Love your perseverance quote -- thank you for sharing that.
Wanted to say that I so relate to your story of gratefulness with walking, swing, friend. I had a similar epiphany this weekend when I met my friend for a walk - where we kept pace slow because she has bad knees. We bring our own lunches usually when we meet up --- and at this particular place there were no picnic tables (and neither of us had camping chairs in the trunk). Well, we ended up eating on a curb under a tree --- and it made me sad to see how much trouble that she had both getting onto curb and then getting up... So, I am with you on the gratefulness spectrum...
Also, with the Time & Adherence ... (ignore if this is not helpful)... I totally understand the frustration with the scale. It has a mind of its own and it doesn't always take a downward turn in proportion to our efforts. A few weeks, I wanted to throw that puppy out the window. In the MWL group, Mark Cooper always comments to not get hung up on a number, but to focus on the habits and consistency --- along with the be kind to yourself, etc. Also, below is from March 2020 MWL thread:
JeffN wrote:First, remember that we are in this for a long-term solution that you can live with and live well with, not short term weight loss. Some of you have set goals that, based on averages, are most likely unrealistic. The most important goal is adherence to the program and the guidelines. That will produce your best chance for success. In regard to weight, the average loss, over time, is about 1% of your current weight per week. You will most likely lose more in the beginning, if you are male, if you are under under 50 and if you are taller. The numbers just tend to work in your favor.
Wishing you the best and hope you have a wonderful 4th weekend!
Stephanie