As I’ve been reflecting over the many years of my “healthiness journey” I realize what a significant role blogging and reading the blogs of other successful and not quite so successful bloggers has played in that journey. One of the main 3 goals of my approach is to blog at least 4 times a week. There’s a reason that goal is so near the top of that list. Implicit in that goal is to be regularly reading other blogs. I don’t read 100 blogs a day or anything like that. I just read a handful that really, really inspire me. And they do!
I want to share with you a few blog posts that have totally changed me. Some of these posts have stuck with me over the YEARS. Sitting at my desk on a Friday evening, I can still vividly remember them and I try to carry the messages of those posts with me all the time.
- The Stateless Dieting Approach by Roni @ RonisWeigh.com. It’s a little bit ironic that the person who has most positively and profoundly impacted my healthiness efforts is someone who I’ve never even met – someone who I don’t think even knows that I exist. I’ve been reading her blog since 2006, shortly after she met her lifetime goal, and she has maintained her 70 pound loss for six years! It is so clear from reading her blog that she really has left the all-or-nothing mentality behind and employs this stateless dieting approach. Basically, it’s the idea that everything you do, everything you eat, every minute of activity that you participate it counts. It all counts! There is no off plan or on plan. There really isn’t even a plan. It’s all just life.
- A Major Relapse by Roni @ RonisWeigh.com. This is another post by Roni from way back in October of 2008, nearly 3 years ago, and I STILL remember it! After maintaining her loss for over two years, she had a huge (one day) relapse where she ate all sorts of junk food. So why is this post about a big mistake so memorable for me? Well, the key is that the next she was right back to her healthy eating like she always did. It didn’t throw her off course and make her gain back all 70 pounds she had lost. I can’t tell you how many times I have let ONE simple day like that ruin the rest of my YEAR! And the truth is for those of us who struggle, we will always struggle. As much as we don’t won’t to admit it, we will make some mistakes. We will all have some days like that. But it doesn’t have to define us. I can’t tell you how many times, after eating a few too many cookies or totally blowing it by eating whatever I wanted at a meal, I’ve wanted to throw in the towel and give up. But then I think back to this post and how even a 6 year successful maintainer messes up. The difference is she keeps right on going! I can’t be perfect, but I can keep on trying!
- First Marathon Recap by Tina @ carrotsncake.com. Tina recaps her first FULL marathon. Yes, she ran 26.2 miles. So inspiring! I literally cried while reading this post. The part that touched me the most was when she crossed mile 20. She said this about crossing mile 20: “I had never run more than 20 miles before, so I had enter unchartered territory. But, as soon as I ran by the mile maker, I knew I would cross the finish line.”
- One Year of Healthy Living by Dawne @ It’s My Time (dawneandgreg.blogspot.com). Dawne began her blog in September of 2009, and in September 2010 she wrote this post reflecting on the past year. She lost a lot of weight in that year (without counting anything – I love that approach) and challenged herself in so many ways! I believe she actually blogged every single day of that year. She talks about how different her life looks now compared to a year ago. Imagine if you stick with your plan for the next 365 days. What will you be able to do?
- Two Years, Two Months, Nine Days to Goal! by Beth @ BethsJourney.com. This was the most recent post the first time I stumbled across Beth’s blog. Needless to say, I was hooked. She lost 57.4 pounds in just over two years (using Weight Watchers), and it was so exciting to read about her reaching goal after that much effort and persistence. It may take two years, but I can do it too!
Thanks for sharing these. I am familiar with two of them but had not read those old posts of Roni’s. In case they don’t read your blog I hope you have shared with them all what a great impact they had on you. This is a lovely tribute.
The timing of this is amazing. Like many, I’m trying to eat healthy. But just moments ago, after telling someone that others keep pushing junk food on me when I’m trying to stay away, he returned with some candy to offer, thinking it harmless. *sigh*
I really hadn’t searched online for blogs about other people and their struggles. I confess I’d just go check the reviews on all those as-seen-on-TV gimmicks. So I’m thankful for the links.
Great link post!! I love carrots n cake too. Will check the others out now!
Wow thank you so much for the shout out. I’m so glad I was able to write something you could relate to. The struggle will never be over and it won’t be quick, but its worth it!
You’re welcome. I almost cried when I read about you arriving at goal – I’ve dreamed about that day for so long! And you’re right, the struggle will never be over, but it will be worth it.
Here’s a blog award for you!
http://shutherupwithchocolate.com/surprise-an-award/
Thanks! I feel honored – my first blogging award.
Love having a few new blogs to check out! And I am with you – I too used to eat like shit for a day, and then throw my hands up and think “I can’t do it” and eat like shit for MONTHS before getting back on track.
I’ve learned no one is perfect, and eating an extra slice of pizza isn’t the end of the world. Hugs!
We’re definitely learning! I love new blogs as well, but I seriously have trouble narrowing my blog reading down to a reasonable amount. You seem to read so many.
I like that you highlight some of the blogs that aren’t as well known (at least not to me!). It seems like people are always talking about the bigger blogs – and it’s annoying at times.
Way to give it up and share the love!
Great job with your journey by the way.
Yes, a couple of them are quite well known but the other two aren’t as well known. I just wrote from the heart about what has truly inspired me the most, regardless of popularity. I think some of the smaller blogs are super inspiring as well. I have such a hard time narrowing my blog reader to a manageable amount!
I stumbled upon your blog tonight and I think I did for a reason. Thank you for sharing these posts… It came at exactly the right time for me
GREAT post! I’m having a rough time over here lately & these links are just what I need to get me motivated again!
I thanked you on twitter but I needed to leave a commet too. I’m so glad what I said resonated with you. I’ve been struggling myself lately and your kind words helped me so much.
And pat yourself o the back! You are doing fabulously!!
So glad I could help! You’ve helped so many.
Thanks so much for the mention. I’m glad you liked that post! I really enjoyed writing it!