In the U.S., there is a fairy tale called Alice in Wonderland. It is about a girl who follows a mysterious white rabbit down a rabbit hole only to discover a magical imaginary land. But there is another One-derland – one characterized by a play on words and spelling. This One-derland is the land where… when a person weighs themselves, the number on the scale starts with a 1. I don’t know where this expression first came from or what its significance is, however, I do know if you talk to someone who is over 200 pounds and carrying around extra weight, once they lose that weight and the scale reads 199, they will joyfully proclaim they have reached “One-derland.”
I am no different. I’m nearing the end of my personal HealthyWage challenge, and when I stepped on the scale this morning it read: “199.4” I was ecstactic. I hadn’t weighed under 200 pounds since I was 18 years old and a freshman in college, 30 years ago.
I was thrilled to see the number on the scale started with a 1 – “One-derland” – that magical imaginary place that so often, in the past, I never thought I would reach.
For some time, weighing under 200 pounds was like a unicorn. I wished and hoped to weigh 100-something. But during those times, I wasn’t eating right or exercising to move me closer to what I thought would be better. I used to think One-derland would be better. I used to think by being under 200 pounds my life would magically change.
The reality is… my life hasn’t changed. It is the same today as it was last week when the scale number started with a 2.
Through this personal evolution, one of the things I have quit doing is this: I have quit thinking my life will change or be better when I weigh a certain weight. Something that is clear to me now is that I am the creator of my life. It doesn’t matter what I weigh. My weight doesn’t determine the outcome or quality of my life. Before, I thought it did. Then I started living my life, and now I can tell you it doesn’t.
Truth of the matter is: I create my weight. Whether it be my max weight of 330 pounds or this morning weighing in at 199.4 pounds. I determine what my weight will be. The scale just measures what I have already determined through my actions and attitude.
But I’m not gonna lie. Being at a weight where the first number is a 1…. now, that totally rocks!
Gone With The Weight 
Such an inspiring post, Jen! Thank you!
Yes, we determine what we have and what we get with our choices and attitude.
And as you said at the end, what you achieved today, that totally rocks! You totally rock!
Huge congrats and further on much fun in your exciting life’s games. 😀
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