I turn 32 this week. While I don't hear the reaper sharpening his scythe just yet, every birth-a-versary inevitably leads to reflection. What have I done to better my life, my family, and (dare I say it) my world in the past 365 days? Most birthdays, an honest self-evaluation has frequently led me to believe that I've been in a multi-year holding pattern, making small but superficial improvements here and there. This year's a little different, I believe.
EP.com, and specifically YOU my fellow EP'ers have been crucially important in my ability to sustain this self-improvement effort for longer than a month. Here we are, over 9 months into things, and though my progress has slowed during the summer months, I haven't reballooned to my former size. That in itself is a victory! You deserve alot of credit, and also my sicerest thanks. So, THANKS!
The disciplines and rewards that come along with the weight-loss struggle have helped stabilize other parts of my life. Recently my wife frankly stated, "You're a happier man when you're eating right and working out... when you're being good to yourself, you treat us better." Is there any better incentive than that to keep up the fight? (By the way, she made that statement after a week of sloth and binge snacking, providing a wise and well-placed kick in the pants. Let's hear it for painful honesty!) I know her observation is true, and therefore if I want to be a better father and husband, I need to treat me right.
At the last sand volleyball event of the summer, I was standing next to our team organizer (also in his 30s) watching a young team with lots of spring bound around the court. I said, "Oh, to be 21 again, huh?" His reply suprised me: "You know," he said, "I didn't really do that much when I was 21. I'm more active now, having a better time, enjoying stuff more. Plus you don't have all the junk that goes along with being in your 20s." (I'm pretty sure he was talking about relationship angst, college, ground-level career stuff, etc... At least, that's what I was thinking about.) I shared that conversation with a close cousin of mine who concurred: "I wasn't happy with my body in my 20s," he said. "I'm really looking forward to being in the best shape of my life in my 30s." I think that's a realisic and worthy goal.
I'm sad to admit that I've never been truly happy with my shape. I made a really a really fast transition from fit but scrawny to unfit and fat. Age 32 is a year to draw a line in the sand. I want to look in the mirror at 33 and say, "Doggone. Your hard work has paid off, Pete. Good job. You look good!"
Results to follow.
Blessings, all.
P.S. I just want to throw this tidbit of real life in here. For the last 15 minutes of typing about all this weight-loss stuff, I've had running on a loop in the back of my mind that there's some ice-cream needing "attention" in the freezer. What the heck is wrong with me?! Don't worry, it's not going to get the "attention" it's asking for, but man, talk about a split mind!
Posted By: Murse Pete
Comments to this post:
09/23/2007 15:11
very observant wife!
Hey -love the baseball picture!
And yes, when we are loving and nurutring ourselves, we become better people to all those around us!
Hi Pete. I completely get what you're saying. I feel better about myself, healthier and more grounded than I have in my life. I turned 40 in January (I guess at this point I should start saying, 'I turn 41 in January'--but why rush things!!) and I love my life. It's all so much better than my 20s and my 30s. I didn't start losing my weight and changing my ways until I was 37; you're starting much earlier, so will have that many more years to enjoy the results! Good for you!
As to the 'better man' comment from your husband, I've come to the conclusion that the human being was designed to have a simple life. Self-discipline, a few meaningful relationships and working for what you get out of life, that's what makes us happy. We only think sitting on our butts or having lots of stuff makes us happy--look at anyone who lives that lifestyle? Are they happy? No, they're checking into the Betty Ford clinic or worse. Think about it!
You're doing so great and your life is so wonderful. Stand still for a minute and just wonder at it.
(And don't do your wondering standing in front of the freezer sneaking bites of that ice cream. I know what you're like!)
And I can tell you I like my life and who I am now better than in my 20s and 30s ... but I must admit, I liked the mirror's reflection better in my 20s. LOL
going on 31 here and I must say I want to get back the body I had when I was 18 *grin* Having 2 children and a state exam in the last 3 years has taken it´s toll, I guess.
In any case, your wife is very right - I find that in myself, too. When I´m good to myself, I treat everyone else better too!!
We all need to treat ourselves right, so that we can treat the other people in our lives just as well! (I'm less grouchy, more patient, etc. when I'm doing what's "right" for ME, too!)
Congrats on your birthday! Here's to another great year of continuing to move DOWN... (in body mass)... and onward! (*toasting you with my glass of water!*) :-D
That is good to hear how you are keeping your weight off. Yeah, EP is great isn't it? Also, I know how it is when I take care of myself, I am more positive and happy! Great Job!
Posted By:
10/02/2007 19:47
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I turned 30 on 9/23 and you'd have thought the reaper was hunting me down that weekend. I completely know what you mean and how you feel. Happy belated b-day! Love the blog!
Posted By:
10/03/2007 11:36
happy belated bday
what a positive and uplifting post! of course....i have to say that i am one of those angsty twenty-somethings you refer to - still trying to find my path. that's one of the things i like so much about EP though - it allows us to connect with so many people from all ages and walks of life whom we might never interact with otherwise. and as for me, we'll just say i'm MATURE for my age and leave it at that! :D
funny about the ice cream talking to you. funny how it does that. hope you were able to eat it in moderation!
Oh noes!... I am 22 planning on graduating from college this December and it's so CRAZY trying to get my resume going, find a job, make sure my credit score is good to get a real place to live, working, classes, homework... It's so hard to concentrate on loosing weight. I don't have a family to motivate me, to make me want to be a better person. Maybe someday. Your post put things into perspective for me, and I really appreciate it. Good luck in the future!
I agree with everyone - you look GREAT! I can sympathize about the ice cream. I am totally dreading weigh in. Just think of standing on that scale and you'll forget about the ice cream;)
that's one of the things i like so much about EP though - it allows us to connect with so many people from all ages and walks of life whom we might never interact with otherwise. and as for me, we'll just say i'm MATURE for my age and leave it at that! :D