What a difference a year makes!


Looking back to go forward.


All too often we criticise ourselves. We overlook our accomplishments and focus on what we have not done. Like most people, I too am guilty of this. I look at my jiggly thighs, arms and stomach and focus on how much further I have to go to get the body I know I deserve. I may celebrate my achievements but just for a brief moment before moving on to the next. As I sat in my bed reflecting on the past year, I decided to look at the photos on my facebook page. I do this sometimes when I need a reminder of just how far I've come on this journey to healthy living.

Although I became truly committed to losing weight and getting healthy in November 2009, I started thinking about it and doing things long before then. Perhaps the most public thing I did was be one of 12 challengers with EA SPORTS Active last April prior to the official release of the game. During that 30 day challenge I successfully lost 10 pounds. The picture above was taken before I started the challenge and honestly, I am not sure how much I weighed, I think I was about 200 pounds.

Today I am weighing in at 157.4 pounds. Over the last five months I've worked really hard at making this my way of life - I know I say this repeatedly but this is something I want everyone to understand. Unless living a healthy, active lifestyle becomes a way of life, you won't be successful. Losing weight for an event, for someone else, or because you are in the public eye never works over the long term.

I exercise and eat healthy now because I know the health benefits, I know that I am extending my life, I want to be the best me I can be. I am choosing me and refuse to revert to my old ways. I refuse to look like that woman in the picture on the left. I challenge myself to be as fit as the woman in the photo on the right for now and for always.

Quite a bit has changed over the last year for me - both on the outside and on the inside. After finally dealing with the emotional issues tied to my weight I've been able to overcome it, not for the short term but for the long haul. It is my hope that my journey can inspire others to take baby steps and make forward movement to reach their goals. If I can do it, anyone can do it.

My journey is just beginning and I have to ask if you haven't already done so, are you ready to begin yours?

Comments

KatrinaME said…
Awwwww sookie sookie! Congratulations on your continued success!
Unknown said…
You are an inspiration Renee!
Definitely an inspiration! Thanks for sharing!
MOMMY-MOMO said…
wow wow wow!!! I remember when you started this journey! now look at you. Look like a million bucks! healthy, glowing, vibrant, and beautiful!! so fun to watch! keep it up :)
Rachel said…
WOW!

You look phenomenal.

And, you're right -- we need to celebrate our successes, rather than focusing solely on what we haven't accomplished. I need to remember that.
Terri said…
Congrats! You were beautiful before and now you are beautiful on the outside AND inside, which is the ultimate goal, right? You are such an inspiration!
Dorsey said…
Hey gal! Just wanted to let you know I mentioned you and referenced your blog in my latest post! Thanks for being an inspiration!!!
Good on you, Momma!!!
Jennifer said…
Wow! You look great, girl. Keep it up :)
Trish said…
You look and ARE amazing!
Mendie said…
You are awesome...what an amazing 5 months it has been!

My journey has been on a hiatus, but its time to start up again...I want to FEEL GOOD again!
Mary said…
You know I'm all about the baby steps. Thanks for the pep talk. Love watching your transformation!
Wow you look great!! :)
Soph! said…
you look AMAAAAAAZING! Good job! I know it took lots of haaard work!
Beth said…
You look like you feel great and that is best part of that second picture! Congrats on getting so far in your journey. Here is to keeping it going!
Jess said…
OMGosh you are smokin! WTG I must say you truly are my inspiration right now! I am going to bookmark this page and when I feel I can't do it I will look back at you!!!!!
Stillmary said…
What an inspiring post - not just the pictures but the story as well. You're not only a great life changer but a great writer. I completely agree with you about changing our way of life. We can't just suffer for a few months and then let loose. We have to change our lives - just like you did!
Heather D said…
Great post - you have come SO far and are such an inspiration to others.
wow, absolutely fabulous.. congrats to you...
Real Life Sarah said…
Wow! You were always beautiful, but now you're HEALTHY! What an accomplishment!
I just want to say congrats. You have overcome a lot and are such an inspiration. I have to admit that I am very glad I stumbled across your blog.
Gem said…
You really are an inspiration!

You're shrinking, but your beautiful smile only grows =)
Christy M. said…
Renee, I am so proud of you!

You hit the nail on the head when you said it's a lifestyle. You cannot diet short term, and expect long-term benefits. You have to be willing to change everything and to stick with it forever.

You've come a long way, baby, and I know you'll get the body you deserve. Keep up the good work, and keep inspiring people along the way!!

xoxoxo
Melinda said…
it's a beautiful transformation! you should be so proud of all the hard work
Kathy Sykes said…
Yes, you look great but I KNOW you feel great too!
Unknown said…
Congrats! I am a new follower

http://bigjandlittlej.blogspot.com/
Alexia said…
You look GREAT! Congratulations! I'm headed where you are!
63sonotech said…
Congratulations on a job well done. I am also on this journey we call weight and ive lost 36 pounds in 5 weeks thanks to atkins. Its a struggle but like you im finding my inner strength to do it. You are a beacon. Continue to shine.
Buckeroomama said…
Wow, you are inspiring!! Seriously. :)
Keep going honey - you look amazing and as I said before, people can tell you FEEL AMAZING :) You inspired me to DO something about the way I look and I am SO thankful I came across your post that particular day when I would ACT on what I was reading. You are my motivation! (Well, you AND my pre-baby pictures haha!)

http://senilemomentia.com/tag/weight-loss/
I am sure you only hear this like 800 times a day but you look AMAZING!! I am making strides to improve my fitness. I have learned that if we stop making excuses for ourselves and start making proactive choices then we can be healthier. I am really trying and I thank you for inspiring me :)
Anonymous said…
You are smoking hot! Your transformation is amazing!!
Unknown said…
verty well put.

"Unless living a healthy, active lifestyle becomes a way of life, you won't be successful"

that's the bottom line. i believe in a holistic approach to things, and i think that once we begin to take that approach to situtations--whethere it's in relation to health or whatever else--we're then more likely to get the results we desire.

you look great.
Unknown said…
Kudos and Congrats! What an inspiration; and a great reminder to look back at how far you've come. Love it.

Winks & Smiles,
Wifey
Catalina said…
Super Wow!!! You are inspirational!

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