If it's just a number, why do I obsess?

When I began this weight loss journey nearly a year ago, I swore I would NOT obsess about the number on the scale. I would be more concerned with how my clothes fit, my fitness accomplishments and in general, how I felt. But I have obsessed...and I still do. I try not to, but I can't help it. Sometimes to the point that I weigh multiple times a day. Ugh. I weighed this morning, and I am 2 pounds from seeing a number I haven't seen in at least 10 years. Now, I'm obsessed with THAT number on my scale...

But, why am I obsessing? Two pounds is not going to make me a size smaller (another number I tend to obsess about!). No one is going to even notice a 2-pound loss (oh, and it WILL happen, by the way!).

I really wish we could come up with another way to track weight loss that didn't involve the number on the scale (I know - that doesn't even make sense!). When I see people I haven't seen in a while, the first thing they typically ask is, "How much weight have you lost?" The more intrusive will ask, "What size are you now?" What if I offered, "I'm much healthier now. I can play with my boys without becoming exhausted, and I run about 20 miles a week." Would that suffice? I doubt it.

I have recently learned a new "measurement" that I really like - a "non-scale victory" (or NSV if you're on Twitter!). It's something you couldn't do at a larger size that you can do now that you've shed a few pounds. For example, the boys have one of those really cute children's rocking chairs (like the ones that sit out in front of Cracker Barrel). I can now comfortably sit in it (will post picture asap). Or the fact that I will now wear my yoga pants in public without hiding under an oversized t-shirt.

Ok. So, if anyone has ideas on how to overcome the obsession with the number - please post and share with us all! Until then, I have to go scheme about how to get these 2 pounds off my scale...