12 Comments
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Gary Sharpe's avatar

So glad my little video was helpful - it made creating it worthwhile. Best wishes for your ongoing journey and kudos for your authenticity in sharing this - I'm sure it will help others too.

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Gabriel's avatar

Would you mind if I do a re-recording of the video?

I'm thinking it would be nice to add to my "motivational memes" folder.

I hope you've been well Gary!

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Gary Sharpe's avatar

Yes that's ok.

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V. N. Alexander's avatar

Have you tried dancing for exercise? Music can be a great motivator.

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Tereza Coraggio's avatar

Oh good, another dancing advocate! Much better aerobically and mentally than 'kneeling for Our Lord,' imo.

But keep in mind, Gabe, that losing 'only' 11 lbs in on month is not a failure! Enjoy the process of fitting comfortably into your 4X clothes. You'll never be at this point again in your life. Be the adorable bunny tucked into bed, and love the phase you're in. You'd never be so critical of someone else who was making that kind of progress.

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Gabriel's avatar

"You'd never be so critical of someone else who was making that kind of progress."

I've been really thinking about this point. Why?

I guess I could chalk it up to impatience, but I also think it's deeper than that.

The root of it seems to be that I struggle to maintain an encouraging voice internally, and reflexively reach for pressure.

There's a wide variety of reasons I can think of why that's the case, I hope it's something I'm not stuck with.

When I asked the question I was thinking about how you've shared your thoughts on dance lessons lately, which was what inspired it!

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Gabriel's avatar

Gotta try to learn!

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Rozali's avatar

Patience and gratitude are things most of us need to be better at - you’re not alone in those feelings. What you’re doing with this journey is an act of self-love, keep it up. Don’t punish yourself.

For active hobbies, I love HIIT, strength training, and plain old walking/hiking (it’s also an excuse to discover new places). Biking is a favourite in the summer. People always say “do activities you enjoy” but sometimes doing the shitty repetitive workouts are the most physically rewarding!

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ExcessDeathsAU's avatar

So good to hear from you again mate. Ahh...the typhoon of terror. I know it well. Walking, swimming and hot yoga are my go-to. Hot yoga is about 50% men/women split so no one feels left out gender-wise. Lots of gym bros in the hot yoga room as well to gain mobility.

Edit: and I also forgot - going to Mass. Walking to/from the bus and then an hour of up, down, and kneeling for Our Lord. It's good.

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Visceral Adventure's avatar

I enjoy dancing a whole lot. And it’s something you can do your gf. Also, I like some team sports like volleyball. In Chicago, there are a ton of amateur leagues: kickball, softball, pool… also I love ping pong. Not as intensive as tennis but you work up a sweat!

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Gabriel's avatar

Another bid for dancing! Great points all around 😄

Hope you've been doing great!

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April Whalley's avatar

Back in my youth was the disco era - I only have to put on that 70's vibe to get moving! I do all my 'chores' this way as well as often my dog walking ha ha. My old girl is 15 and a half now so we don't go far enough for me to get much of a work out but with the disco moves added in..... well I am only one step away from being arrested and locked up I'm guessing. I also love my electric bike for cycling. Makes me feel like I am fit just being on that thing and whilst it isn't too much like hard work it sure does lift the spirits! I have lost 8lbs this month and I am delighted, my son has lost 12lbs. We are facing this together. Keep it up you are doing great!

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