Hello. I don't follow these threads, but I have occasionally read a tiny snippet here and there over the past many many months, looking for inspiration myself.... I had started gaining weight last summer for no reason. My normal response was to exercise more, which I did, but I still kept gaining! I got depressed and everything was going wrong with me, including my doctor hounding me about going on meds because my cholesterol going up. Then in late Jan. she did a thyroid test. It took months for the meds to really kick in, but I am slowly returning to normal in everything. My message is: if you haven't had your thyroid tested, please do so!

I have a niece who often greets her mother and I with "Hello, Beautiful" in her texts. I always just brushed by it thinking it was very sweet but a little OTT and not sincere. It came up in conversation with my sister the other day (because she is reading the book Hello, Beautiful) and my sister corrected me-- her daughter absolutely thinks of us a beautiful-- we get so focused on weight and wrinkles and bags under our eyes but my niece always sees us as beautiful women. I've been thinking about this for the last few days.

It is easy to say, "we're always hardest on ourselves" but because it is easy to say, I think it is easy to not hear. At least for me. I think others are just being kind when they say I am beautiful ... I mean, I know I am not model or movie star beautiful... I know I have a lot of weight to lose ... my skin isn't always fresh and clear ... sometimes I look like I haven't slept in 5 days ... you know the drill. We all do it. We all see and call out our flaws. But here's the thing ... the people around us don't see us for our flaws. They see us for what we're giving out to the world.. our appearance for sure but also our joy and love and humor. We are not defined by the 20 extra lbs ... or the bad hair day.

I truly never believed this. I am sure I will still struggle with it on bad days. I remember a past boss who told me that he would never hire an overweight project manager because if they couldn't manage their own health, how could they manage a project? (ironic because I WAS an overweight project manager -- but I had my weight/fitness in a much better place at the time). That stuck with me and ate away at me for many years .. and still. But I am starting to break out of that thinking.

This past week was a little tough for me-- I had my hair done and it came out a little blonder than I'd wanted. I was doing the up and down yoyo on the scale. I wasn't getting enough sleep. Blah blah blah. I didn't feel great about myself or how I looked ... but 4 people i told me I was beautiful on different days this week... and this week, I chose to accept it and internalize it. It made such a difference in how I see myself. Sitting here this morning, I DO feel beautiful. I am smiling, my hair is on top of my head, I have no makeup on and I even have a stupid pimple coming up but I feel beautiful. Not picture-perfect beautiful ... but real life beautiful. I don't know that I have ever said those words, "I am beautiful." It's an important step forward for me. One I wanted to share with you all.

We need to stop responding to compliments with, "oh but I need to lose 10 lb .. " or "my arms are fat" ... stop responding to others like this but most importantly, stop responding in our own heads with these negative disclaimers. It makes a difference. It really does!

So my message to each of you, this morning:

Hello, Beautiful! I hope you have a great week ... do good things and be good to yourself!

There's a "mean girls" walking group in our neighborhood. The leader moved, another started the group up again. They said the "mean" one is gone...and asked ME to join...again. Walking more...sure...that's part of a healthy lifestyle. I was thanked by the leader for ALL the volunteer work hubby & I do for the neighborhood.....fence repair...stonework on the entry ways.....picking up trash. I currently walk @ 7am with my GF from across the street. Then 8:30am with this group of ladies.

I tried cooking with Tofu. In an effort to reduce cholesterol & go meatless. Loved the Mapo Tofu I made. I'll be making that again.

I was wearing large T-shirts. They're super baggie and if my tummy isn't perfectly flat it doesn't cling....well...I went shopping and purchased my usual size Medium T-shirt. It's more flattering & I already feel better about how I look in them. :0)

It was weird and a little unusual that multiple people used the word, "beautiful". Other than my niece's greeting, it isn't a word that comes to mind ... "cute" sure, Ive heard that a lot over the years. Maybe the universe thought I needed to be bombarded this week lol.. if is, it worked!

But I think we hear the message often-- with or without the actual word-- but we brush it aside or take no notice of it. I love that your DIL sent back some photos you wanted to discard. Love that you could see yourself through her eyes.

Sue, I am trying to start the same thing-- a walk in the evenings. I recognize that a lot of the reason I am unsafe walking is the anxiety of not being able to see the ground and the risk of not knowing how big of a step a curb is up or down .. and really just the sense that I am off balance (when often I am not). I REALLY want to walk the neighborhoods, parks and nature preserves when I travel so I am going to try to build up my confidence and comfort walking outside my home turf. I haven't started yet-- I have a lot of stress around it and we are back in a hazy, bad air quality state with the smoke. I think I just need to get over the first hurdle and just DO it. A bright, sunny, not-smoky day would help but really the challenge is to psych myself up for the first step. I don't even care if I walk far ... I just want to get out, by myself and see how it goes. What's the worst that will happen? Maybe I will trip or even fall ... but big deal. I can get up and keep going.

THIS Is my goal for the week!

ETA - great progress, Nicole .. love going down a size! I gravitate to the baggy fit but am recognizing it doesn't always do me favors.

I'm sorry if I said the wrong things and in the wrong way. I somehow wasn't standing in the right line when they were giving out whatever it takes to say the right things. I will happily delete my post.

Funky, I wish you luck with your walking goal -- be leery of that smoke. Do you use a cane? Just thinking that you should have some really cool ones!

party....your among friends. Alls good. Have a GREAT Holiday!

Sorry, Party -- you posted as I was writing and I didn't see your post at first!

I am so glad you were able to work with your dr to find the cause of your weight gain! Have you also noticed big changes in your energy? I think that was the most immediately noticeable improvement I noticed.

I also have a bad thyroid ... it was bad since my teen but we only started treating it in my early 50s (dr didn't want me to be on a lifetime of synthroid). I suspect I need my dosage adjusted -- I need to make that a priority!

No, I don't walk with a cane. I can see that it may be helpful as an additional measure of distance/uneven ground but I am not sure I can bring myself to use one. Maybe if it means more independence or if it opens the door to more activity. Maybe I could accept it more if I called it a "walking stick" (joking/not joking!). Thanks for the idea!

Funky, maybe some trekking poles vs a cane. Give you balance and much cooler than a cane! Plus, when you walk with trek poles you burn more calories supposedly.

Can you use trekking poles in the city? I am thinking not likely .. but thought I'd ask. Off to check them out. I do think they could be helpful on trails!

And not only is it pouring rain now ... but it is soooo dark that it's in the range where I can't see. Maybe it will clear this afternoon.

I have seen people using them on sidewalks but not in a crowded city location. But if they work for you and help you feel comfortable walking alone then use them...it is an adaptive equipment necessary for your independence. What would be your concern about using in the city?

I'd be concerned about using them on a busy/crowded sidewalk ... and also carrying them in a shop or restaurant. Not sure if/how they fold up but I have a friend who works at REI here in town so thinking I'll go there in the next few days and check them out.

I don't mean to sound negative -- even if they don't work for city streets, I REALLY like the idea of using them to walk trails which is one of the things we'd like to do on my upcoming trip.

Trying them out at REI is a great idea. That will give you the best sense of whether they will work for you...even if just for your trail walks. Report back please!

@Funkyart Walking sticks can be great, I have an aquaintance that uses them for trail and sidewalks here in the "burbs". She has problems with depth perception too. I want a set for trails myself, as my depth perception has always been off. Not to your extent at this point, but enough to make me unsure of myself on some trails and be horrible at most sports. Of course the sticks will not help with my general athletic inability but I will be happy to be more comfortable on trails and rocks.

Party I read your report but I don't do a very good job of replying. Just know that I am here in the sidelines cheering you on. Actually I'm cheering everyone on. Good morning to all. To my eyes you are all beautiful. Great message funky and sometimes it takes a daughter-in-law or a niece to let us know what we should be seeing. And how we should be seeing with love.

What a great thread with many much-needed messages for me. I had a birthday last week, and I've been in deep "life contemplation" mode. This summer is flying by, and so is life in general.

Party, I've had thyroid issues for 30 years. I have it regularly monitored and take medication. At one point, I went off medication, and so many things went out of whack. I also started growing a goiter and developed nodules. So, I've been back on it. I hope it provides you with some relief.

Our air quality here in Chicago has improved, so I'm taking a long walk this afternoon and grilling some healthy food for dinner.

Thanks for keeping this going, Funky! Have a wonderful week, all you beautiful people!

I ordered/received an inexpensive set of hiking poles to try-- if they work as well as I think they will, I can upgrade. Can't wait to give them a try-- maybe this afternoon!

I am up 2lb today. I am annoyed but not completely surprised. I haven't been good with water and I had 2 hot dogs-- why? I can't even tell you. I don't like hot dogs-- yet I had 2??!! I am hoping I just need to purge the additives and salt of the processed meat. My focus for the rest of the week will be clean eating.

Today is a pool party ... many of us are dieting so we opted keep the food lowkey with a focus on fruits and veggies and grilled meats. I'll likely skip the meat today. I will have cocktails but my fav vodka and club soda loaded with fruit is fairly low calorie.

Hope everyone has a great holiday!

@Funkyart - that is such a great idea to try out the hiking poles. Anything that gives you freedom and confidence is worth trying. My DH uses them hiking and says he'll never do hikes without them again they are so useful. (except this week when he didn't bring them because we didn't anticipate these kinds of hikes - whoops!) If you do end up upgrading, look at the ones with interchangable tips - some are better for rocks or sidewalks, and some are better for dirt trails. Some sticks come with both types that you can switch out depending on where you will use them.

@party_music50 - Welcome and I am so glad you got your thyroid worked out. That is so important to your health.

@Feathers11 - Happy birthday to you!

So, it is my birthday week (53) as well and we are traveling. I've seen people I haven't seen for a year or so, and I've gotten lots of compliments on my weight loss which is always nice to hear.

But, the most important part to me was the hikes and challenging physical activities I had the confidence to try this week. We did a very technical and challenging hike a few days ago with ladders and cables and today we did a summit crawl up a ski mountain. I was pretty much last place :) But a couple years ago I wouldn't have even signed up. It does make me feel alive and optimistic, and that's a good feeling on any birthday. I have tons of room for improvement. It's motivating to see women my age and older doing ALL the things. And doing them so fast!

As far as eating - I'm still concentrating on the 800 grams of fruits and veggies and 100+ grams of protein. That seems to be working for me right now and is pretty easy to accomodate with travel and eating out.

Happy 4th to all of you!

Happy Birthday to you, Legomom! It's great to read about conquering the physical challenges. Good for you! That is so inspirational.

As added motivation, here's a podcast I listened to yesterday. The guest talked over herself quite a bit, but there are lots of good nuggets of information here. Most of all, she's 60 years old and claims she's in the best shape of her life. Age really is just a number--we can all continue improving and making positive choices for ourselves.

https://dhrupurohit.com/dp-ep407/

Happy birthday, @legomom23! 🎉 🎇 Hope you enjoy your day. The trip sounds wonderful and glad you feel you can do so much more. A good friend is in Ireland right now and I am enjoying seeing her photos though I wish I was there. She barely made her connection due to weather but I’m glad she got out.

I like the ”hello, beautiful” mantra!

I’m another hypothyroid here in the group. I was diagnosed around age 50?

Got a reminder to schedule annual physical. My primary car doc just retired so I have to pick someone else in their group. I guess I could have seen him one last time, but it is probably better to start this year with a new provider so they can get to know me. Yes, I know everything is in the electronci medical record, but still I’d like to get to know someone new. My GYN retired in December, so I am assuming everythign can be done through primary care such as mammogram referrals and GYN exams. I had a PAP test in December, so technically I shouldn’t need one every year. I have no female related issues other than being postmenopausal but I don’t have any problems.

Yay, Pilates studio is offering a July 4 special on class passes and private training sessions, 15% off today only, so I needed to up my private sessions anyways. I have no private session this week due to the holiday. She is totally booked but I at least have small group reformer again on Friday.

I booked a trip to see my siblings, and I will be looking forward to doing Zumba in the new studio! I did the virtual class this moring. There were over 10 of us online. Summer hasn’t been that bad and this is the first week I used the industrial fan on the deck. This holiday weekend has been very hot and humid.

Hope the fireworks aren’t too bad tonight and scare the kitties. Ugh. I hate it here on July 4, but not being home is not an option.

@Funkyart....I found I liked cork handles on my walking sticks. I joined a mountain hiking group 4 years ago and they required everyone to have some type of walking sticks. Link to similar ones If you don't like yours....these are the type I ended up with.

Happy Birthday, Legomom and Feathers! Love that you are starting out your next years with healthier habits! Your technical hikes are impressive, Legomom!

I saved the podcast, Feathers-- she caught my attention in the first few minutes. I feel like she's talking to me!

Gscience, love that you'll get to visit with your siblings and join your Zumba class in person!

I didn't actually hike/walk with the hiking poles yet -- but I used them around the pool and in the driveway. Already, I can tell that they are going to make a huge difference with feeling off balance/not being able to see the ground. I am excited to get out with them!

Thanks for the link, Nicole.. I read some reviews that complained about cork getting slick and uncomfortable with sweat. Not sure how valid they are but the poles I got have foam handles. They were comfortable enough just walking around the outside of the house but I'll see how I do on a longer walk. Mine also have interchangeable tips--and it collapses down to 14" so I can put them in my luggage. I am pretty pleased with them to start!

@Feathers11 -that podcast is on my to listen list for sure. Glad it's getting good reviews. I like his podcasts - the one last week on neuro plasticity was very interesting and got me thinking about making a vision board after all these years. She had some interesting insight I found fascinating.

I saw a couple elderly couple go by with one walking pole each. Too cute.

Happy birthday Legomom I hope you had a great day!

I had been keeping two mystery pounds on for quite while but seeing those stay away now that I am walking two and a half hours a day. Plus I'm still doing my exercises. Eating is still under control with intermittent fasting. I hope I can keep that up for the rest of my life as it seems to really help me. Although I do miss sometimes having a early evening snack. Not often but sometimes. I really wanted some watermelon last night but resisted and will have it for an afternoon snack along with a few cassava chips. Drinking is another that I struggle with but have been having lemon juice with some kind of herbal tea and that has worked for me to get two or three cups of either hot or cold drink into me. Hope the rest of everyone's week goes well.

I hate when my clever niece and nephew throw my words back at me. I asked her if she was happy with the photos (on her phone) from her graduation. She said meh, they were ok. I said “oh stop, I’m sure they’re great.“ She’s young, fit, and beautiful, how could they not be great photos? No, I’m not biased, its just a fact. 😆

Later I saw a photo of me with her and said oh, I don’t like how I look in that photo (standing next to youg, fit, and beautiful wasn’t a smart move ). Both my niece and nephew said “oh stop, you look great.“

They are right, instead of focusing on what I view as flaws I should focus on what a wonderful day the photo captured, and how lucky I was to be able to take part in it.

Ah.. you are part way there, Hhireno! But we all need to take the extra step and embrace our beauty. We need to look past our perceived flaws to see the beauty others see. I know it's hard. I am making an effort every day to find something about me that looks good that day. Maybe that seems vain or self indulgent but I think it is an important exercise ... especially when our looks are changing. Losing weight, toning muscle, aging -- it all changes our look ... not to mention some of the fleeting changes due to the amount of sleep we get, water intake, sadness and joy.

I encourage everyone to try it -- if only for a week. Look in the mirror and name two things that make you beautiful!

I have started to try some items that had been put away or put to the side because they were too small. I have been slow to do this .. as I didn't want to bum myself out. Yesterday I tried on a dress that was snug on my belly, hips and behind last summer ... and also a short denim skirt. Both fit very well. I may be ready to get a little more adventurous and dig into the boxes I had put away. I think I'll need to lose about 20 more lb for most of them to fit well but that's ok. It will give me something to work towards. 20 lb feels so far away but it is in reach for the year if I stay focused! I hate to say it but clothes are motivation to me-- right up there with better health!

I agree on all of that - finding things you like about yourself every day. I also think there are ways to pose in pictures that are more flattering than others and it doesn't hurt to try them out.

I listened to the podcast - I had never heard of her before, but she is saying the same things most of the people I listen to currently say for older women - more protein and resistance training among others. In fact, DH was in the car while I was listening and he said - you could have done this podcast:) Her protein goal is pretty high - I try for more in the .7 grams per pound. And that is a stretch for me most days. I do think I might track for a week or so again to see where I am standing again. I am not losing any weight, but I'm ok with where I am for right now. I've upped my carbs considerably with all the fruit on this 800 gram challenge, but I've also been exercising a lot.

Funky - that's great on your clothes! I have had a lot of fun shopping lately. I got rid of almost all my clothes because they were too big and not flattering. It's been fun finding some new styles that I like. Clothes are certainly motivating to me too! I had several events last week when we traveled and it was so great to feel confident and stylish.

G'morning!

My apologies for not being around; we have been busy with 4th of July festivities.

I want to take a moment to thank jill302 for her kind words in the last thread. I had mentioned that my knees were hurting and she wished me well. So, "thank you, Jill!" - it was much appreciated.

As far as beauty goes, I think every single one of you is beautiful inside and out, even though I've never laid eyes on any of you! :)

It's interesting that being beautiful has come up in this thread. I was sitting in a bar over the weekend having a beer when the 20something woman sitting next to me, turned and said, "you know, you are really beautiful." Let me tell you, my soon to be 65 year old self was shocked! At first, I thought she was pulling my leg in a mean spirited way, but after chatting with her for a few minutes I think she was sincere. Even if she was not, I'm going to take it that way.

Over the weekend, we were at our vacation home and it was very hot. 106 on Saturday and it stayed in the triple digits the entire weekend dropping to a cool 101 by the time we headed home on Tuesday. Having moved to a much cooler climate a couple of years ago, that was a real shock to my system, but I did manage to get a walk in every day that we were there. They were much shorter than what I usually do, but at least I got out there and got moving.

Food wise, I did ok. We had bbq ribs with potato salad, but the other sides were watermelon and corn. I stuck to my smaller portions and had only one rib, just a small serving of potato salad, half a cob of corn and a couple of slices of watermelon. The worst thing I ate over the weekend was a slice of pecan pie from the ice cream social held by the local church. But, the pie is a yearly tradition and I wasn't going to deprive myself of that. I didn't eat it all in one sitting; just a few bites on Tuesday, a little bit yesterday and I still have half of that slice left.

I did drink more beer than usual, but we were having a good time and I'm not going to beat myself up over that.

Yesterday, I was back to my regular walk and I'm about to walk two miles to the farmers market to buy peaches and strawberries. This morning, I tried on several pairs of pants that did not fit me last week, but they fit me today (and not just that I was able to button them, but they really fit) - yay! What prompted me to try them on was putting on my regular jeans this morning and noticing that they were quite loose around the waist. Loose enough that I needed a belt to hold them up. I feel like I woke up slimmer this morning; does weight loss happen over night?

Anyway, I'm quite happy with how the week and weekend went. To top it all off, hubby and I had a wonderful time together so I'm in a great mood.

Funky, I'll chime in that I have a friend who uses the trekking poles for hiking and walking around her neighborhood. She doesn't have vision or balance issues, but she finds that she feels much more confident using them, especially over rough terrain. Because of my bad knee, I've been think of getting a pair as well.

To all of you - keep up the good work, congratulate yourself for your successes and don't get discouraged over setbacks as we start each day with a clean slate.

Going along with Dawn’s pants fitting better, I am noticing that my workout tank tops are longer on me, which means I must be losing body comp, which is good. Little bit down on the scale but not much, maybe 0.5 lb. or so.

Yesterday’s small group Pilates class. I am second from the back wearing my ”kinda vintage, kinda savage” tank. I am happy I can hold my own with much younger women. 💪

What wonderful updates today! Love that you're seeing your clothes fit better/looser GS and Dawn ... and Dawn, what a lovely compliment you received! I just don't believe someone would go to the trouble of giving a compliment that isn't genuine -- but too often our first thought is a joke or not true. That is part of what sparked my thoughts ... my first thought is always negative. Let's give our friends, family and strangers the benefit of the doubt .. let's let ourselves accept the positive words sent our way!

I totally know what you mean about waking up feeling thinner, Dawn -- and it does seem to work that way for me. Unfortunately, today I feel the opposite. I woke up feeling bloated and heavier. I am going to take it in stride. I'll double up on the water today and see if I can flush out whatever is making me feel "not thin" lol!

Exactly, Sue! I didn't even notice your thigh/knee (but fwiw they look great!) I was focused on how joyful and fun you look! 😍 That always comes through with your natural beauty!

I also love the dress! Great color and perfect cut for the summer!

I have discovered a new (to me) low cal cocktail. Deep Eddy grapefruit vodka with this, which has 35 calories in a bottle.

It ends up being a little too sweet for me, so I add some club soda. Very refreshing! We are on vacation at our beach house this week, and after all the craziness of the spring, I am really leaning into the relaxation (I read an entire book on the porch the other day) as well as the daily pre-dinner cocktail. It is very humid and often foggy, so I am also embracing some afternoon naps.

Love that you are leaning into the good life, Sue ... afternoon naps and porch sipping sound wonderful!

I like the deep eddy grapefruit vodka too but the last time I had it, I thought it was too sweet. I switched to just grey goose or titos with club soda in a glass loaded with fruit-- grapefruit, blackberries and raspberries. When I go out, I have them load it up with orange, lemon and lime.

I also still love my ramona grapefruit wine spritzers .. but they are 90 calories. I also load them up with ice and fruit so they last awhile.

Wise words, Funky - let us all take compliments graciously and not second guess people.

Ooooo, I will have to look for that cocktail. I'm not big on hard liquor, but vodka is one I enjoy. If I swapped my evening beer (200 calories) for one of those, that would be quite a calorie savings. :)