Hey there. If you have been on a weight loss journey for years or even decades, you know by now that life does not always go as planned. Some days get thrown off by small curveballs, but sometimes life goes completely sideways for longer stretches. Injuries, vacations, family events, and unexpected circumstances can disrupt your eating, exercise, and routines. I want to share how I look at these times, because they do not have to derail you.
When life goes sideways, it can actually be an opportunity to reconnect with yourself. Instead of obsessing about what you are not able to do, you can use the time to observe, adjust, and strengthen your foundation. I know this because I am currently navigating an injury. I was a big stair climber for years, but that ended up leading to an overuse injury. I am now in a walking boot, which has forced me to reassess how I approach fitness.
For me, this means shifting away from the gym and focusing on what I can do at home. Right now that looks like chair yoga, upper body bodyweight and band work, and some non-weight bearing mobility. I also adjusted how often I eat during the day. Instead of six or seven small meals, I am eating four to five larger meals spaced further apart. These changes have helped me stay consistent without putting unnecessary stress on my body while it heals.
The other thing I focus on during sideways seasons is what I call the cosplay elements. Collecting thoughts by sitting quietly. Organizing them through journaling or voice notes. Speaking them through affirmations in front of a mirror. And finally, playing by doing something creative or enjoyable for a few minutes each day. These practices help me stay connected and grounded while I navigate the physical changes.
The reality is, eating, exercising, and managing life are things you will be doing for decades. It is not realistic to expect perfection. The key is building your foundation around your preferences and being willing to adapt when needed. If you are someone who can maintain your habits even while on vacation, that is great. If you need to step back and give yourself a break, that is fine too. The important thing is that you own your choices and move forward from them without guilt.
If you are looking for a way to reinforce this mindset daily, subscribe to the podcast and sign up for the daily email. That gives you about ten minutes each day to reset your focus and strengthen your inside/out approach. And if you want more structured guidance and coaching, I invite you to join The YLF Experience. This program is my answer to what is missing in the fitness industry today, and when you sign up now you lock in phase one pricing for as long as you are in the program.
Setbacks and sideways seasons will always come, but they can also be the very moments where you build the strongest connection to yourself and your journey.