I have referenced in previous posts about the power of the “before” picture and the impact it has had on my motivation to eat clean and workout consistently.
It is a bit scary for me to put this out there as I am not very comfortable sharing my body (with the world) but I believe this may help someone, so here it goes . . .
It all began last September when I decided I was going to ramp up my efforts to get back into shape after having our 2nd baby last June. I signed up for a virtual eat clean / fitness 90 day challenge group. Part of the deal was to submit a “before” picture. (it wouldn’t be shared unless I won). It was going to be hard for me to take my own picture the way it was requested so I asked Dan (my husband) to take it for me. Even though I wore just a sports bra and shorts (no bikini) I knew this was going to be dreadful.
Dan took the photos and was very sweet about it. Once he handed me my phone and I scrolled through the front, back and side images I started to cry. I looked so tired, out of shape and sad. I honestly did not recognize who I saw. I asked him “This is what I look like?” Then I started to laugh because It was just that ridiculous to me (I guess I thought I looked better than I did!) and also I realized Dan might have been feeling a bit awkward. I was crying and laughing at the same time. Like I said, Dan was very sweet and I remember him saying to me – “You can do it Trish, you’ll get back into shape.”
Here’s the pic:
I completed the 90 day challenge and while I didn’t win what I did win was priceless. I won the power of the “before picture” and motivation like none other. I never expected how much I would consider this picture going forward. I looked at it when I was tired and just being lazy. I thought about this picture while working out. When tempted to eat junk food, I thought about this picture again. I would remember how I felt when I saw it for the first time. I imagined what it would feel like to look at a picture I was proud of. A picture that wouldn’t make me laugh and cry. Perhaps this is vain but I have always exercised and I just wanted to be back to what I had been. I wanted to feel good about myself and how I looked again.So this before picture actually means a lot to me. It shows me, how far I have come, how hard I have worked and it proves to me that what I am doing is working! It reminds me that I can do it. No matter how frustrated I get at times with plateaus, and whatever – it reminds me of the bigger picture. I am on the committed road to health and fitness and plan to stay here.
I have not stopped taking pictures. Below, is my progress timeline. I no longer look at my pictures and feel bad. I see improvements I would like to make but I also see a healthier, happier, more energetic wife and mommy. I am happy with myself.
Please note: while I am not smiling in my April photo – I am much happier than I was in September. 😉
I plan to take my next “after” picture on the beach over July 4th weekend! 🙂 This won’t be my last picture either. I believe in the ever evolving “before” picture. I believe in eating clean as a lifestyle. I believe in working out and a good sweat session. Finally, I believe in doing whatever you need to stay motivated. If you need motivation – how about taking your “before” picture? I challenge you! 😉
I hope this helps just 1 person to get motivated and start making some changes.
You. Can. Do. This.
