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Good day FS friends,
I've updated my bio for another yearly weigh-in and my weight is a little higher than it was in 2015 when I joined FS wanting to lose 12 lbs. Over the past 6 years I have lost weight and gained it back, lost loved ones, gone through memopause, survived COVID (so far), am waiting for a loved one to succumb to cancer, and have endured the general stresses and crap that life flings my way.
I have given it a lot of thought, and I’ve changed my goal. I no longer hold losing weight as a priority. I now have a goal of staying healthy and fit. I still fit into my “lower weight” jeans - they’re just a little snugger now.
I have been participating in a fitness research program for MS patients over the past 5 years that M.D. candidates have been running. Every two years I have a VO2 Max Test performed. 2017 was my first test. Then 2019, and most recently last month. I am about 14 lbs heavier than my first test weight and 4 years older. HOWEVER, because of all of the fitness work I’ve been putting in to help stave off MS progression, it’s been scientifically proven that I am fitter than I was in 2019 and 2017. I am the outlier in that research program, because, as everyone knows, “MS patients do not improve over time”. Well, I have. And a lot.
I’m still living my lifestyle change that I implemented in 2015, but I am not logging my food and exercise right now. Would I like to get rid of that nagging muffin-top? Of course. It’s irritating as hell, but with menopause comes changes to hormones. And apparently they reside around the middle portion of your body. But I’m working on it. The weight change, in part, is expected as I have gained muscle mass over the past 2 years. I can honestly say that I feel better now than I have in probably over 20 years. And I’m good with that.
I can't believe I'm about to write this, but: If you get bored, and would like to meet me, just look for “Eamon Morrissey Personal Trainer” on Facebook. That’s where you’ll find four videos of me (one guest speaker and three gym) and my trainer’s comments about our journey. The speech video is not great as it was captured by a mobile device, but you’ll get more insight as to my journey and who I am. The training videos show that MS patients can improve mobility-wise.
I guess what I am getting at is that weight, while important, is not the be-all-and-end-all to life. Fitness is key as well. As is loving yourself, loving others, and being happy. If you pushed yourself to walk 2 more steps than yesterday, be proud of that accomplishment. Be kind to yourselves and have patience. We’re all built differently so we do not all fit into the same mold.
Take care friends, and please, stay safe.
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