the whole thing off of my body!
And thank you….for some weird reason it made me feel tons better just writing it out and admiting it.
I believe sometimes that reflection helps to keep yourself in check. Its a way to give yourself a slap in the face with reality but reminding yourself of the journey and how far you’ve come. About why you were doing it in the first place. Where you want to go now. How have things changed for the good or bad since you started?
I just recently went through an entire week of this…unfortunately :) I just posted last night on being at the starting line again with a new found motivation. Sometimes we just need the reminder. Its an amazing way to keep us on track!
Very nice and thank you for the mention! :)
It’s so true! We have to be grateful for each day as it comes. I hate when I start taking things for granted. It’s hard not to become complacent!