Lyn, who writes the well-known blog Escape from Obesity, shared the following thought on Twitter a while back:
Being fat is hard. Losing weight is hard. Maintaining is hard. Choose your hard.
When I read that, I thought: This here is a not-so-pretty slice of truth. I still come back to that nugget of wisdom from time to time.
Many websites I enjoy are very empowering to read because the writers are cheerleaders for all of us. Unfortunately, I have never been much of a cheerleader. I do support people, and get excited for their successes, and want all of us to do well. But for some reason I also feel compelled to point out how hard losing weight can be. I haven’t reached maintenance yet, but I’m 100% sure that’s pretty tough too.
One thing I pointed out in an earlier post, The Cost of Weight Loss, was that being overweight costs us, too. Like Lyn says, we can choose our “hard,” but there’s really no way around that aspect of life.
I also believe there is redemption for us in the hard times. People are so beautiful to me when they are being brave and trying their hardest and persevering in the face of obstacles. It’s an amazing side of humanity that simply can’t shine on the “easy” days. Please know the next time you are going through something tough and doing your very best despite the circumstances, that I think you are freaking gorgeous, more so even than on the days when the sun is shining and everything is going your way and you are being recognized right and left for your achievements.
I posted a new progress photograph last night, and I’ve received some incredibly kind compliments on the changes I’ve made. That feels wonderful! At the same time, I have to acknowledge that for every progress photo you see here, there are about 60 non-progress-picture days where I am just plodding along, doing my thing. And it takes every single of of those days to make a progress picture.
You may be in between progress photos of your own right now, and I just wanted to take a moment to acknowledge that where you’re at is vital. You are making your progress photo happen. It’s in the works, and every day that you keep up your good work is another day closer to that unveiling.
10. March 2010 at 11:58 AM
I am so appreciative and grateful for that post at this exact moment, I can’t even tell you!
Thanks!
10. March 2010 at 12:40 PM
Shanny: You are very very welcome! I hope that all is well—stay strong, lady :).
10. March 2010 at 1:27 PM
Your progress pictures are amazing :)
You are so right, it is a very hard journey but it is oh so very worth it!!
10. March 2010 at 2:56 PM
Looking good Hilary.
10. March 2010 at 4:11 PM
You look great! I love that quote. I have seen it before and it hits hard (no pun intended) every time.
11. March 2010 at 7:02 AM
you look great! you are working so hard, kudos to you.
11. March 2010 at 8:47 AM
Looks like we both had progress pictures on the mind yesterday, huh? You can surely see a major difference in your before and now pics…and you are right about the days in between. Great words of wisdom, Hilary!
12. March 2010 at 11:00 AM
I posted my ‘before and during’ pictures a few days ago. Seeing in pictures really makes a difference.
You are so right about the days in between. I’m still taking it one day at a time. If I can just get through today.
Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts here, especially ‘pick your hard’ – something to think about!
14. March 2010 at 5:43 PM
I must take a progress photo soon! Wow you look amazing girl! I need a boot camp I guess! LOL
15. March 2010 at 9:59 AM
You look FANTASTIC!
25. May 2010 at 8:24 AM
Hi Hilary!
Wow, I went away for awhile and BAM! You wasted away to nothing! Holy Toledo, girl — you look INCREDIBLE! I am so impressed and encouraged by your success and just wanted you to know that you are an inspiration to all of us who battle that enemy called OBESITY. Keep up the great work and I am cheerleading on the sidelines for you (Yea, Hilary!!!) Take care :-) – Cari (aka Gastric Bypass Barbie)