UNWRAP THE PRESENT

I'm doing it, guys.

Slowly but surely, I'm moving out of my old, baggy workout clothes into things that are more form-fitting. It feels great, and I highly recommend it.

It feels great psychologically, of course; you're ABLE to wear a smaller, more body-skimming garment without feeling self-conscious. You're able to wear cute athletic outfits, just like the real athletes and gym bunnies do. Oh. Wait a minute. Maybe you now ARE a gym bunny. Maybe you now ARE an athlete of some sort. What a strange idea. I mean, Lance Armstrong has nothing to fear from you, but still. You're out there movin' the butt on a regular basis. There's a strange hard substance under your skin which possibly could be identified as MUSCLE. You're thinking about taking an actual aerobics class because hey, this time you would not even suck at it.

It feels even better physically. A  nice, close-fitting garment in some lovely breathable stretchy material helps contain the jiggle. It smooths the lumps, to some degree. And yet you can move so easily. It also allows you to see what you are doing when you're working out. (A word of caution: beware the shiny. One of my new pairs of capris has a slight sheen, which attracted unwelcome trainer attention/censure when my booty was not low enough while holding plank position. Damn you, shiny pants! Damn you)!

Now, we who have lived as fat people know that it's all about the camouflauge. We are experts at covering up, usually under lots of extra fabric ---which, BTW, makes you look fatter and doesn't fool anyone --- and when you start losing, it can be very hard to let go of that comforting layer of protection between yourself and the cold, cruel world. But it's time to come out from under the camo, and to own who you are. Clothes that fit, whether they are workout togs or daywear, will make you look and feel better. Don't keep those too-big items hanging around; donate them and get yourself some new, flattering outfits. (I have a group of online friends who regularly circulate clothes. I have been on the giving AND the receiving end!) Also, you may need to get some expert help to find clothing that really fits, especially when you start going into smaller sizes. I remember reading one of Jenette Fulda's posts over at PastaQueen; she posted pics of her brand new duds and her jeans were at least two sizes too big! At the time, she just couldn't picture herself in anything smaller. I also recall when a certain Beck buddy came to visit and was invited to shop my closet; how surprised she was when I gently suggested that the reason some things weren't fitting as they should was because she needed new foundation garments.

A lot of fat people don't practice looking in the mirror or at photos of themselves(I know I didn't --- I always looked a lot better in my mind's eye than anywhere else). Do yourself a favor, and take some photos of yourself right now. Do it at least once a month, and take your measurements too. It will be an invaluable tool for tracking the changes, and even though you won't see a lot of difference at first, eventually, you'll see BIG differences.

And remember ... you deserve to look and feel good right now, not 5 or 10 or 50 pounds from now. Life is what is happening right now, not a certain number of pounds from now. Don't be afraid to live it in fabulous clothes.

Comments

[Midouestern]

you know, I was going to post about this on the BDS support network. Over the holidays I was lucky enough to hear a sermon or two about "showing up" The idea that you owe it to yourself and the folks around you (and God if that's where your beliefs lie) to show up regardless of your state of "preparedness" or "perfection" we are all works in progress and the time is now, not 5, 10 or 15lbs down the road as you say. Not ten books read, three scores learned, one job earned. It is truly now we are worth NOW in whatever state we're in. and to your post I say Hallelujah!

[Kristine]

I 100% agree. Last Friday, I just HAD to get new clothe because I looked a clown. I also agree, we need to take pictures. I have lost 61 lbs and the pictures motivate me to lose more because I still see a very heavy person that needs to be healthy.

Also, note to the wise. Working out in very large clothe can actually do more harm than good. I ended up with a fabrix rash from exercise pants that were too large. Not sure how, I managed that one but, still, it was very odd.