When what you see is NOT what you get

Last Sunday, I went to a birthday party for my 2 year old niece Greta and her 7 year old cousin Grace. I felt great and played with the kids more than I would have in the past.  I have way more energy now that I have been exercising and trying to be healthy than I have ever had in my life and that's pretty good considering I am almost 44 years old.  I would not consider myself a "fanactic" or rigorous in my diet.  I eat healthy the majority of the time, but I also like to indulge once in a while. I  had some great cake and ice cream at the party without a bit of guilt.

The next day, my sister sent me a text.  She told me that she and her husband were remarking how hard I had worked to get to the size that I am and how great I looked.  There was a picture attached that showed me helping my niece open a gift.  I had a hard time believing that picture was me.  You see, when I look in the mirror I still see myself as my former size 14/16 self, not the size 8/10 that I've become.  I kept staring at that picture.  It was one of those things I had a hard time digesting.

I let it soak in.  I get it now.  I think of that picture every time I look in the mirror.  I'm not saying I'm a supermodel.  I have 10 pounds to go to get to what I set as my goal weight.  I'd like to tone up, get some more muscle, lose some body fat.  But its important to realize how far I've come and the progress that I've made. 

If you are working on your health and fitness, think about the progress you've made.  If you've lost weight, make sure you see yourself as your new size. If you have made good choices and formed new, healthy habits then recognize your progress.  Don't get stuck on the past.  You aren't going back there.