What a Nearly 100 Pound Loss Looks Like....

When you hear about weight-loss, you hear "oh they look so good", or "you must be so happy", or "can you remember what you even looked like?". As I approach my hundred pound lost mark, I want to share with you what a near hundred pound weight loss looks like for me.
Most often one thinks of this image when they talk about pounds lost:

Sure enough, that adds some perspective. Or a lot of people like the before and afters of sorts:

I'll admit, I find those motivational too! Look at my face difference! But that's not what it looks like. As a society, we are constantly trying to find the quick-instant gratification- way of things. I talk a lot on here about what an emotional journey weight loss is. I was just talking to a neighbor about the vulnerability that comes with it as I explained I went and signed myself up for a half marathon to train for! (I'm sure there will be more of that to come!). 
But people don't talk about the literal blood, sweat, and tears that comes with weight loss. From the constant criticism of no matter what you try, someone has an idea of "you know what you SHOULD do..." or the "oh, well good for you" condescending backhanded compliments, to the literal awake at night as your body aches in agony from what you just put it through. Yes, you learn to kind of relish in that last one as you know you accomplished something. So all in all... brace yourself, LOTS of selfies and pictures to follow.... This is what a near 100 pound loss looks like to ME.

There are a lot of mornings when you're tired.... afternoons when you're tired.... nights when you're tired. (as a single mom, you work things out when you can, and often times that's when the kiddo is in bed)

Of course with those mornings and nights... there is a lot of beauty to be seen...

When the kid isn't in bed, you take her with and find all sorts of adventures, from riding bikes, to trampoline parks, walks, hikes...

You see LOTS of different weather through the seasons....

You play volleyball, hike,and bike on your own...

Well that all sounds fun, right? Did I mention the  sweat, sweat... and.... more sweat???

Did I mention the time???

Did I mention the bruising and tearing up of your feet when an overweight woman decides to walk 10-12 miles a day?

But did I mention the feeling of accomplishment when setting out to do something you want to acheive?

I won't mention the tears when you are totally exhausted, and no fears... no pictures of THAT were taken! Haha.... but all in all what I want people to know... there isn't a quick fix. There isn't something easy. There is time, pain, heartache, but also triumph, joy and success to be found. I have a long way to go still, but proud of how far I've come.
What does a nearly 100 pound loss look like? Ladies and Gentlemen... it looks like hard work.