An unexpected moment of self reflection

jkern9110

I have been changing for the gym at work. There are a couple of different reasons why, but mainly to help ensure that I actually stop at the gym on my way home. After I changed yesterday, I emerged to return to my desk to check for any last minute emails before heading out for the day. One of my coworkers asked if I was going to the gym again and we began discussing what I'm trying to accomplish. I mentioned that I hadn't seen any results on the scale yet from my efforts and that I probably wouldn't until the 31st when I weigh in again. Another coworker overheard our conversation and abruptly stopped me and said, "Well keep doing what you're doing, because I can already see a difference in your body and shape since last week." I thought that was really nice.

I hadn't noticed any substantial change except for the soreness in my muscles. So after my workout yesterday, I decided to undress (at home) and take a good, long, hard look in the mirror. I am the type of person to avoid the mirror and when I do appear before one, I only look at my face. So I stood in the mirror and examined my body for a few minutes. I immediately wanted to focus on things I still didn't like, still feeling like the Jessica I was 75 pounds ago. I stopped myself right there. I switched my focus to things that had improved over the last 16 months and even since last week. I changed the tone in my head to a positive one and gave myself props for what I have done to affect change in my body. I began to smile at my naked self in the mirror. I was proud of the woman I saw reflected back at me. That, my friends, would have never happened 16 months ago.

imboswell

That is awesome. You definitely have give yourself the credit you deserve.

aylajane

Its hard, but take pictures (as naked as you can, front back, sides, flexed and unflexed etc) at least once a month. Put them in a folder somewhere so no one else but you sees them. Its hard to see yourself changing day to day, but when you see the pictures you can see muscles appearing, fat shrinking, tightening up, etc. Its an amazing boost that will keep you working out at least one more month to see what else changes!

And congrats! That is awesome

garber6th

That's so awesome. We tend to be so critical of ourselves, but we need to do exactly what you did - take a good long look at ourselves and acknowledge not only the results of our efforts, but also the fact that we deserve it and should be proud of it! You have done an amazing job. Thanks so much for sharing this!

janet0513

That is awesome. It is so hard to see the changes in ourselves and so easy to be critical. I also change at work to make sure I go to the gym. It is a great trick

loriloftness

Good for you. You have worked hard an your body and it is good that you can appreciate what that hard work is doing for you. You brought about the change that you wanted. Congrats!

Thaeda

jkern9110 wrote: »

I stopped myself right there. I switched my focus to things that had improved over the last 16 months and even since last week. I changed the tone in my head to a positive one and gave myself props for what I have done to affect change in my body. I began to smile at my naked self in the mirror. I was proud of the woman I saw reflected back at me. That, my friends, would have never happened 16 months ago.

THIS is where I see the biggest victories. Pounds lost and smaller sizes are great and all, but being able to LOVE and accept our bodies-- that's the BEST. Well done.

pawoodhull

That's awesome! I too can look at myself and see how far I've come. Yes there are still things I don't like (hanging skin from the weight loss) but there's a huge difference between not likeing something and accepting my body post VSG. I think it shows great emotional growth that you could see yourself, cue in on your automatic reaction and change your attitude! Great job with the weight loss and great job with the emotional change as well!