Cake and Grit
So I’ve been on a low calorie diet for 2 months now, and I’m happy to say I’ve lost 15 pounds. I tried to take an updated photo, but the difference doesn’t really show. Maybe it’s just that I’ve still got a long way to go.
And it hasn’t been easy, let me tell you. The moment I declared my intention to lose weight, my calendar began bursting with Memorial Day cookouts, graduation parties, and other occasions where people felt free to ask “Is that all you’re having?”
Yes, those carrot sticks are all I’m having. No, I wouldn’t like a piece of cake.
In the meantime, I’ve been reading Angela Duckworth’s book, Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance. Although the focus of her book is on the pursuit of academic, athletic and artistic goals rather than of weight loss or self-development, I like the examples she gives of people whose persistence and determination led to their achievements.
The lesson I’m taking away is that we’re always practicing. Always falling down and figuring out what went wrong. Always getting up and trying again. Grit is when you continue to work toward your goal, despite the obstacles.
Fifteen pounds off is progress. I think that’s a bit more than one stone, according the English-style weights. My blood pressure is under control and my sugar level is way better than it used to be.
I’m still going to stick to the plan, most of the time. So I guess it’s okay that I did enjoy a few celebratory dishes here and there.
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