I’m fairly certain that most everyone has experienced this at one time or another.
How about you? Ever been featured in a photograph in a not-so-flattering manner? And upon discovery of said photograph a shock of shivers (and not the fun kind) trickle down your back at the realization that members of the public have not only seen you looking like this but it is now forever in existence thanks to digital media, a’la Facebook?
For some, perhaps the picture showcased a particularly unkind double-chin. For others it could have been a visual red-flag revealing one’s need to permanently remove a collection of turtleneck sweaters and acid-washed denim jackets from one’s wardrobe. Or, quite possibly, that small-rod perm you swore would transform you into an America’s Next Top Model jumps off the photo paper with a less than attractive effect.
For me, the picture only solidified a pressing feeling I’ve been unable to permanently tamper down. And God knows I’ve tried.
The picture reminded me (in a not so kind way) thatI have got to drop some pounds. I’m talking serious butter here, people.
The denial by which I have heretofore managed to utilize as a replacement for any real commitment to dieting has now forever been squashed due to the mental image now imprinted on my brain.
The dreaded picture.
So, you might be asking yourself, Mindy, haven’t you already made such revelations in previous blog posts, such asthis? And, didn’t you, in fact, enlist your husband to act as your Weight Watchers weigh-in coach?My answer would be a resounding yes. And that was a big fat ton of fun. Not. Weight loss is a process, people. Apparently, for this suburban wife it’s a long one.
So, what am I going to do with this newfound motivation-via-humiliation?
Well, I plan on taking a big, deep look at why I overeat and what I can do to work on that problem. And I also plan on finishing my recent Amazon purchase, the book, “If I Am So Smart, Why Can’t I Lose Weight?” by Brooke Castillo. I’ve only read a couple of chapters thus far but I really like the tone of the author’s writing and her attempt at bringing humor to an otherwise depressing topic.
And I’m all about the humor. I’m also all about finding the positives in negative situations.
Yes, I’m a bit of a chunky monkey. And, yes, I like to eat Cheezits. Lots of them. A weakness. But, I’ve got a host of other attributes that make up a whole lot more of who “Mindy” is than my pant size. Which, admittedly, is a little bigger this year than last year. But, this is why they make yoga pants. See? I’m all about the positives.
And I’m learning that it’s a lot more effective to focus on your attributes than to dwell on your negative characteristics. It makes much more sense to remind yourself what’s particularly “kick-ass” about you and once you’ve mastered the whole “loving” yourself situation, the rest will fall into place.
I admit that this post has been a bit therapeutic with some psycho-babble thrown in, but in true “The Suburban Life” form, I’m telling it like I see it.
Changes are afoot, my friends, and when I’m able to crop a proud “After” picture beside it, I’ll share the Dreaded Picture with you all.
P.S. Happy Birthday to my mom! Love you tons (no pun intended.)
Mindy
Given the subject of yesterday’s post, I’m guessing someone got a shot of you in a swimsuit that is giving you nightmares. Bummer. I don’t allow cameras near me while I’m in a suit, unless I’m the one holding them.
I hope your self-exploration journey goes well.
Mindee – yup…something like that. 🙂 I will forever more be mindful of any picture-taking devices in my near vicinity. And will destroy them. 🙂
Mindy
Yes. I’ve been seeing too many pictures that fall into that category. Only a year ago I was svelte in a wedding gown, now there are pairs of the COMFY jeans that I can’t wear.
*sigh*
I’m sorry. I hate that feeling. I wish you weren’t having to feel it.
Thanks Lori! I also wish I weren’t feeling this way but it’s a necessary step in being a better “me.” The second step being replacing my hair pomade because my curls are a frickin’ mess right now. 🙂
Mindy
Oh, darn. I hate unflattering photos. Don’t tell me it ended up on Facebook or something?! That is the worst.
Good luck!
I thought you looked beautiful in the pic on the boat. But I understand the desire to lose weight. Is it a perpetual thing for women? Oh darn the thighs! I think I mentioned Victoria Moran to you before. She has a book on diets and is writing another one. I think she actually does over the phone consulting. I’m kind of curious to give it a try, but haven’t done it yet. Think how cool you’re gonna feel in those jeans this winter. You’ll be the envy of the ‘burbs! 😉
http://s85545.gridserver.com/holistic-health-coaching/
Did Jeremy run around trying to snap unflattering pics? There’s a doozy of me, too, and honest to God my first thought was “Great, everyone I know can see this.” I’ve got your back, sister.
Oh, girl, I feel your pain. I’ve had several of those lately and untagged myself on FB immediately!
I have never seriously tried to lose weight, I should though.
I wish you well on your journey.
I lost 50lbs in six months in 2006. It took me three years to gain them back.
Now…I’m a little tired of chasing that weightloss wagon! It’s more like the chuck wagon. Munch. Munch.
I even had the ultimate motivation. A wedding!! Ugh. So I’m still pushing 200lbs and the wedding is still less than 2 months away. At least the dress laces up in the back like a corset. Gain or loss, it’s a win, win!
Can’t wait to see your pic! You can doit! – Waterboy
Boy, do I feel like I wrote this post! I am seriously contemplating Weight Watchers…but not until I eat all the good stuff I can this week (hey, I gotta plan a big move like that!); so I just made two cappacino (sp) pies!
Yep…it’s much safer to start WW when all the good food is already eaten. And cappuccino pies sound ah-mazing. Really. 🙂
Mindy
http://www.thesuburbanlife.com