Remember what it was like to be a kid? Like, really remember? When you would literally run every where for no other reason than getting to your destination faster than walking would logically get you there (and maybe to feel your hair blow in the wind).
This, in kids, is passion; it’s the fire in their belly that pushes them to continue running, when all us adults want to do is walk at a snail’s pace.
Finding what it is you love to do is crucial in any process – any. Weight loss, how we choose to learn, the work we decide to do for 8-10 hours five days a week, what takes up our off-time. Every step we take, regardless if we are aware of it or not, is taking us somewhere. Wouldn’t life be abundantly wonderful, if every step we took was with passion, purpose and complete awe?
Sometimes, however, we endure what it is we absolutely hate and it may be because A. so we can say we have done it (bragging rights!); B. we feel circumstances have put us in a spot where no other choice is possible (playing the victim); C. it’s necessary for the equation to work (you just have to). And really, any other reason can be inserted in the above.
I have hated a lot in this process. I have hated letting go of relationships; starting the exercise process when everything was so very, very tough; the thought of denying myself those things I thought I loved (white pasta, Nutella and sliced bread, white rice with sour cream and soya sauce; a completely sedentary life). I just told my kid’s music teacher this week that my life was SO much easier and less painful when I was edging closer to 300 pounds. I didn’t have to question anything, including my ability to push myself.
She was 
questioning her own fear of delving into something she says she’s wanted to do for some time and couldn’t rationalize why she hadn’t. I put it simply – life is sometimes easier when we don’t have to put in the effort; it’s easier in our comfort zone. But it is in the moments of stepping OUT of our comfort zone, that I truly believe we find miracles, we find what it is we love to do, and we not only fall in
love with the process, but we can easily find a love affair in the ‘new’ that is both acceptable and sultry.
If you are just starting out on your weight loss journey, or are on one, or are at maintenance, there will be many things that will feel icky, taste terrible and overall will leave you feeling frustrated. I urge you, in these moments, Hang Tough (I am a devout New Kids Fan!).
The period of discomfort may push you over the edge to something wonderful. I remember the first time my trainer asked me to put my weak little ankles on that Swiss Ball and do one hamstring roll out. I was terrified! I couldn’t do it. I could not move that ball even when I imagined a fire being lit under my backside and rolling that damned ball was the only possible way to survive. I. Could. Not. Now, I love them and do them and smile knowing I can do them with ease.
A year ago or so I set a goal to run my first 5K. I did the Couch to 5K program religiously for nine weeks and gave myself three weeks for practice runs. It was amazing to complete my first run, and since then I have done 8 others. To me, I thought running was the be all and end all of the weight loss success barometer. Slot my reason for running in scenario A in the above. I do it now because I can, but man, I really hate it! I love lifting weights, I love walking, I have learned to love cycling again with my kids. My process of having an active life has allowed me to go through what I have disliked, to find the things that I love.
Hang Tough – your process is what this is all about. You will find love in things you never dreamed. And man, when that passion is found, watch out! ‘Cause I ain’t stopping!
Karate? Zumba? Boot Camp? Kettle Swings or Pull Ups? Do it. Do all of it! Find out what you hate and do that thing again. Who knows what you’ll learn about yourself. This is the Love vs. Hate. This is the experiment. This IS the process.
If I have said it once, I have said it a million times, this is a lonely journey of one and it is only you who can decide how the process will unfold. Pushing ourselves outside of our comfort zones IS a fundamental and necessary spoke in the wheel of success. But I believe you can achieve great things using the tools you discover and love. Don’t take anyone’s shit at face value. What works for me, may not work for you.
I encourage you to try something new. And if you hate it, leave it, or don’t. This is your story. Learn to love it as you write it.
~A
Adina is an ex-corporate HR Manager with a new-found interest in helping other women move their bodies, create a healthy relationship with food and discover the amazing power of their minds to change their lives. As a certified personal training specialist, she continues to learn and educate in the field of physical fitness. She regularly blogs at 
You must be logged in to view comments.