I'll start with a picture first....
This is my mom a year ago at preparations for my brother's wedding.
Weight loss was not on the agenda for either of us. We ate and enjoyed ourselves and she was at her heaviest. Though she was not feeling well she was dressing and acting like the wonderful, fun mother she is.
Fast forward about nine months. We are visiting with my brother and his wife and my mom mentions that she's lost 20 pounds. I'm happy and a little surprised.
You see, I had started my weight loss journey in May and had talked to her about it. She was very supportive and encouraged me to do well. I wondered if she'd work on her weight, because I knew it was an issue for her as well. She suffers from RA and has bad knee pain. Weight loss would be a big help for that pain, but I never suggested it to her. I knew she had lost weight before and I knew if she was motivated she'd do it again. I also knew that I didn't want someone suggesting weightloss to me when I wasn't in the mood for it, so I didn't want to do that to her either.
Well, it's been a year and look at her now!
She is halfway to her weight loss goal (about 45 pounds down) and is doing great! The pain is still there from the RA, but she said she is feeling better from having lost weight. She is not following any certain plan. She simply watches what she eats, has lots of fruit and veggies daily and is careful about too much bread and sweets.
The lady has surpassed me in numbers and I'm so proud of her!!!!!!
I asked her a month or so ago what made her want to lose weight and her reply was, among other things, "You inspired me, Leah." I was a little surprised because I haven't lost a lot, but I was also flattered.
Her weight was of concern to me because of her health. Yet, by not saying anything except to keep her updated on my weight loss progress she became inspired to begin her own weight loss journey.
Together I know that we'll feel and look much better as the months and years go on!
So often we influence someone and we don't even know it, what an awesome story!
ReplyDeleteoh Leah, your mom looks fantastic, and how great is it that you were able to motivate her to do it without saying anything that would have hurt her. Sometimes it's better to not say anything at all. It can be such a sensative topic, I know myself if someone told me I need to loose weight I would be hurt.
ReplyDeleteSo fantastic that you are motivating her!
congrats on the Shape magazine and I won't enter the maple syrup give away ;-)
I LOVE this! How wonderful that she has lost so much weight and you inspired her to do it. What a testimony to your relationship.
ReplyDeleteTell your mom she looks awesome and beautiful!
Looking Good "Leah's Mom" (wink wink)!!! So excited you were inspired by Leah too!! My mom has been inspired by you!!! Loved the "intro" to your Mommy Leah!
ReplyDeleteWonderful story! My mom has Jr.RA, and has had to keep her weight down -- such a struggle sometimes.
ReplyDeleteThat was very supportive of you to let your mom find her own motivation to lose instead of a verbal prompting (as you well know my issues with that! lol)