Years Ago Today
July 27, 2025
I know I just made a post yesterday, but I couldn’t help myself but share this with you. My “years ago today” notification from my Amazon photos provided me with the most dramatic comparison and progress photo yet, I think Plus, I found a super cute dress at a thrift store yesterday (only $2!! and took a photo to show a friend. I felt like this was very relevant to the message I’m trying to share.
Firstly, I remember how I felt that day in the “before” photo from 2019. I was tired. I was hot. I had no energy. Can you see the expression on my face? I was uncomfortable and exhausted. Plus, I was chasing after my extremely sensory-seeking son with severe autism who deserves my energy. He needs me to be there 110%, and he deserves it.
When I created my progress photos and searched for good “before” photos to document the comparison, this was one that I’d overlooked. I don’t know for sure what I weighed at the time, but I’m thinking it had to be on the higher end. Who knows? It may have been even more than my remembered 289 because I went a long time without weighing myself.
But seeing it reminded me of how much better I feel now. It’s not just about the weight loss, though I must admit that does have a lot to do with it. But I’m eating healthier and food actually GIVES me energy now. I”m moving, exercising almost daily. I can jog almost two miles now and could barely walk a mile when I first started this journey! (OK, admittedly MY jogging is more of a…….mild trot?)
The second thing about this photo coming up with the timing of my recent thrift store find is that this is a good example of rewarding yourself for your hard work. When I began losing sizes, my clothes were falling off of me! I work from home, and hardly go anywhere, so why would I spend money to replace my wardrobe every few months when i’d go down several sizes? That’s when I found thrift stores. My friend took me to one and now I’m HOOKED!!
Not only was it a practical way to replace my clothing, but it was FUN!! I found three really good ones I love. They’re all independent ones who support other causes, too. For example, the one in my home town funds our homeless shelter! Plus, when I downsize my clothes, I can donate the others and give back to the cycle! It’s even good for the environment!
But best of all, it was symbolic for me. The fact that I have had to replace my wardrobe SEVERAL times throughout this journey just helps me to truly comprehend what I’ve accomplished. I still suffer from dysmorphia. It’s hard to see myself how I look now. That’s why I’ve done so many of these comparison shots. I need to be able to remind myself of where I am. It’s also really good motivation if I feel like I”m beginning to be too lenient and am afraid I’ll backslide. It keeps me motivated!
Even if I’m simply having a bad day at work, I can pull up one of those comparison photos to get a visual of my progress, and I”m reminded of what I can accomplish when I put my mind to it.
Speaking of which, I will be devoting an entire blog post to mindset soon! So whether you’re on a weight loss journey too, or perhaps are just trying to accomplish another goal in your life, I hope you can get something out of it! Stay tuned!
Until then, be kind to yourself, be kind to others, and always keep a growth mindset!
Amy
