I’ve been having a few conversations with different friends about the numbers in our lives. You know… weight, clothing size, shoes size… I feel I’m held hostage by some of these numbers, and I know several of my friends are very concerned about their numbers too.
My pretty, bronze Merrell sandal, size 6.5
Why is it that most of us couldn’t care less what size shoe we wear, or if our shoe size changes? I was a true 6 narrow for much of my life to date, but a few years ago, I started wearing some “regular” widths, then some 6.5s, and now, I sometimes need a size seven even. Other than the sad fact that some of my lovelies don’t fit anymore, it has had NO impact on my view of self.
However, that’s the only number/size not currently in hostage negotiations. My weight doesn’t matter AS much to me as some, maybe because I’ve ALWAYS weighed more than it appears I do. Still, I weigh more than I should, and I know that.
Sissy says she FEELS like a cow because the costume is too small!
What REALLY does me in is clothes. I’m down almost two full sizes, despite the fact the Wii insists I haven’t lost much weight at all. (And maybe I haven’t; I’ve always tended to build muscle faster than I lose fat. I know, I know, that’s a good thing…) I can also rationalize that different manufacturers and/or designers use different templates, so I SHOULD wear different sizes.
That’s why I feel I’m a hostage to these numbers. I can sit here all day and tell you why they shouldn’t matter, but they DO.
Sissy says to run for the shear joy of it
Another number that matters is how fast I can run a mile. Now, keep in mind that I haven’t run competitively since I was 17. That’s a LONG time ago, right? Still, I know my competitive nature, and I know that means I can’t train WITH other people, because I just lose focus and have to be out front, whether it is what is best for me or not.
I’ve decided I can’t train with the Women’s Four Miler program, but after chatting with a childhood friend and her hubby lately, I’m wondering if I can even participate in the event without hurting myself. I mean, if I can’t train without losing sight of my limitations, why on earth would I trust myself to “race”?!
Are you held hostage by numbers? Have you figured out how to pay the ransom?
Oh – and Gretchen has up her review of the Thundershirt. It does come in a PANK version now, but that doesn’t seem to matter…
Chan Knits 
oh girlfriend, you know I am. And I’m becoming obsessed with the number of stairs I can climb (116+250 this morning). And yet – the numbers that would help me, I can’t seem to be bothered to keep track of (calories). I’m trying to be good, make better, healthier choices and let the rest follow – but darn it’s hard!
And you’re so right, shoes don’t affect my personal self-worth what-so-ever. Great thinking post. g
I’m starting fresh again this week counting my “points” with foods I eat. I’ve got to find a way to loose this 15# that I gained over this last year. I’m sure much of it has come with health and stress. =0(
Numbers do hold us all hostage, don’t they? sigh.
Hoping over to read Gretchie’s review…..
I’ve retired from the numbers game. THey used to seem very important, but now I’m in a place where I have everything I’ve ever wanted in life and I’m enjoying it. Numbers be damned.
Silly numbers. (And oh, amen.) And the letters, too: 6.5 EE here.
I have been a hostage to numbers since I hit puberty, and it isn’t fun. Before I had kids I was a 7.5 wide. After G, I shifted between a 7.5 wide and an 8 wide. Now, after HRH, I am either an 8.5 wide or a 9 wide – this depresses me. I liked my smaller shoe size!
I have been swimming about 4 x a week – 750 meters with fins and kickboards then 20 minutes of deep water aerobics. So far, so good.
Numbers screw with my head.
I have OCD, so don’t even get me started…
I wear a 9.5 shoe and long to wear the dainty shoes I see at the store sigh.lol
Hubby and I have been working on healthy eating and excercise for 11 months and each lost 30 pounds but I long for some Mcdonald french fries but I have lowered my cholesterol and cut my diabetes medicine in half so it is a trade off;)
I walk as running would hurt my knees.
I was introduced to a pair of jeans that are high waisted and comfy and have a built in tummy control feature they are a little stretchy and I love them they are levis perfectly slimming made with a realistic body in mind;)(((Hugs))) Darcy
I decided I was too “fat” in 2004, when my 3rd son graduated high school, lost 15 pounds and kept it off. The number I was hitting and exceeding was just too much for me to bear. Then during November and December of last year, I lost 10 pounds just because I couldn’t eat, because everything hurt too much. I’m happy to say I’ve not put that weight back on after my surgery. I’d like to take inches off my waist, but it probably won’t happen. Happily, by sewing my own clothes, I don’t have to face the numbers for my clothing sizes. I do know from my daughters’ clothing, however, that my 1980 size 3 Jordache jeans are smaller than size 0 today, so I might not be in for as rude a shock as I might think in the fitting room. But the number I really want to lower is the AGE: does anyone have a line on a product that will make me 25 and my dearly beloved 38 again?
Super cute shoes!! I do have an issue with the #’s too. Ever since I lost all of my weight (years ago), I obsess if I gain even 5 lbs. I like the size I am now, although I’d love to get motivated to exercise again. When do I have time though???
I think the time #’s bother me most, there are never enough hours in a day! And I feel so scattered, I don’t like that feeling. 😦
I have always been held hostage by numbers, I have never tried to fix any of it (well that is not quite true-I have never been successful at fixing it) so now that these various numbers are causing real health problems I am at a loss as to how to help Its a Catch-22 (another number) The numbers have caused the poor health, the poor health won’t allow for the fixes that correct numbers) I am confused writing this reading it will be a real treat. Off to knit those numbers I get! (my foot size has grown too–I think they are just making the shoes smaller)
I’m with you on the numbers hang-up. I try very hard not to let my weight ‘number’ bother me, but it does. Every single day … I hate it. I know that I’m overweight and should lose a few pounds. I need to get on my Mom’s treadmill more, that is for sure. I was doing really well at the start of the year and it just got thrown to the wayside.
Working night shift doesn’t help either … my body is on the wrong schedule!
The numbers I have problems with are good and bad cholesterol levels. I try not to worry about the rest of it. I’m hoping that when I go back for my checkup that my numbers will be better.
I hate the numbers in general. I know I should care more about them, but honestly they don’t often make me feel better. 🙂
So true. My weight has been fluctuating recently (mostly due to comfort eating before DH came home) and, try as I might, it does affect my outlook when I see the number on the scale. Maybe because I worked so hard two years ago to lose 25 lbs. It is so discouraging to see the numbers creeping upwards again, regardless of my efforts to have them go the opposite direction. At least I work out and I’m fit, right?
Yeah, numbers. Oh goodness. I think my least favorite thing about the Wii is the “that’s obese” it tells me which disheartens me even if I have lost BMI points or pounds.
Thanks for your honest wonderful post.
Of course I’m “hung up” on the numbers! My current obsesions are: the number of hours spent in transport each day and the number of hours available for sleep. One is too much, the other too little! Still love those bronze shoes..
Numbers….boooo! I don’t like numbers. The # of my shoes, clothes size, age or weight are heavy burden on me. But for the life of me I don’t bother to count how many cookies I plant in my mouth….
Oh forgot to add. Please give Sissy a hug and tell you she is NOT a cow….;)