Thursday, December 24, 2009

Then & There, Here & Now

This has been some kind of year.

I guess I don’t have to tell you that I was in a bad place twelve months ago. My diets came in fits and starts. Five days of super-high motivation followed by a serious setback or two and then… well… the tide washed me back to shore, fatter and sadder than before I made the attempt.

It’s heart-wrenching, isn’t it? That realization that this wasn’t the time you were finally gonna do it. That this is just one more failed attempt to pile on all the dozens (or let’s be honest with one another… maybe even hundreds) of dashed dreams and broken promises.

Believe me, I know what it feels like. The idea starts taking root in your head that maybe this is just too tough for you. That it’s your destiny to spend whatever remains of your days in a body that you really can’t manage to feel good about.



Man, a picture says it all, doesn’t it? I look like the most miserable sad sack that ever walked the planet. And how the holy hell did my “camera radar” not kick in and allow me to swiftly shuffle out of the photo?

I can’t tell you what it was the finally flipped the switch. As bad as it is, that picture wasn’t enough to do it. Splitting the seat of my pants in public wasn’t enough to do it. Feeling out of sorts and out of control wasn’t enough.

It’s been suggested to me that my breakthrough came because I had a weekend on my own and finally was able to have a heart-to-heart talk with the only person who could do anything about my situation: me. Maybe that was it… maybe the day-to-day din of our hectic lives doesn’t provide us with the self-reflection time we need to make the big decisions about our health and well-being.

I give this blog a world of credit as well. I post regularly because doing so keeps this weight-loss journey bubbling on the front burner, even when I’m simply jibber-jabbing about nothing of much relevance or importance. That interaction with this wonderful weight-loss world keeps my focus laser-sharp.

These days, having lost nearly 90 pounds to the good, I don’t feel so helpless or hopeless anymore. I don’t feel like my future is outside my own control, and I don’t feel like a stranger in my own skin. Actually, I feel like I’m coming home.

And I don’t freak out when somebody pulls out a Nikon.

I may not say it enough, but thanks to everyone who makes it a point to stop by this space, whether it’s every day or every so often. I really do appreciate your compliments, your good advice, your words of encouragement and the way some of you have a tendency to get a little assy and sassy. Comments on my posts sometimes turn into a rockin’ blog party, and it never ceases to make my day.



And here I am today, in all my sweaty glory, just having wrapped up a 20-mile bike run with lots of hills. When I look at that first picture these days, I like to imagine that that fat dude is puzzling over a strange text message he just received: “GET UR @SS IN THE GYM, JUMBO. YOUR PAL, JACK SH*T.”

50 comments:

  1. 20 miles...wow! I am curious how far I go in spin class...I'll find out soon because my gym is getting new spin bikes with computers that will track mileage (among other things!) next month!

    The thing I love most about your blog is that I never know what I'm going to get when I click on the post in my google reader...will it be a sarcastic story? song parody? or my favorite...the more serious, pep talk?

    Looking forward to what 2010 will bring all us bloggers!

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  2. Way to ruin a potential breakfast cookie binge. Jack plays tricksies to keep us in line. *sighs and puts the amaretti back on the plate*

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  3. Well Jack, you're always the one yelling "Let's Get This Party Started!" so how can we not join in? Thanks for caring enough to write something catchy every day.

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  4. A good pre-gym motivation...thankfully our gym is open this morning...but not tomorrow (and that is just fine with me).

    Merry Christmas...

    kgershman.blogspot.com

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  5. This is what I do for a living....getting people to make the realization to take control of their lives, health, soul! Awesome job that you made that discovery and kept it up. It's liberating isn't it? Congratulations! Ain't nothing Jack Sh*t about that. :)

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  6. "I feel like I'm coming home" You said it all, Jack. There's no place like home and feeling comfortable in your own skin.

    Merry Christmas!

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  7. Wow! You've come a long way! Your posts never fail to make me laugh and ponder!

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  8. Merry Christmas.
    You inspire me...

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  9. I don't always comment but i do always read and you have definitely helped me this year with your humour and compassion!

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  10. Thank you for consistantly posting, silly or not, it matters and it helps me too.
    Thank you for showing that it is hard work and it can be done.
    You have made an amazing transformation.

    Merry Christmas!

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  11. I'm new to this whole blogging thing but, I too, am finding it a great motivational tool to keep me in line with my weight loss. I know I have people, like you and other bloggers, who are going to support me when I'm down or kick me in my ass when I'm being lazy.

    I look forward to following your journey in the future, you always make me laugh!

    Have a happy holiday, Jack!

    Julia
    jewliagoulia.blogspot.com

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  12. We appreciate you Jack!! Thanks for all of your wonderful posts!

    Happy Holidays!

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  13. Whistle Whistle! you look great Jack, so much to be proud of!
    Merry Christmas my friend

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  14. Congratulations Jack - woohoo man! Well done! Enjoy the holidays and thank you for your wonderful inspiring blog.

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  15. It really has been a great year Jack! Thank you for all your hard work on the blog and in the gym! I have enjoyed being part of your journey with you! :) Keep up the great work my friend! :) Happy Holidays! :)

    PS where is your talent video for MizFit's Talent show???? lol

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  16. I really love your blog Jack not just because you're funny either but because of the person you are. Man, was that mushy lol. Great picture Jack and way to go on those 20 miles!

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  17. Well done. Looking forward to the continuing adventure.

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  18. Merry Christmas, Jack! You're awesome!

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  19. Great post, my friend. As a fat dude relatively new to this lifestyle due to some major health scares, your post was an inspiration.

    Thanks, and Merry Christmas!

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  20. You've come a long way baby! Im super proud of what you have accomplished Jack! You always inspire me and today, I needed it. Thank you for this year and I look forward to the next.
    Merry Christmas!

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  21. What a year

    Well done old chap, an inspiration to us all, few people can make weight-loss fun but you've nailed it... dieting gives me a serious sense of humour failure but you always manage to reignite it, here's to an even more successful next year!

    Thanks for being awesome

    TJx

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  22. you are rocking it man, looking good!!! ;)
    And you know what, you deserve every compliment on this blog because YOU made this happen for yourself and now are helping others make it happen! :)

    Merry Christmas Jack, enjoy the new you!

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  23. This is such a powerful commentary on the fact that only YOU can choose to make a change in your life...and you can only do so when you are able to to reflect on and be with your feelings.
    BODA weight loss

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  24. Merry Christmas, my friend. Thanks for all you do.

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  25. The blogging does help. The comaraderie and support helps.

    Excellent work on the bike.

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  26. You rock. There is very little else to say :)

    And I find it amazing that it really finally just took some self reflection...I think all of us in one way or another could GREATLY benefit from doing just that!

    Happy Holidays My Hilarious HomeBoy!! :)

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  27. You rock, I agree. And yeah, I would REALLY like to yell at that girl in the pictures 3, 4, 5 years ago that was unhappy and fat just to FREAKING START ALREADY, but I know that it wasn't time yet. Sometimes you just become ready when you're supposed to, and not one moment before.

    Happy holiday to you and yours, Jack. :)

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  28. I dont often post, but I wanted to be sure to say have a great holiday and to THank You for all your blogging, making me laugh and posting some damn fine writing! You Rock!!

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  29. As fuzzy as that picture is, you look GREAT! Wow! I have concluded that exercize is the real key for me to get the rest of this weight off. Eating healthy 90% of the time has me maintaining... but man, if I biked for an hour plus every day I would look like you in no time!

    Well, not *really* like you, because that would just be wrong, with the beard and flat chest and hairy legs...

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  30. You found your fatass jpg. great job jack...all my pictures turn out fuzzy too...but the great thing is...we get the gist. Never letting go, never stopping is the key.
    merry christmas to you and your family.

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  31. What a fantastic post Jack! You done good & look great! I was also in the gym VERY EARLY this morn!

    Have a wonderful holiday!

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  32. Self-reflection is what did it for me, too. We ARE the only ones with the answers that will work for us, and those answers are within us. We just have to be still and listen. :)

    Happy holidays! (Hope your wife enjoys the golf clubs! :))

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  33. Merry Christmas you spot of burning bright energy.

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  34. Congrats on a great year. Merry Christmas!

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  35. Great post! Merry Christmas*, Jack! :o)


    *or substitute whatever you actually celebrate here. ;o)

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  36. Wow, you really look amazing. I'm glad you've had such a great year regarding your health.

    Merry Christmas!

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  37. Amen, brother! I will attend the church of Jack $hit anyday! Congrats and thanks for a GREAT post!

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  38. I enjoy reading your blog not just because you're witty and fun to read, but because your posts are worth thinking about. I'm glad posting here helps keep you on the straight and narrow, but it also helps the rest of us.
    Thank you!

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  39. Ah, what a wonderful post to read during the holidays. Merry Christmas, Jack!

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  40. What an amazing year you have had :)

    Love your blog.

    Merry christmas and a happy and healthy New year.

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  41. Hi Jack. Wow! You look bloody amazing! A real testament to all your hard work. You look like a completely different person to the earlier photo. I wouldn't have guessed they were the same man.

    What a brilliant thing you've done for yourself this year. I wish I was looking back over my year with a sense of pride. Not only have you transformed yourself in shape, health and fitness, but you've motivated hundreds of other people as well. OK some of us slackers only come over here for the laughs, but then, dammit, we get drawn into this whole exercise your butt off lark.

    Thanks for the fab blog, the great writing, the laughs, the motivation, and for sharing your story with us.

    Have a wonderful Christmas!

    Bearfriend xx

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  42. Merry Christmas Jack. Thanks for all the wonderful support and motivation.

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  43. Jack, I read you everyday. You've become home base for all of us. You make blogging fun.

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  44. Congrats on all your success. May you learn from your failures. Keep the fire of healthy living burning. Happy Christmas!

    -Denise

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  45. I'm sure the next years maintenance/workout blog will be just as fab as last years weight loss, life habit building blog.

    You've been an amazing resouce for many people, commentors, lurkers, and all points in between. Wishing you well in 2010 Mr. Sh*t.

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  46. Dang Jack, you're lookin' good! Thanks for making me laugh over my morning coffee. it has made the past few months a bit easier!

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  47. This was a great post. Thank you.

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  48. Love the post, the pics...even the sweaty one! Awesome job Jack!

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