If you’ve read my blog for a while you may remember the story of how my best friend wasn’t supportive of my weight loss efforts. One of the ways that she showed me her lack of support was a comment she made when she saw my inspiration picture taped to my refrigerator. She said, “You don’t think you can be that size again do you?” As you can see, the picture on the refrigerator wasn’t a picture of a glamorous movie star, but rather a picture of me before I got married. It was this picture:
You can see where the picture used to be in a frame. When my weight ballooned after the birth of my first child, I took the picture out of a frame and stuck it in my drawer. I no longer looked like that young woman so I didn’t want to be reminded of how fat and ugly I had become. Every so often throughout the years, when I was cleaning out drawers I’d come across that picture. I remember holding the picture in my hand and crying. “Why had I let myself get so big and fat? Why? Why?” Surprisingly, instead of crumpling the picture up and throwing it in the trash, I’d stick it back in a drawer, sighing in resignation over the fact that I’d never look like that again. Or would I?
When I finally got serious about losing weight I searched through all my bedroom drawers until I found that picture buried under some t-shirts that no longer fit me. I took the picture to the kitchen and taped it on the front of the refrigerator.
It was my inspiration picture.
I knew I couldn’t look exactly like that picture again, but it served as a reminder of the old Diane who had gotten lost under the layers of fat and whose self esteem was in the toilet. Every time I saw that picture I was reminded of how healthy and fit I used to be. I was reminded that the old Diane wasn’t gone forever. I was filled with hope.
The picture also helped me when I felt weak. The refrigerator sometimes held forbidden treats like ice cream, left over sweets, and butter. The refrigerator was very near the pantry, which also contained foods I was trying to limit or avoid. Seeing my happy smile wink at me every time I walked to the pantry did help. As I lost more and more weight, I began to realize that although I’d never look 21 again, neither did I have to look old and tired until I actually was! And I wasn’t ready to give up on my life and declare myself done.
No, I was still inspired to look the best I could, feel the good about myself again, and get healthy. That picture was one of many tools I used to be successful on my journey to lose 150 pounds and keep it off.
I’d like to put a challenge out there for you. Do you have an inspiration picture or object that you can put where everyone can see? If you don’t, I’d encourage you to think about finding something that is special to you and using it as your inspiration. It doesn’t have to be a picture. It can be a sports trophy, an article of clothing, or a letter. If you haven’t already, I challenge you to find a visual inspiration and put it in a place where you can’t ignore it. Perhaps you might even want to put it on your blog! When the days get tough you can look at your inspiration and be reminded of where you want to be, or what you want to accomplish. Will you do it today? Diane
I have a skirt that I bought recently because I wannted to have something comfortable to wear. Well let me tell ya. I am BURNING IT. Everything I want to binge I also think about where I want to be. But now I am thinking about lighting that darn skirt on fire…watch me. I will burn it.
.-= Michelle´s last blog ..Exposed =-.
I really liked this post. I often feel lost way down deep somewhere but still have the heart of the younger me. I don’t have an inspirational picture but will look for one today. Thanks for the suggestion.
.-= Gigi´s last blog ..Take Yer Own Advice, Why Dontcha =-.
@Michelle – I think you should! And then do a post on it. That would be amazing.
@Gigi – I hope you find a picture that will inspire you on many different levels. Take care.
you told us she made a comment about the picture – “One of the ways that she showed me her lack of support was a comment she made when she saw my inspiration picture taped to my refrigerator. “(in your first paragraph) – did I miss the actual comment in there somewhere – ?
.-= vickie´s last blog ..Things that set off the urge to EAT (and if you are easily set off – just skip me today) =-.
Vickie – I just added the quote. The original story is linked. I’m sorry it wasn’t clear! Thanks for pointing that out.
thanks for adding the quote – silly me – it didn’t even occur to me that the quote was in the link.
.-= vickie´s last blog ..Things that set off the urge to EAT (and if you are easily set off – just skip me today) =-.
I LOVE this idea. I know I can’t be 21 again either, but there are pictures of me that I liked from before I gained all my weight, that would inspire me, or possibly depress me, we’ll see which one! I don’t have a blog but I’m going to find a picture today!
Diane, I think this really is an inspirational picture and post. To actually see what inspired you to keep going and lose all that weight is really neat. Also, it just shows me and the others that you were thin, did gain all that weight, and got thin again.
I don’t know about other people, but it gives me a lot of hope.
man. your smile in that photo is so so real and deep.
not just in your eyes but through your spirit.
I love it.
.-= MizFit´s last blog ..It’s TIME (Orient ladies watch giveaway). =-.
Love this, Diane
I agree with Miz—you are just radiant in that photo! It’s inspiring to me, too, and I’m not even in it!
.-= Lara (Thinspired)´s last blog ..Lara Let Me Down =-.
@Monica – I’m glad this idea spoke to you. I hope you can find a picture and put it in a prominent location! Thanks.
@Sara N. – Yes, I have changed a lot over the years. It’s true that I’ve not changed a lot on the inside though – just worked on the self confidence. You can do it too.
@MizFit – You are too kind.
@Lara – I appreciate your nice words.
I used to make posters to encourage myself, but I stopped for some reason. I’m going to start again.
(beautiful you are – then and now)
.-= Yum Yucky´s last blog ..Nerdy Nadine Needs Help =-.
I agree with everyone else, that picture is gorgeous! I can see how that would be a major inspiration when things got tough with the new lifestyle.
To be honest, I don’t have a picture I could use as inspiration… not feeling sorry for myself, but I never liked the way I looked well enough to want to be in front of a camera, and therefore have very few photos of myself apart from as a child (when I had no choice about being photographed!). I’m more relaxed about it now and have even asked people to take snaps of me a few times lately (I still don’t much like the results but I’ve decided its because I’m not photogenic, not because I’m fat these days). So I guess if any picture of myself will ever motivate me or inspire me, it will have to be a picture from now!
.-= Chris´s last blog ..Getting back to normal =-.
@Yum Yucky – I think posters are a fabulous incentive, and thanks for your nice words.
@Chris – Isn’t that what photoshop is for? To make us all look fabulous? (Just kidding!) I completely understand not liking to have your picture taken. I still avoid it when possible.
My inspiration picture is a bit different, as I have been overweight since I was 18 months old. For me it is a shot of absolutely nothing- the great unknown. It works for me because I figure I have lived 51 years of my life as an obese person and I want to live the next 51 as a thin person- something that has been totally unknown to me at any moment of my life. That new territory excites and beckons me !
.-= Diane´s last blog ..Wii, Wii,Wii !!! =-.
In an opposite way that is the exact reason that I named my blog ’266′. It’s obviously not a place that I want to be, but rather a reminder of the number I refuse to ever see on the scale again. It also serves to show me just how far I have come!
.-= 266´s last blog ..One Down, One To Go =-.
@Diane – I’m excited for you to make your way into that new territory. I hope that you will experience as many positive changes along your journey as I did.
@266 – Inspiration comes in many forms, and I like yours a lot. I would have had to name my blog back then ’305.’
was she TRULY supportive of the rest of your life/family – was the lack of support for your weight loss/healthy life style changes UNUSUAL for her – or was it the part that you really noticed?
A woman that I thought would be one of my best friends for ever – I “left” while I was IN process – because I discovered that she was really an enabler. Not just weight loss – but all parts of my life. I don’t think that she knew she was doing this to me – but when I stepped away from her – she was always urging me on (in the wrong things).
.-= vickie´s last blog ..Things that set off the urge to EAT (and if you are easily set off – just skip me today) =-.
We had been friends since we were newly married. She knew me at the size that my inspiration picture was taken, and she saw me become morbidly obese. She was supportive in a lot of ways. But looking back, I can see where there were times where she wasn’t supportive of me and my family. Perhaps I overlooked some things because I was glad she was still my friend even though I had gotten so fat. It was a sad experience then, and still makes me sad now.
I love this idea. Visualization is a powerful thing, isn’t it? And on the fridge is a great place to keep it!
BTW, we had the same hair cut back in the day!
.-= Joanna Sutter´s last blog ..Raisin the bar =-.
Diane, at this point I healthier than I have been in my entire adult life, and within two pounds of my all-time adult low weight, so I don’t really have a motivational picture that would do anything for me. I do believe there is value in it though. Great advice, as always.
BTW, you look better now than in the picture — great work!
.-= South Beach Steve´s last blog ..Motivation for Monday =-.
This is unbelievable that you bring up a picture like that, because last week, when I was trying to find something to spark my enthusiasm again, I searched everywhere for an inspirational picture of me, when I was thinner, after my other attempts at losing weight, and you know what? I found NONE. It was kind of shocking that I apparently never took any pics while I was thinner. I know that they were fleeting moments, but I would have thought I would have been proud of myself and how I looked and been a ham for the camera. Maybe I knew I wasn’t going to stay that way?
This time, I am taking pics all the way down, so I have the memories to keep me where I end up, because looking back at my starting picture? I can tell you I NEVER want to be her again, and sooner or later, this body I have now that I am so much happier with will do the same thing to me, too.
.-= Pam´s last blog ..What A Difference A Year Makes…In Pictures! =-.
@Joanna – Aren’t you glad we don’t have that hair style any more? My hubby still likes the hair in the picture and I tell him, “Never again!”
@Steve – Thank you very much for the nice compliment. Two pounds of your all time low weight? Way to go!
@Pam – I’m so glad that you are taking pictures on the way down the scale. I wish I had thought to do that when I lost my weight. In some ways I still didn’t like having my picture taken because I wasn’t totally sure I’d be able to maintain it.
That is one beautiful picture of you & I can see why you put it there for inspiration! Your challenge to all of us is a good one! I will have to think about this.
Since I am just on staying the course & fighting the age hormones, I don’t really need a weight pic of me. I think I need to find something that pushes me harder towards that “what can I do to make money that I will still like” mode.. or even…. what I wrote over at MizFit’s site today…. that “what I would do if I could not fail”. Now that is a hard one! Maybe I need to print what I wrote out there & stick that on the frig!
Thx Diane!
.-= Jody – Fit at 51´s last blog ..Halloween Candy Choices =-.
I think I will do just that… The picture I have in mind is not necessarily to show a certain weight, but more an attitude. Thanks for the brilliant idea!
.-= Hanlie´s last blog ..I should clarify =-.
I love that picture. SO pretty. I don’t have an inspiration picture, but now that I think about it, the pictures that I turn to when I need motivation are of me at my heaviest. I remind myself that I don’t want to be that size ever again, and it helps, but maybe that’s a backwards approach. What do you think?
.-= erin´s last blog ..It’s Fun to Run at the YMCA =-.
@Jody – Just looking at yourself in the mirror could be motivation enough for you to do those things that you really want to do. You are so strong and can accomplish anything!
@Hanlie – You are welcome. I like your wording – “show an attitude.”
@erin – I think that’s a great idea. You can call it my “Backwards Inspiration Photo.” There are a lot of people who use photos of themselves at their heaviest as their inspiration to get started and stay strong! Good idea.
I think every time I walk in my closet past the rack of size 12 clothes I am reminded that I once fit in those clothes and my goal is to fit into them again. Of course, they may not be in style anymore, but I don’t care. I’ll wear them anyway!
.-= Amy H.´s last blog ..Progress Pics =-.
What a great photo! I agree with earlier comments; what struck me most is how truly happy and full of life you look. I do think it is so important that we never forget who we truly are, even though there may be some layers we have to peel away… As always, great post and an awesome idea!
I think that picture of you on the left would also make a wonderful inspiration photo! You look just as healthy and radiant now as you did back then
I’ve always been chubby – so I never had a picture to go back to. But there are a few things I used as inspiration. Some artificial – reaching a certain clothing size or waist size. And then there’s my fitness goals. Right now it’s to complete a half marathon this spring
.-= Susan´s last blog ..Candy for Breakfast =-.
@Amy – Will you really wear them even if they aren’t in style??!! I said I would do that too, but it had been soooo long since they fit that people really would have stared at me if I had worn the clothes that finally fit after all those years! Probably your clothes are nicer than mine were.
@Andrea – Yes, peeling away layers really is important. I think the more transparent we are the better off we are.
@Susan – You are extremely kind! A fitness goal is a wonderful inspiration. I’m so impressed at your goal of completing a half marathon. Way to go!
Oh, yes, I DO have a picture — it was taken without my permission of knowledge. I was stuffing cake in my face at a get-together and someone I’d thought was a friend took it.
A couple years later, she posted it on a blog to embarrass and humiliate me.
LOL! It sure backfired on her though!
I’ve now posted that photo myself as a “before” and “never again” photo inspiration!
Alas, my former friend has not chosen to follow the healthy lifestlye path and I fear for her own health and well-being now.
.-= GeorgiaMist´s last blog ..Monday Weigh-in! =-.
Great post Diane! I did a program in TOPS a few weeks back that talked about this same thing, setting a goal and finding yourself a reminder of that goal. For me I printed out a picture of a crown since I would like to be TOPS Maryland state queen. I carry it around in my purse but it would do me more good on the fridge, thanks.
.-= Dawn´s last blog ..Feeling sunny even though it’s cloudy =-.
I don’t want this to come out wrong, but I think you’re a gorgeous now as you were then. Kids, weight change, age haven’t touched you. OK, creepiness aside, I’m down near my lowest adult weight, but I have a tight swimsuit somewhere that I may try to fit into, maybe by the next time I have a chance to swim, which due to the chilliness of my part of the world, is only once or twice a year, if that. It’s a strange cut, I would need a bikini wax (ouch). All my pictures are of fat me, or else high school.
.-= julie´s last blog ..Old vegetables smell like farts =-.
@GeorgiaMist – Okay – that’s the most terrible thing I’ve heard in a long time. I’m glad that you triumphed over her meanness! It’s good that you still have concern for her though.
@Dawn – What a great idea! I hope that you will be the state queen. You deserve it!!
@julie – It didn’t come out wrong at all. I sometimes feel the same thing when people post pictures and I want to tell them how great they look, but then it comes out wrong!! I really like the idea of using an article of clothing as an inspiration. I hope you get to use that swimsuit!
That’s a great shot– pretty much encapsulates what being 21 is all about. I’d have to dig to find inspiration shots. I know I should weigh what I did when I got married (5’8″, 145 lbs) but that’s still thirty-two pounds away and it seems pretty unattainable from here. But I’ll look for an inspiration picture. If I can just find where I put that stuff…
.-= Larkspur´s last blog ..Yay =-.
That’s a wonderful message. Most of us use the negative, horrible pics to try to shame ourselves into doing better. But it’s the postive, hopeful idea that can really drive change.
Great post.
.-= Jack Sh*t, Gettin’ Fit´s last blog ..The Time Dieter’s Wife =-.
You know, I look at pictures of myself when I was younger and thin and can’t connect with that person. So although THOSE pictures wouldn’t work to inspire me, I have been taking pictures throughout my weight-loss journey and have them taped up by my computer…I was so thrilled so see myself looking good (for me), and as the pounds have come off, I’ve replaced the pictures. This is a good reminder – the ones I have up are about 25 pounds heavier than I am now, so I need to take some new pictures.
Your picture is so cute – and I cannot believe your former friend said something so discouraging to you!
.-= Shelley B´s last blog ..Plan B =-.
@Larkspur – It really does – you are right. 145 at 5’8″ would put you pretty thin wouldn’t it? Not that I think that’s bad at all – I was just commenting. I hope you can find a picture that will inspire you to stay strong and successful!
@Jack – I really appreciate that you liked the post!
@Shelley – Definitely take some new pictures. You have done an amazing job on your journey. Like I told someone else, I wish I had taken more pictures on the way down the scale.
This is one big difference between us, Diane. I was never thin and fit growing up. I wasn’t huge, but I was always the chubby girl and rarely did I stay active for any length of time. I’d always rather read a book. While I did enjoy aerobics classes in school, that was the extent of my “regular” fitness.
However, I do have two pictures that I put in the bottom of my jewelry box after finding them a few months ago. They are from when I had lost 40 pounds after having my son. I look at them every once in a while to remind myself that I can reach 170 again (after that..I’ll have to find something new to look at
)
I’m nervous to put them on my fridge, but maybe I’ll at least get them out and put them on my bedroom mirror for starters. I actually made a little collage of sorts with the two of them and it’s on the bottom of my private, photo WL blog as a reminder that I’ll get there again..and then pass it!
Thanks for the great Monday post!! Oh, and I agree that you look great now also.
.-= Leah´s last blog ..Changing Desires =-.
Great post as always! I know I’ve got some somewhere and I need to use that to visualize where I want to be. Thanks!
I love this post. I love the fact that you kept the picture and had a goal to get there. I use a countdown paper with pounds lost on it that I cross off each week. I have no picture of when I was thin because Ive never seen myself thin. This right now is the smallest I’ve been as an adult- which I think is sad. I have a weight range that Weight Watchers says I should be in but its a HUGE range…Im not certain how I will feel at the 145 that I picked until I get there.
.-= tj´s last blog ..Pictures & TGIF! =-.
@Leah – I appreciate you pointing this out to me, because although I gained all my weight after marriage that’s not the case with everyone. I’m glad you have a picture that you can look at as a temporary inspiration. Until you get to 170 and then you’ll have to pick some new inspirational items!
@Tina – Thank you for your nice comment.
@tj – That’s exactly why I didn’t really know where I wanted to end up, because it had been so long since I had been remotely average sized or thin. I like your idea of using paper to cross off the pounds. Great visual!
I used an inspiration picture during my weight loss. As a matter of fact, I had one on the fridge and one on my bathroom mirror. They weren’t pics of myself; I’d have a hard time finding one of the “thin me” and putting up a pic of myself at 5 yrs. old might not be so motivating – LOL! Seriously though, I found it to be a great tool. I have since taken those pics down, so thank you for the reminder! I still have a bit to go before making goal and it just might be the extra motivation I need!
My inspiration is my mirror…particularly my profile. It’s worked great! LOL (p.s. that so-called best friend sucks.)
.-= Sunny´s last blog ..Chocolate "convention" today =-.
That’s a wonderful story, Diane. You look like the star of the movie, “Dirty Dancing!”
Loved this post Diane! I am going to find a picture tonight!
Sorry your friend wasn’t supportive though – but I’ve had friends like that in the past and they are not worth having as friends!
One friend in particular, when I was away from the restaurant table, told my husband (then boyfriend) that she was proud of herself for hanging out with a fat person!
.-= Biz´s last blog ..Bizzy Day in the Kitchen! =-.
@Marisa – You are too funny! No, I can see where a pic of the 5 year old you might not be the motivation you need. You have done a great job – thanks for the comment!
@Sunny – The mirror works for me too. It doesn’t lie – unless it’s one of those funky ones that either makes you look too thin or too big! I hate those!!
@Dr. J – Thank you so much. I told my hubby what your comment said, and he said, “Hey – you did look like her!”
@Biz – I hope you find a picture! Maybe you’ll put it on your blog? I can’t imagine a friend who would say something like that to your hubby. How awful. I’m sorry that happened to you.
That is horrible that your friend would say that to you. Kudos to you for proving her wrong…I will look through my pictures tonight. I know just the one I want to use.
Thanks for such a great idea.
.-= Josie´s last blog ..Week 2 – Weigh In =-.
Wow, this is really great! I do have one myself. Well, it’s not a photograph or something. I stick a little note on the fridge. It’s a little reminder of what I should eat. If it’s not on the note, I must not get it. haha
.-= Sara´s last blog ..Healthy Walking The Masai Way =-.
Diane, thank you so much for pushing these little assignments out. They force me to think. And thanks for sharing the picture. I have been so so so so incredibly sad because I’m just stuck. Stuck in this plateau and it is incredibly frustrating. But reading your blog and knowing you did it, makes me know I CAN DO IT TOO.
Thank you.
.-= Lola´s last blog ..Official Weight – Week 55 =-.
@Josie – Yes, she turned out to be a bad friend didn’t she? Unfortunate really, because on the surface we had a lot in common. I hope you find the picture and that it will inspire you even further.
@Sara – Great idea on using a note to yourself. Kind of like scheduling an exercise date for yourself. If it’s written down it’s going to happen.
@Lola – You are so welcome. You can do it. Plateaus are the most frustrating thing aren’t they? But if you just stay strong and committed, the weight will begin to come off again. I can almost guarantee it.
I haven’t been skinny since I was 7. I have no recent pictures of being skinny, I used to use a pic of myself when I was 5 or 6. I had such skinny legs! You are right that I need as inspiration, I’m just not sure what. Maybe I’ll pull out the size 14 jeans I almost fit into.
.-= MackAttack´s last blog ..As seen on TV =-.
I love that before picture!! ‘
I have a few pictures of me thin, I should bring them back out again too!
It is sad that your friend didn’t have faith in you, but so great that you didn’t let that stop you!
Gosh how do you cope with all these comments…you are MISS popular – its fantastic…you are such an inspiration to everyone out there and your blog entries are so motivational and real which is why we all love coming here daily…for our daily doze of news to keep us all on track.
.-= Marcelle´s last blog ..Last Family Function =-.
@MackAttack – I think that an item of clothing is a great idea to use as an inspiration. I had the goal of fitting back into my wedding dress. I’m surprised I didn’t rip out the zipper trying it on over and over again.
@Jenn – Thank you so much. The friend thing was sad, but I have come to accept it as best I can. Loved your blog today!
@Marcelle – The comments are amazing aren’t they? I’m just so honored and in awe of all the wisdom that everyone shares. Thank you for your wonderful words.
I love that picture of you! Isn’t it amazing how we talk to ourselves sometimes? I am so glad you pulled that picture back out and became the beautiful lady you are today (inside and out!).
.-= Lori´s last blog ..Hot 100 Update =-.
some of the comments made me remember a story from my MIL. She was someone that was very careful about how she looked to other people. Not fussy. But always appropriate. she was sitting at a ball game. Beer in one hand. Cigarette in another. yelling at the game. Slouching. Legs not lady like in a pair of shorts and a tank top. someone from the local newspaper that knew her – snapped a picture. DID NOT put it in the paper but mailed it to her. She thought it was funny but was very thankful that it did not get published.
.-= vickie´s last blog ..Things that set off the urge to EAT (and if you are easily set off – just skip me today) =-.
Awww.. That’s too bad!
My best friend hasn’t said much about my loss either. Hasn’t said anything too discouraging really, but hasn’t encouraged either, and has never commented on my blog about my success either… We were going to lose weight together but she quit before we really started so hasn’t had much success yet… I figure whatever, I was losing weight for myself, and I’m SOOO glad I did!!
I kept a ” skinny” me pic from before too, I’ll have to find it & post on my blog!
=-.
.-= Carla´s last blog ..Thanksgiving & my first green, er, uh, purple monster!
@Lori – It really is amazing how our self talk can be either uplifting or not. It makes a difference on how we perceive ourselves.
@vickie – That is a great story. I bet she was glad it didn’t get in the paper – that would have been embarrassing.
@Carla – I’m glad that you went on your journey irregardless of whether she joined you or not. I wonder if she just doesn’t know what to say, since she quit before she got started. Congrats on your amazing success!
That is a beautiful picture and a great concept as well. I am going to work on finding an inspiration photo too!
.-= Kat´s last blog ..amazing grace =-.
So beautiful now, so beautiful then
.-= Lisa´s last blog ..Oops! I accidentally jumped on the scale and it says… =-.
I don’t have one…. I think that’s a great idea! I also went back to your ‘best friend’ post – I hate that…. I’ve had co-workers be that way, but thankfully (to my knowledge) no friends. It’s sad when peeps can’t be supportive.
.-= fittingbackin´s last blog ..Out of Town Sabotage, Austin’s New Wardrobe and a Running Milestone =-.
@Kat – I hope you find just the right one that will inspire you.
@Lisa – Thank you very much.
@fittingbackin – It is sad when friends aren’t supportive. But it did teach me a lot about myself. I’m glad you have supportive friends!!
This had the wrong affect on me, lol. Inspiration pictures make me sad because I don’t have any. I’ve been fat since I was an early teen….like around 12-14 or so. I’ll have to give some thought as to what else I can use. I do like the idea behind it.
.-= Tammy´s last blog ..Body Talk =-.
I definitely have inspiration pictures and one of them is on my blog. I am actually looking forward to my trip to see my family partly so I can go through my mom’s photo albums and snag a few more ‘before’ pictures. I can’t wait for my family to see me having dropped around 50-60 pounds at that point, it’s so exciting to me, but being able to get copies of some better pictures from when I was a teen is going to be fun!
.-= Taryl´s last blog ..Take that, TOM! =-.
@Tammy – I didn’t mean to make you sad. An inspiration can be anything – not just a picture. You are doing awesome!! Stay strong.
@Taryl – That will be a lot of fun. Does your family know you have lost all that weight or will it be a surprise? It will be a good visit in any event!
I do have that picture and I will share it tomorrow. Great idea!
.-= Robin´s last blog ..No Fair =-.