Curveballs, Kids’ Comments, and Choosing Grace

Today I weighed myself on a Hume scale and the number went up. But the things that should be trending down—body fat and visceral fat—are going down. And the things that should be trending up—like lean muscle mass—are going up. Logically, I know the scale increase doesn’t mean I gained fat. That number is influenced by so many things outside of what I ate in a day.

But mentally? It still stings.

I’ve been trying to do at least a small workout every day and paying attention to what I’m eating. I’m staying within my set macros, trying not to skip meals, and avoiding the junk when I can. I’m living by the 80/20 principle: do my best 80% of the time, and breathe a little the other 20%.

And then there was the second sting. This morning, while I was working out, my six-year-old looked at me and said, “Mom, how can you do that with such a big belly?” I know he didn’t mean it as an insult—he’s six, and he narrates life exactly as he sees it. But it still hit me. Most of my weight sits in my core, and it’s always been the hardest place for me to lose.

I’m working hard not just to live a healthier life, but to show my kids what it looks like to be comfortable in your own skin. To show them what healthy actually means. He didn’t get in trouble, but I did tell him it wasn’t a kind thing to say. And honestly, it’s kind of funny in the big picture—he’s fully comfortable saying anything at home, even if it accidentally pokes fun at his mom.

Life isn’t black and white. Every day throws a new curveball. Today it was a slight increase on the scale and a comment I didn’t see coming. But I chose to make the best of it and look at the bright side. To take the lemons life handed me and make lemonade.

Tomorrow is a new day. I’m staying on track despite the curveballs, and I’ll keep focusing on the good instead of the negative.