Started a photo journal ...

[Niobe]

Every time I've determined this is it, I'm going to lose weight, I've meant to start a photo journal to keep track of it, hoping it would motivate me. The closest I got was when I was going to do the Body For Life challenge and took the requisite "before" photos in a swim suit. Tonight I finally sat down and made the first page, which has a picture of me at 276 pounds in September 2004, one at 250 September of last year (which was actually in a Norwegian newspaper, how's that for cool. :D ), and one over Christmas at 256. I also put in my measurements and the date.

I'm not sure how often I'll update it; maybe every three or four months. I'm sort of excited to see what future photos look like. :)

[Ottawa]

Niobe,
I found that this helped me in staying "true" on plan. When you watch those changes in measurements and the picture of yourself, it helps to show you the accomplishment you have made through your efforts.

We had two birthdays over the weekend and as long as I remember the changes, tape, scale, lipid profile, etc., I can judge better any small indulgences and the cost in achieving all those little successes.

Way to go.

[Billie]

Great idea Niobe! And it also will be nice for you to have not only as a reminder to lose weight but also and so important a gentle reminder that you are a beautiful person no matter what weight you are.

Randy great on those birthday holidays! And you had an extra day didn't you--those Canadians always getting in an extra holiday :D Ours is this Monday!

[Missy]

I recommend this HIGHLY Niobie!!! Keep up with it, nothing more motivational then the progress you SEE in yourself!!! :thumbsup:

I take front whole body, side whole body, even a back whole body and a face shot of myself. And then I do it every ten pounds lost. As others have said, it's AMAZING watching the progress!!!

One day, I'll "share" with everyone, where I started, and what I've accomplished. That is NOT the ones taken in the bathing suit!!! :eek: ...eek...heck no, but the regularly clothed ones I'll share one day!!! lol

I must say, it feels rather strange to have someone take your picture at each angle...but get over it and do it, you'll be so glad you did when you see the changes. I'm sure the uncomfortableness is due directly to the fact that when your heavy you tend to want to hide as much of yourself behind people as possible not be the center of the picture! :eek:

[Niobe]

Lynn, I totally relate. I used to be so shy about having my picture taken that when I took those BFL photos I did it using my friend's camera with a timer because I just couldn't face anyone seeing my blubber (and this was when I weighed fifty pounds LESS than now).

I feel weird about having the photo journal today ... I think because I'm afraid I'm going to fail ... again. :( I have visions of finding it a year from now, covered in dust, not updated since today because all I've lost is more time. My, I'm feeling morbid tonight. :)

[Billie]

Niobe don't set your mind negative set it with accomplishment and pride, that mind thing we do can be all the difference. What is this "I think because I'm afraid I'm going to fail ... again. I have visions of finding it a year from now, covered in dust, not updated since today because all I've lost is more time. My, I'm feeling morbid tonight. "---it just ain't happening on my watch! :) We are not about failure around here, we are about help and support though. So instead of thinking those thoughts of failure today set sail on a dream of success...ther's a quote and I can't recall the exactness or the author, but it is something like in order to get it you got to dream it---dream!!! And check out the thought for the day, it will be yours!

[ladydoc442]

Niobe,
I also took "before" photos in February for the BFL Challenge (which I admit I gave up on). I posted it right on my fridge where I can be reminded every day what I looked like back then.

I can tell whenever I lose weight by the way my clothes fit, and my body actually "feels" smaller to me. It's such a rush to buy that piece of clothing in the next smaller size - that's what I find keeps me on track. I want to be able to wear clothes from the "regular" sections and not the "plus size" - I'm hoping to get there by the end of this summer.

I like the idea of keeping a photo journal of your progress. I have a digital camera with a timer, and I can take my own photos, but I'm not embarrassed to have a friend do it. What the hell, they've all seen me fat anyway, and none of them have run away in horror yet ;) .

Keep with it, and don't allow those negative thoughts to run your life. We're all here for each other!! Remember, ONE DAY AT A TIME!! If you fall off one day, get right back on the next. :thumbsup:

Deb

[Niobe]

Niobe don't set your mind negative set it with accomplishment and pride, that mind thing we do can be all the difference. What is this "I think because I'm afraid I'm going to fail ... again. I have visions of finding it a year from now, covered in dust, not updated since today because all I've lost is more time. My, I'm feeling morbid tonight. "---it just ain't happening on my watch! :) We are not about failure around here, we are about help and support though. So instead of thinking those thoughts of failure today set sail on a dream of success...ther's a quote and I can't recall the exactness or the author, but it is something like in order to get it you got to dream it---dream!!! And check out the thought for the day, it will be yours!

Thanks for the thought, Billie. :) I do try to stay positive ... but I have started and given up for various reasons so many times ... I guess I just don't have faith in myself to really stick with it this time. I know that's very self-defeating, but nothing but proving myself wrong will fix it. So that's what I'm trying to do. :)



Niobe,
I also took "before" photos in February for the BFL Challenge (which I admit I gave up on). I posted it right on my fridge where I can be reminded every day what I looked like back then.

I can tell whenever I lose weight by the way my clothes fit, and my body actually "feels" smaller to me. It's such a rush to buy that piece of clothing in the next smaller size - that's what I find keeps me on track. I want to be able to wear clothes from the "regular" sections and not the "plus size" - I'm hoping to get there by the end of this summer.

I like the idea of keeping a photo journal of your progress. I have a digital camera with a timer, and I can take my own photos, but I'm not embarrassed to have a friend do it. What the hell, they've all seen me fat anyway, and none of them have run away in horror yet ;) .

Keep with it, and don't allow those negative thoughts to run your life. We're all here for each other!! Remember, ONE DAY AT A TIME!! If you fall off one day, get right back on the next. :thumbsup:

Deb

I gave up on the BFL challenge too after about three months and not seeing any improvement. I thought maybe I needed to increase my weights, and in doing so totally jacked up my left knee. By the time I could walk again (boy did that put a crimp in my TWO waitressing jobs), I'd lost the motivation. :( I too wish I could buy from the "regular" size clothes--something I haven't been able to do since I was 14, and even then it wasn't the "juniors" section so it still wasn't the same--but I figure I'm at least 70 pounds away. So at the end of the summer, let me know what it's like! :)