You browse the T-Tapp website and read the success stories, sort of like flipping through a magazine. One story catches your eye because of the similarities between their "before" photos and your current state. Your heart beats a little faster. You make a new commitment to get started again because you want to be one of those success stories. Then the rubber meets the road. Starting again requires putting on shoes and pushing *play.* It means leaning against resistance when your brain is saying (or rather, whining) "I don't wanna!" Starting the journey involves rearranging the schedule, pushing your body and paying attention to form. It means actual sweat.
Is it worth it?
I speak from the other side. YES.
I just attended the annual T-Tapp Retreat in Safety Harbor, Florida. You can see a video of me taken at my first retreat in 2007. Remember, I had already lost 50 pounds in that video. It was an odd feeling to stand in that same place last week, an additional 50-plus pounds lighter than that first year. I had just gotten into a size 14 then. I wore a size 6 to the next three retreats.
Standing in the Baranoff Room a few days ago, I wanted to cry with joy. I wanted to shout to everyone, "YES, IT'S WORTH IT!!!" And on top of that, "YES, YOU CAN!"
After having gone from a size 22W to a size 6, can I share with you a few of the ways it's worth it? Going shopping in the regular sizes instead of the plus sizes. Taking clothes into the dressing room and zipping them without breathing acrobatics. Choosing outfits based on the color instead of the requirement that they cover my stomach and backend. Sitting in an airplane seat and cinching in the seat belt, when it used to barely meet. Not worrying that my thighs were going to touch the next person in that seat.
Note the question: "Is it worth it?" Not "Is it easy?" Easy, no. Doable, yes.
Let me ask the question in another way. I can choose to avoid doing T-Tapp. By default I choose to feel creaky and old, and get muffin-y around the middle. Is it worth it? I can choose to eat way beyond being full because the food tastes good and besides, I had a bad day. By default I choose to gain weight and lose energy. Is it worth it?
The road to success is paved with things you don't want to do.
The road to failure is paved with things you don't want to do.
As with all of life, think it through and choose wisely the things you don't want to do, then do them anyway with diligence and excellence. Post a comment and tell me what you're choosing to do. It's worth it.
