A Cup of Catherine

In 3 Years I’ve Gained 10 Pounds

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Don’t worry, this post isn’t really about the scale or how I’ve gained 10 pounds, so stick with me, please.

I know that it may not be the best habit, but for the last several months I’ve been weighing myself daily.

It’s not for any particular reason other than curiosity, and I guess my scale-watching began after I started taking an SSRI and noticed the number inching up a little each visit to my doctor (a fairly typical side effect).

So, yeah, in the last year, I’ve gained some weight.

In fact, I’m about 10 pounds heavier than my pre-pregnancy weight.

gained 10 pounds

In 3 Years I’ve Gained 10 Pounds

When I found out I was pregnant with Bazooka, I thought I was in the best shape of my (adult) life.

I was fit and toned and had been committed to a regular Bikram practice.

I was more confident in my skin than I had been in years prior, but I also felt strong.

In all honesty, I was still kind of hung up on my appearance and less in tune with my body than I thought. When I look back at photos from that time and when I ask Mark about my appearance then vs now, we both agree I was a little underweight and probably not as healthy as I thought I was.

Anyway, a lot more than the physical has changed in the last 3 years.

I’m a mother.

I have a new position at work.

I don’t sleep or exercise as much as I used to.

I probably drink a little too much wine (so much for my Lenten goal).

I’ve seen friends get married.

I’ve traveled to new and exciting places with Mark.

I’ve challenged myself in new ways and realized that I sometimes need help.

In 3 years, I’ve gained 10 pounds. But I’ve also gained many other things.

I’ve gained new friends and new family.

I’ve gained a deeper sense of self-respect and purpose.

I’ve gained a tougher spirit and softer exterior (both literally and figuratively!).

I’ve gained new hobbies and new responsibilities.

I’ve gained laughter and milestones and tears and dirty diapers and midnight cuddles and romantic date nights and health scares and stressful work days.

And I wouldn’t change a thing.

In the past 3 years I’ve gained 10 pounds, but I don’t see those pounds in a negative light.

I see those 10 pounds as sleeping late on the weekends when the rare occasion presents itself.

I see those 10 pounds as cuddling with my son instead of sweating and hour at the gym.

I see those 10 pounds as pizza rolls for dinner after a holiday weekend surrounded by family.

I see those 10 pounds as happiness and acceptance and learning to live in the moment.

Physically, I may be 10 pounds heavier, but emotionally, I am lighter.

Gaining 10 pounds…and so much more Share on X

[linking up for thinking out loud]

So tell me…

  • What have you gained in the last year?
  • Do you own a scale?

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      • Motherhood is amazing! (And challenging…)
        I went for a long time without owning a scale and it was kinda nice. Who knows…maybe I’ll put this one away if any negative thoughts arise.

    4. “… but emotionally I am lighter”. I’m so happy for your evolution towards a more easygoing attitude towards life and the way you stated this is beautiful. This is the attitude I hope I’ll have one day, too, and independent from the number on any scale.

    5. Girl, I feel you. I have too have gained weight over the past two years. I don’t know exactly how much since I don’t weight myself, but my body is definitely different. In fact, it’s probably closer to where it should be. I also feel more clear headed and less anxious. My life is much fuller now than it was two years ago.

      • That’s awesome to hear, Kate. I think a lot of it has to do with simply growing up! Not that we can’t have issues as adults concerning our bodies, but I guess we often learn to prioritize different things. Take care!

    7. This is so powerful. I think people so often forget that our lives and our bodies are dynamic. We are constantly changing- and that is OKAY. Our lives change. We are put in new situations, put in new places, given different things- and that is what is so beautiful about life in my opinion.

      • Yes – realizing that my body (and mind, really) are dynamic was a huge step for me. What a boring life we would live without evolution and change! I’m so glad you’ve realized this too.

    8. I absolutely LOVE your ending line: “Physically, I may be 10 pounds heavier, but emotionally, I am lighter.” This last year, I’ve gained confidence. I’ve gained love and survived loss. And I’ve gained a new adventure – grad school in a state I’ve never even visited, starting in July. Thanks for the reminder to focus on gaining in life, not on the scale!

      • Thanks, Casey. Oh wow – good luck on your new adventure with grad school and moving! That sounds so exciting and I’m sure you will experience many awesome things.

    10. Absolutely love this!!! Weight gain isn’t bad at all – a lot of times, great memories and lots of happiness come with it <3 So glad you've gained all of that!!

      • Thanks, Megan. You’re so right – it’s too bad so many of us focus on the physical instead of the mental. We’d all be a lot happier and fuller otherwise.

    12. I love this, Catherine! You’re beautiful inside and out and it’s such a fresh take on this topic. Also, something that is nice for me to hear right now as I’m growing baby and not focusing on anything but gaining weight haha!

      • Thanks for your sweet words, Heather. <3
        Weight gain with pregnancy is weird. I know I had my "oh my god I'm a cow" days, but then I also felt incredibly beautiful (it helps I had a relatively easy pregnancy). It's a journey, for sure! Just remember your body is doing what it's supposed to do!