Oh, the promises I make myself.
Nearly twenty years ago, I bought some beautiful wool fabric, fully intending to make a jacket out of it. Three years ago I bought a pattern, and since then I have slowly progressed to the finish…I swore I’d finish it last year, then gave up when the weather got too warm in the spring. This fall, I told myself. Absolutely this fall.
Of course each time I pick it up, I have to re-read the instructions to figure out what comes next. Then I get discouraged, and give up.
But I will finish it by Thanksgiving. I will wear it on Turkey Day.
And this book…I bought it about fifteen years ago…I pick it up periodically but never get very far. In fairness, I haven’t been reading like I used to, and I did read another two books I’ve had sitting on my shelf since the late 90s.
Then there’s the well-worn promise to lose weight. I only have about six pounds to lose, but I have a body type that shows every ounce, so it seems like more. (When I lost 40 pounds many years ago, more than one person swore I must have lost closer to 100. Like I wouldn’t have been bragging about that!) I don’t feel a need to lose it in a hurry, more a need to feel in control of my weight. I have a vision of myself grossly overweight, and it frightens me. Apparently not enough to put down those Pepperidge Farm salted caramel cookies, however. Yummy…too yummy.
So I avoid making promises to others. If I can’t honor what I’ve promised myself, how can I be expected to honor what I promise others?
Image Credits, header: (calendar) © stillfx — Fotolia; (clock) © Jakub Krechowicz — Fotolia
My World With Words 
Perhaps, as you say, it is better not to make promises to yourself if you can’t keep them. I seem to promise myself most mornings that I will start my diet today. It is an empty promise. I keep breaking it.
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I think I need a new approach! I’m just not sure what that would be 🙂
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You are going to publish a photo of you in that completed jacket, aren’t you? With or without the extra 4 lbs?
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P.S. Belinda, if you read only one short story in your Eudora Welty book, read “Why I Live at the P.O.” For some reason it has always been my favorite.
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I will! Thank you!
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Oh, sure. I’ll have to provide proof it’s complete. I may need to buy pants to wear with it, too…
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You could be like one of those newscasters who broadcasts with shirt, tie and suit jacket–in his boxer shorts. Just be sure to be photographed from the waist up.
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Yes, my boxer shorts are not that flattering.
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Ha,ha! I definitely see with your thoughts about not making promises that we can’t keep even to ourselves. Now waiting to see you wear that jacket on Turkey Day 😉
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Yes, that promise is in writing and made to the world at large, so we’ll see how well I do! I just thought of something…I may need to lose those pounds for it to fit!!
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hahaha liked it.same here.
i better make a promise not to make any more promises.
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That’s one I could keep!
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I can hear your “inner critic” speaking. It seems to be human nature that we are very tough on ourselves.
I am certain you keep promises to others and are kind – you do the best you can. That even applies to taking care of ourselves – we do the best we can.
With stress and circumstances, I know my weight was very affected. I think your achievement of losing 40 pounds and maintaining it is huge. Six pounds up – still represents success to me.
Focusing on the things you haven’t finished or followed through sounds harsh, but I understand it. Don’t listen to your inner critic because you’ll only feel lousy. I happen to know you have many, many wonderful achievements! Keep celebrating those and I’ll be you’ll feel more motivated to finish old projects.
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That six pounds represents a loss of control to me. The weight itself doesn’t thrill me but isn’t a big deal. I just want to feel in control…and I do feel best at my ideal weight!
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I understand. I wish I had gained control when I was 6 pounds over. As much as I felt lousy – I gave up and kept going higher. It’s good you have a stop button. I’m amazed how I am losing weight now – once I made up my mind. That determination (after feeling so miserable) is why I’m able to do it. You will, too!
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I’m so excited you’re losing the weight and doing well on the plan you’ve chosen!!! I lost a couple of pounds and have been going up and down ever since. If I could just lose one more…than another after that…it shouldn’t take long!!!!
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Thanks for your encouragement, Belinda! I just know you can do it! Please let me know when you do. 😊
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That does look like a beautiful fabric, love that deep red!, and the jacket looks almost finished. Not much to do! (?) 🙂
I’ve a couple of skirts almost finished. I stopped sewing them when I got fatter
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Ha ha I’m praying this jacket fits. You’re right, there’s not much to do, but it’s precise work and I’m not the world’s most experienced seamstress. Oh well! All I can do is forge ahead.
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Well, judging by that grey dress you made, I’m sure the jacket will turn out well 🙂
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Thank you! I will hold those thoughts close.
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Belinda I want to see the jacket on turkey day. You’ll have to share a Thanksgiving post!
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Marie, I have every intention of wearing it that day! I have the sweater to go under it and I still need the pants, but in my circle, I could wear jeans, so no excuses!
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