What Picture Motivates You More?

A few weeks ago I wrote a post about….well,  me. OK and about how I’m so beautiful and don”t hate me because of it la de da…la de da…

An then today I opened up an email from a media event I attended, and there was a picture of this dumpy lumpy version of myself…which is so strange, because I was at that event..and I was SOO positive I was the girl who looked cute in her JoeFresh tunic, leggings and teal ballet flats…chatting and giggling with these really cute girls…so wtf?

Who’s the dumpy broad who replaced her neck with a bowling ball?

OK, wait…it’s still me…take a breathe..think back to that night…what was really going on…

Let’s see… I spent an hour getting ready {which is 45 minutes linger than normal}  I shaved and plucked and moisturized. I drank plenty of water and felt bright and fresh and well, pretty…again!

So where did that picture come from, and more importantly what do I do now? I can’t un-see THAT image of myself {just like I can’t un-see my neighbours having sex, in CLOWN costumes, my fourth degree tear during pregnancy or the calorie count of a Tim Hortons Iced cappuccino}….gotta find a way to use this image for good instead of an excuse for a food festival on my couch {ProTip: dark couches hide all sorts of grease and chocolate stains}

I can’t face another Oreo Intervention.

And really, if you need anything at all solved, you go social…in this case, I asked twitter & facebook this question:

“What’s more likely to motivate you: seeing a pic of you at your heaviest or you at your goal weight? Am decided which pic to put on my fridge.”

Here are some of the replies….you people kill me with your kindness and generosity and wealth of knowledge….So screw the pics, i’m printing the replies out instead:

“Goal weight. It’s positive rather than negative reinforcement. You’re more likely to succeed if you minimize self-loathing.” @Schmutzie

“Probably one of both. That’s a really good idea! I just think it would be a better motivator. A pic of EITHER goal/heaviest weight might be discouraging. Both would be great ;o)  @CallMeHalo

“always focus on desired state – what you want, not what you want to get away from. That way your head is right.” @Tim_modenusUK

“goal weight is probably a much more positive motivator. tho i have to say pics of me from last weekend are pretty motivating” @marandacarvell

“I wouldn’t put either. I’d rather a list of what I’d accomplished living a healthier lifestyle, ie can run 25 minutes, etc” @justleigh73

“Goal. Happiness breeds success, which breeds happiness, which…you know” Jen, facebook

“Just another thought…how about putting up pictures of how you want to FEEL? a picture that shows STRENGTH, or ENERGY for example… )” @Fit_vs_Fiction

“Pic with you at your goal weight – It’s a more positive outlook on how you’ll achieve whatever little goal you have bc you see how healthy and happy you look.” Bonnie, facebook

“I say goal weight – you need to let go of the old and focus on the new.”

“Personally I like the fit pic since you know you were once like that, it is a realistic goal, and looking at it makes me feel good, unlike my chub pics that embarrass me. (photos of when you are prepubescent don’t count” Cindy, facebook

Wow! And thank you. Truly.

I loved the idea of picking a picture of how I want to feel….but decided for it to really resonant, it still had to be of ME….these are not me at my thinnest (I used to weigh 80- pounds…when I was nine…) but I clearly remember both these moments and how healthy and fit and energetic I felt….So, I’m asking you:  What would motivate YOU??

Look kids, No bra!

Happiness is feeling giggly at the beach.