When I was asked to write this blog, I was given the topic of “restarting.” I thought it was perfect for me, as I’ve restarted more times than I can count in most all areas of my life. There isn’t much I’ve done that was perfect the first time. Even getting my driver’s permit when I was 16 — I had to take it twice. Did I hesitate to try again? No. I was ready instantly to get it right as I learned what I’d done wrong. Therein lies the key: I learned what I’d done wrong, so the second time, I got my permit.
That’s a rather simple example compared to my weight-loss journey. It too started when I was a teenager — more from “not looking like the other girls” rather than weighing too much. I didn’t learn that all body types are not the same and that no matter how hard I tried, I would never be stick thin. I couldn’t celebrate who I was so instead I took on the mindset of who I wasn’t.
Starting out with that thought process sixty years ago brings me to this day, and my mind still goes there in a minute. Even though I know all the right things to do and think … old lessons are difficult to erase. I will more quickly think I’ve failed rather than that I’ve succeeded.
What I did learn is that you have a choice to restart every day. Everything is about choice. From the moment we wake up until we go to bed, we have thousands of thoughts and choices that we make throughout the day. Some of them are automatic, others we dwell on, and some are ones we need to give some thought to.
Remember all the successes you have each day in your life journey. By making your health be a part of your life journey, it doesn’t take on a life of its own and have too much power. Your retakes will become second nature, and you will be successful.
Remember: You are not a failure — you are between successes.
Deanna Bies
Board Member
By Cindy Lovett March 28, 2022
Thank you. Restarting is something filled with anticipation and at the same time the stress of change. Blessing for understanding.
By Donna Bruce March 20, 2022
This article and the Top 10 Ways to Regroup After a Set Back we did as a program this week. We asked for comments or suggestions, and got everyone involved in the conversation.
By Dawn Shaver March 15, 2022
This really resonated with me today. Great post. Every day is a new opportunity.
By Ruth Singer March 15, 2022
Thank you all for your comments as I too have gone off the wagon so to speak Our TOPS chapter will start to meet again on April 1 after a long hiatus due to COVID 19 I hope to loose the eight pounds that I have regained after surgery
I wish all my fellow TOPS and KOPS great succsess on your journeys
Ruth
By Shirley Renaud March 15, 2022
Thank you Deanna..as others have said..I REALLY needed to hear this.
I will be making that last sentence my mantra from now on!
By Rosie Treadway March 15, 2022
This is so true. Needed this today. Thanks, keep up the good work.
By Margie Fisher March 14, 2022
Thanks for a great message Deanna – this one really hit home!
By Gloria MacKenzie March 14, 2022
This came at the right time. I am definitely restarting. Lost my KOPS status last fall and am determined to get it back.
Thanks for this Barb.
By Karen Tinlin March 14, 2022
Great message Deanna! I especially appreciate being reminded in your last sentence that we are just between successes!! Love it.
By Carol Harper March 14, 2022
Thank you Deanna Bies for writing this, and reminding all of us, that we need a constant reminder, wherever we are in our journey – restart when necessary.
By Wanda March 14, 2022
And once again…………I am starting again. I’m not back at square one; some of the weight loss is still there so that is better than some previous restarts but I really needed to read this message, Barb. Thank you for writing it.
By Diana Barrett March 14, 2022
Excellent! If my car doesn’t turn over the first time I try it again, or look under the hood, or call for help. TOPS help me daily to try again and if I didn’t get off to a good start I can try to turn it over again…..for me that means Let Go and Let God! Nothing happens again, so I need to look under the hood, reach out for help or read something like this. To restart means I am not giving up. Your insight is appreciated. Thank you so much!!!!!
By Kim Norrington. Burton1738 March 14, 2022
Oh my goodness. This is so truthful. I have restartedany, many times and felt like a failure. After reading this I am going to fucus on my successes. Thank you so much!
By Gina Brueske March 14, 2022
Right on Deanna. Very good article and so true. Thanks.
By Twila L. Andrews March 14, 2022
Wonderful thoughts to get started. I’ve been discouraged by what I’ve been doing. Slow to stop process. Maybe this will motivate me again
By Ellie Berberick March 14, 2022
Great reminder that we do get a new day, God willing, in which we can restart.
Thank you.
By BOBBI CONVERY March 14, 2022
This was perfect for me today!