Let me tell you a story about how I lost 50 lbs. in one day. Once when things were going well and I wanted to keep it going, I decided to join a weight loss group. I had been eating better, exercising and could get back into some of my smaller clothes. I felt good. Knowing the power numbers have had over me in the past, I prepared myself for the probability that their scale would vary about 10 lbs.. So imagine my disappointment, when I was 18 lbs. heavier! I took a deep breath, licked my wounds and said it was important to face the truth.

I then went to the doctor for my checkup. I knew I had already received the bad news, but I still dreaded the weighing experience. Dutifully, I set the scale at the weight I had been at the group and stepped on the scale. It was too heavy! That's more like it, I thought as I nudged the weight down. As it kept going, I was happier and happier. I passed what I weighed on my scale and it kept going down. Yes, this is more like it! Then even I realized something was wrong. I was 50 lbs. lighter than I was at the weight loss group! And I did it in just in 2 hours!

The point is I let the numbers on the scale influence how I felt about myself.

In reality I still weighed the same, but my emotions were on a roller coaster ride. I went from feeling good about myself, to disappointed, to elated and finally to resigned. I was the same person at the same weight as when I started the day. So why didn't I feel good any more. Why couldn't I be as happy as when I started the day or before I realized the doctor's scale was wrong?

What you need to remember is that numbers are just relative and not absolutes They do not fully represent the effort or the progress that you've made. When you do get on the scale, put down a number in your exercise log or look at the size of your new outfit, don't let the numbers trigger your feelings. Celebrate your efforts. Reflect on how your body feels and on living the vision that you have for your life.

So how old would you feel if you didn't know how old you were? How would you feel about your weight if you didn't have a scale? I guess the answer depends on how meaningfully and purposefully you are living. If you are doing something everyday mentally, emotional or physically, you won't need to ask the questions because you will be too busy celebrating your efforts..

Remember this is a journey. Laugh at yourself along the way. And enjoy the unexpected detours!