Between my husband and myself, we have lost a lot of weight. We have given advice, talked about how we did it, and been a great example. We have shown that two people who are quite obese can lose a lot of weight. We have rebooted out lives.
But our obligation ends right outside our own skin. Lately, we haven't been losing much. Well, Scott's lost a little more, but I've been fluctuating within a ten pound range. Every time we see people, they ask how much more we have lost. Well, not much recently. I know we have been open and seem happy to accept your praise, but I am not thin. Scott is not thin. We are still not obligated to "you" to lose more weight.
Some of the reactions we get - I know are very well meaning - make me feel unacceptable. I don't really care what you think, but at the same time, "sometimes you need a break" is not as supportive as you think. To me, you are saying "You don't look good enough yet. Lose more." Like I care. I do look good. I want to lose more and I know I'll be ready to recommit soon, but I realize I need to stop pressuring myself to make that commitment today or tomorrow.
It's a heady feeling to have people say you look great, but I'm also not obligated to be grateful for every compliment. I'm done with obligations.
I just want it to be really clear that we are allowed to take an extended break. I also hope people out there who may be reading know it's okay to take a break as long as you feel like it's a good place to do so... We've had enough success at this point to appreciate the break.
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