DAY 410 Visualizing a Milestone

Hi there Journal & Friends,

I rarely choose a goal with a number attached to it. In the past, that has usually been a sure-fire way to set myself up for disappointment. 

But sometimes you need a fresh vision, a boost to get you going. And since I started Steve's Hot 100 challenge (it's still not too late to join! Go HERE for details) I've been thinking about my goals.

And I played with the 100 days... and wondered how much I might weigh at the end of the Challenge. I was surprised at first, then excited to realize that I might... maybe... probably could... finally get OUT of the 300's and burst right into the twosies!! The TWO hundreds! 

For some of you that would NOT be so exciting. But I haven't been in the 2's in about 27 years!!! This was an exciting thought for me, a great mini-goal along the way to my final goal of 199.

Then... I realized that I was not seeing ME... it was like making plans for someone else... talking about another person. I was excited about the possibility, but it was not ME. It's been so long... it just didn't seem REAL. It was weird!

I was put on my first diet at age 10... and it's been a roller coaster ever since. 

Being able to SEE yourself successful at a thing is powerful and important. I tried and tried...it just wasn't coming. 

So I set out to find a photo of me at around 299. That goal is perfectly doable for me between now and 1/1/11. I wanted some visual help.

I found one! I am younger, but at least it's the right size. :-)

(Me and Jim... wasn't he scruffy-cute in his beard?)

I have been thinking of it all day... trying to "see" it. And it's beginning to feel real, and personal... a reality for ME. 

It will be the action, the DOING of my daily goals for the Hot 100 Challenge that will carry me to this milestone. The numbers will take care of themselves, an after effect of the consistent actions.  

Twosies, here I come!

Today's Peek at the Past (Oh, I LOVED re-reading this one! It was not my "brilliant" writing that got me excited... it was because I had included all my old favorite quotes from my walls here at home. It was like talking with old friends... and they were cheering me on and filling my heart with renewed enthusiasm! I need that for this push into new territory.)

From Day 48 , September 26, 2009:

• Passion bridges the chasm between the dreamer and the doer.--Lew Lehrman
• Our most precious achievements are those purchased with our greatest efforts.
• Whether you believe you can or believe you can't, either way you're right.--Henry Ford
• Dreams are where you want to go; hard work is how you get there.
• Don't let what you can't do stop you from doing what you CAN do!
• One can never consent to creep when one feels the impulse to soar.--Helen Keller

(For complete post "Feeling It...or Not" click HERE) 

From Dr Phil's book: "Have a plan, and the courage, commitment and energy to execute it... you will overcome the tough stuff."

My verse for today: "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him..."

My quote for today: "Have a dream. Once you have a dream, make a plan. Once you have a plan, go for it with determination. With a dream, a plan, and determination, you can accomplish anything. Even the impossible." --Kyra

Enjoy the Journey,

Loretta

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Day 388 Day of Rest & Favorite (?) Photo

Hi Journal & Friends,

Well, I'm not sure if I'd call this a "favorite" photo! But I did stumble upon another lost "before" photo. They are hard to come by, since I never wanted a camera aimed my way!

First, for comparison, I have a picture showing the absolute lowest I ever got (as a semi-adult) when I was 16 years old:

And here is the infamous Lost Before pic:

And this is one was from August of this year, when I was 330 lbs:

I can see the changes in my face finally, but honestly, when I look at that middle photo, the rest of me still looks so much like it that it can be a little demoralizing. I suppose the solution is... don't LOOK at it! LOL!

Today's Peek at the Past (The quote for the day from one year ago really hit me today!)

From Day 27, September 5, 2009:

 "You'll never achieve extraordinary results taking average measures."   

 --Skwigg

(For complete post "Power to Change " click HERE) 

Enjoy the Journey & Labor Day weekend,

Loretta

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DAY 153 Letting Go of the Old Images & Embracing a NEW One

Hello Journal & Friends,

 I remember writing a post on Day 65, called "It's Not About the Food" (here). I am still convinced of that. A plan will take the weight off... but right thinking and healing emotions will KEEP it off. And that takes work. Sure we need a healthy plan, a method that works for us as individuals. But for most of us, there is more to it than a good "diet".

I am continually surprised, amazed, and grateful for those that read my blog. I really hope it helps you a bit on your journey. And a special thanks for you who take time from your busy day to leave a comment. That means a lot to me!

After I wrote "Surviving the Hardest Day Yet" on Day 150, several people made comments that made me realize that I needed to let go of the old me that was 460 pounds, and embrace the NEW me, which is currently 358 but getting smaller. I need to set down the old, and pick up the new! 

To help me do that, I wanted some visuals. I didn't think I had much, having fought the weight loss battle ALL my life. Fat baby, fat child, fat teen, fat adult... with little spurts here and there of brief losses before I zoomed back up. I guess when I went through my old photo albums, my focus had been on the "bad" photos, and I didn't even realize I had some that could help me visualize what I might look like... with a few new wrinkles thrown in!

So, here they are. The cream of the thinner crop. ;-) They are the younger version of me, but that'll do for my purposes, which is to imagine the new THINNER healthy me. (click to enlarge)

From Dr Phil's book: "Given your goals, how does your current thinking help you get there?"

My verse for today: "Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long."

My quote for today: "Life is a succession of lessons which must be lived to be understood." --Helen Keller

Enjoy the Journey,

Loretta

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