I've officially declared June 28th to July 4th "Independence from the Scale" Week (it's gonna be a thing...). I'm not going to weigh myself at all and just focus on Non-Scale Victories (NSVs) for the entire week - and I challenge my readers to do the same.
But, I'm going to amuse y'all in the meantime, so this will be the first of a three-part series about NSVs, and today's will be about "The Double Takes".
"The Double Takes" are what happens when you see a friend/acquaintance/family member who hasn't seen you since you've lost weight. Or when you meet someone new and after getting to know them reveal you're a WW and have lost (insert number here) pounds. It's the face they make when they have to connect what you used to look like to what you look like now. And it can be a bit startling when it first happens to you.
Mostly because people do it differently...
Some say, "Wow! You look amazing! I almost didn't recognize you!"
Some see you and then quickly look away before trying to sneak a peek. When you bust them they say, "Well, you look so great now...not that you didn't look great before...uh...uh..." (be nice to this person, he's just trying to keep his foot out of his mouth).
Or, they don't say anything...and just stare at you like they are trying to figure it out. Personally, this is the most unnerving one for me, but mostly because I keep thinking there is something on my face.
When it's someone new, they will typically crinkle their eyes in concentration...like they are trying to put the weight back on you to figure out what you used to look like (at this point I usually whip out my before picture that's in my wallet). Then they do something similar to the reactions above.
And while these reactions were a bit weird in the beginning, I've started to see them for what they are...compliments.
These people are amazed by what you have done and want you to know! Although, they may feel bad or embarrassed to say anything. So, here's my guide to helping them not feel weird:
But, I'm going to amuse y'all in the meantime, so this will be the first of a three-part series about NSVs, and today's will be about "The Double Takes".
"The Double Takes" are what happens when you see a friend/acquaintance/family member who hasn't seen you since you've lost weight. Or when you meet someone new and after getting to know them reveal you're a WW and have lost (insert number here) pounds. It's the face they make when they have to connect what you used to look like to what you look like now. And it can be a bit startling when it first happens to you.
Mostly because people do it differently...
Some say, "Wow! You look amazing! I almost didn't recognize you!"
Some see you and then quickly look away before trying to sneak a peek. When you bust them they say, "Well, you look so great now...not that you didn't look great before...uh...uh..." (be nice to this person, he's just trying to keep his foot out of his mouth).
Or, they don't say anything...and just stare at you like they are trying to figure it out. Personally, this is the most unnerving one for me, but mostly because I keep thinking there is something on my face.
When it's someone new, they will typically crinkle their eyes in concentration...like they are trying to put the weight back on you to figure out what you used to look like (at this point I usually whip out my before picture that's in my wallet). Then they do something similar to the reactions above.
And while these reactions were a bit weird in the beginning, I've started to see them for what they are...compliments.
These people are amazed by what you have done and want you to know! Although, they may feel bad or embarrassed to say anything. So, here's my guide to helping them not feel weird:
- Acknowledge that you know you look different. This way they know they aren't sticking their feet in their mouths.
- If they ask how you did it, be honest about the hard work it takes. Don't be cocky. People asking this are wanting help, and being a condescending bitch doesn't help them.
- Thank them for their kind words. Let them know it makes you feel good that they see the differences you've put into place for yourself.
- If they sound like it's something they'd like to do, be encouraging. Be a walking success story.
- Walk away smiling. Enjoy the moment. You earned it.
I'm not scheduled to weigh again until July 5 anyway, so I'll join in. :) Seriously though, I try not to weigh myself on non-weigh-in days because the natural fluctuation in weight can be discouraging.
ReplyDeleteBut since I'm heading out of town to a music festival (where temptations and cheating will be plentiful), I am going to try and find some non-scale victories --- finding healthy options, etc.
Have a good weekend, Jaci!
I only weigh-in every day now because I want to get used to the fluctuations that happen because as soon as I'm on maintenance I'm supposed to weigh every day. So, generally, I agree with you.
ReplyDeleteHave fun this weekend! Happy Independence Day!