Chop wood and carry water

There is a Zen saying, "Before Enlightenment chop wood carry water, after Enlightenment, chop wood carry water."

I think the same is true for losing weight and maintenance.  We are so focused on reaching maintenance that we often forget that not much changes after we reach our goals.  It is the learning to "chop wood and carry water" or to do what needs to be done that doesn't change one bit from weight loss to maintenance. 

I was talking to a friend today who is doing all the right things in weight loss but the weight is not coming off as quickly as she would like.  She is very motivated and I am certain that she will reach maintenance.  I wanted to explain to her that not much changes after you have your GOAL post.  You still have to watch what you eat and stay mindful of your habits, thought, and behaviors for life.  You might as well enjoy the journey to goal and not feel the pressure to reach some number on the scale.  On the other hand, (and there is always another hand), I do believe in doing everything you can to reach goal as soon as possible.  I just don't believe in taking on stress over it or seeing it as the ultimate goal.  Health, peace and balance are the ultimate goals and the for me gratitude and joy are the side effects of hard work both during and after reaching my goal weight.  Enjoy the journey; it's beautiful all along the route not just at some final destination.  Savor the SV and the NSV and find pleasure in your changing mind set and behavior patterns.  Keep chopping wood and carrying water, you will need the exercise.  :)

Great attitude!  Have to keep your mind on the real goal...living at a good weight for the rest of your life!!!

Jane

Very wise.  Things don't really change much at all, except that you may not be focused on losing more weight.  Actually, after weight loss, we must consume less to maintain than we consumed when we were still overweight.

I just try to focus on what I eat and am mindful that it only has to improve with time to get and maintain my goals.  I think focusing on the time it takes to lose the weight can be counterproductive.  People do stupid things to lose weight, like not eating enough to maintain good health.  Short changing yourself to quickly attain a number on a scale can backfire in the future and make it harder to maintain the weight loss.

Learn good habits and keep improving on them, that is my goal.

Thanks Elina. I needed this especially this week. Speaks directly to me. You are an angel.

No. No. She is speaking directly to ME! LOL. I guess we both needed to hear this today. Timing couldn't be better. Thanks Elina!

Needed this. Thanks Elina. And just so Frisco doesn't think I'm eating sugar again I shall say **** There.

Thanks for posting this, Elina.

Great Post.  I stop focusing on getting to goal (14lbs to go) I continue to focus on protein, eating healthy and exercise. I'm happy with myself and my life.  I'm really enjoying life to the fullest and the pounds continue to drop very slowly but I'm ok with that. 

I just love you!!! 

I love this one.

I don't know if this will resonate with anyone except me & that's ok but as I was reading posts about possible weight gains & fear of failure, it suddenly dawned on me that success & failure have one thing in common & that is...it's never final no matter which side of the pendulum you are at the moment.
I've always heard the saying that failure is never final. Well guess what? Neither is success.
It just kind of equalizes the whole thing for me.