Uniquely Me

Have you ever compared yourself with someone else? I know I have
Have you ever compared your weight loss journey with someone else's? I know I have

I remember when I used to go to Weight Watchers, that was an issue for me. When I was losing consistently it wasn't an issue. But if I had a bad week or weeks and was struggling, I would start the comparison game -- "Wow, that person is doing so good. She joined after me and she's already passed me by on her total weight loss." Or "That person lost 50 pounds in X number of weeks, I've been coming for X weeks and I've only lost 30." I was happy for the person who had the success, but frustrated with and down on myself. Once I started the comparison game, it was a downward spiral. I would start to feel down after the meetings instead of uplifted and motivated. I began to question why I was paying money every week when I was't being successful. And would decide I might be better off doing it on my own - stop going - and eventually gain back all the weight.

As I was going through my SparkPeople emails today, I saw this quote:


And isn't that the truth?! Why do we waste so much time and energy comparing ourselves with others instead of celebrating the things that are uniquely you and uniquely me?

And that's one of the many things that is different for me this time on my journey. I am diligently working at NOT comparing my journey with anyone else's.

I may lose weight faster than some people and slower than others. That's ok.....I am losing it at the rate that is uniquely me

I may not eat the same things others do. But that's ok...I am eating in a way that is uniquely me.

I may not be able to do as much activity as some and may do more than others...But that's ok....I am working out in a way that is right for me....uniquely me

You get the idea.

And just for added confirmation of this idea. My daily motivation on SparkCoach was called "You are an Experiment of One." It was about how my weight loss journey is unique from eveyone else's and how I should focus on my individual lifestyle journey and not compare it with others.

I can get support and encouragement from other people. I can get ideas and inspiration from other peoples. But how I apply those things to my personal journey is uniquely me. No one else can do it for me and no one else would do it exactly the same way I will.

But even though my journey is uniquely me, I am so thankful that I have you, my SparkFriends, walking along side of me. I have learned new things and been inspired by so many of you! I can't think of better guides to have on my journey!