A couple of weeks ago I was asked to contribute answers for an article on that's fit (a sister site of aol) at the time, I could not help but think "oh they have the wrong girl, do they see how much I struggle? Don't they see my holiday weight gain?" But, I answered them anyway, sent in my photos and forgot about it. I didn't want to get my hopes up when there are so many other bloggers out there being much more successful on a regular basis.
And then last night I got a very nice email from someone who found me from the article, I then scrolled down to my previous email from the that's fit lady telling me my article had been published. I was extremely excited at first. This happened while the gas in our house went out, so I was telling Josh to check it out while the gas guy was coming in our house to fix our heater. It was chaotic excitment...
and then I started freaking out. I was a mess, my thoughts were all over the place "will I be judged because I haven't lost a lot of weight?" "what if people don't think I deserve to have an article written about me?" "do i think i deserve articles about me? or attention to my blog because i've lost and gained weight?"
and then I get an email from the editor's of aol asking for more before and after pictures. How could this possibly be a story of interest? I don't have massive success or weight loss. I don't have Biggest Loser appeal. I told her I was struggling and in a couple of months I'd be in a better place. And this was the response (I hope it is okay to share because I think this answer was helpful and inspirating not only to me, but other people who stop by)
Actually, that's what we loved about your story so much. So many women struggle with making healthy changes to their lifestyle, which you have been able to do and plenty of us (myself included) have started to make those changes, and hit bumps in the road along the way. This time of year especially people are looking to make a change and feel at a loss for where to start. Your story is very inspirational. Sometimes those before and afters where people have 200 pounds just don't feel realistic to the rest of us. At That's Fit, we feel like every step towards positive, healthy change, no matter how, is a success.
I am a work in progress. What you see is what you get. I know that I won't always weigh 290, 280,270 or even in the 200's. I BELIEVE THIS. And that is all that matters. I believe in myself.
That’s a great response! How exciting too!
Do you feel like growing your leadership keeps you more accountable, or do you keep your goals pretty close to yourself?
Yes! We are all a work in progress and that is what helps us all.
How exciting! I am so happy for you. That is an amazing response. Keeping it real! It makes me think about the TV show Biggest Loser – while it is inspirational to see these folks drop the weight so fast, I cringe to think about what they go home to. Losing weight by working out 8 hours and eating 1200 calories is not realistic when they leave the ranch. Your story, my story, the stories that I read daily in blogs are real life. Congrats again. I hope I can inspire people just like you are inspiring people. Cheers, Trish
Congratulations on the great news, it should give you great motivation to keep at it.
I saw your photo and my thoughts weren’t that you were fat or that you hadnt lost enough. I saw someone with a very pretty face, nice hair, and a smile that made you look like a nice person to know. Keep up with your goals and don’t let the bastards get you down.
peace from a
fellow fat girl
I’m so happy for you! And the editor’s response to your worries are really well put. You just need to realize you ARE a role model & an inspiration to others!
How exciting! And I too think you look gorgeous in that photo!
I like that you are writing as you do this, some people just write “after” they have hit their target etc, I hope this helps you stay committed and determined!
Dominic
i think that is AWESOME!!!
loved the article and thank you for the inspiration!
xo
Hi Lorry! Great news! I gotta say…originally my parents bought me the wii fit for Xmas last year and I was googling “wii fit blog” and I found your site. Well, I really loved the blog, I thought this site is GGGGREAT, “tony the tiger” style. It’s really about your honesty and your fantastic “voice” in writing, it’s immediately recognizable. It’s easier to be “fake” in writing a blog, I feel people love the honesty in your writing. It’s also a beautifully layed out site, with great photos from time to time. So it’s great that you’re getting the recognition you deserve! Best of Luck to you and you are surrounded by positivity from your friends at your blog. By the way, I did lose 25 pounds since last Christmas exercising (wii fit, biking, walking) and making a change that was one of my Loves. I gave up “eating dinner out” and tried my best to cook at home. It made a BIG difference. I think eating restaurant food, 3 times a week (as I was doing) contributed a LOT to my weight gain which happened over 10 years. now I am 5 feet 8 at 135 lbs and I look so good now and I feel good, there is no way I’m going back.
I like the NOW pic
Hang in there- it takes me a long time to lose a few pounds (and it takes me a day to wipe out all my losses)
I like calculate how much I would weigh if I gained the amount I lost and it keeps me going.
Good luck-I’ll be following your journey.
I enjoy reading your blog. It’s nice to know I’m not the only who is struggling but still going on with the battle.
Come over and visit my blog. It’s also very honest, uplifting, and real.
Good for you. You’ve earned and deserve the recognition. Life is a roller coaster for most of us and our weight is no different. If anyone had the “magic stuff,” we’d all be thin. It’s a journey. For me its actually turned into fun. I’ve connected with others along the way that have joined me and now we have a community. I love it.
I have enjoyed looking at your blog the past couple of wees. I am just starting my own journey to healthy living and have started my own blog. I hope to inspire others as you do. I agree with the email response you received! Too many of us will not lose a ton of weight and never struggle with our weight again. It is nice to hear real life stories. Keep up the good work!
Ditto to what everyone else has said!
I think they all sum up how we/the rest of the world feels about you, your blog, dieting, life in general
Yes, your story is wonderfully inspiring, because OF the struggles. All of us here trying to lose weight have the same struggles, so we relate to you so much. Congrats on getting the article published. You deserve it and it only helps get the message out.
I’m right there with you Lorrie. I’m 47 years old, so I’ve been a ‘New Years cliche’ more years than you have been alive! I weigh 272 and 30th High School Reunion is this summer. What am I going to do? I’ve started off the year with the usual enthusiasm, but with so many years of failure behind me, it is hard to be optimistic. I guess I could start by planning to go for a walk today. Here’s to hoping I actually do it. Good luck to you, Lisa
Congrats on the recognition! I was just browsing AOL and looking for people who write weight loss blogs. I don’t know what I was hoping to find but your blog really stuck with me. I really feel that we are in a very similar boat. I suffer from the same type of problems with food that you have. However, I quit hiding food after I moved out of my moms house 5 years ago. I don’t know what happened but after so many years of battling with weight loss I pretty much gave up. I used to tell myself all of the time that I should just except the way that I am. After I had my son I gained a ton of weight because I have been a stay at home mom. Unfortunately, I am beginning to feel my body is becoming more damaged. I know I have to do something or I may not be around to see my son go to college, get married, or even have children himself. This really bothers me. In any case, I just wanted to see if you could use another friend. Even though this is the internet.
Holly
This made me smile. You are an inspiration, like I said. Of course, it’s a big plus that you are a great writer.
I am new to this blogging thing. I decided to start my weightloss blog today. You have inspired me!! Thanks!!
this is how i found your blog – and i applaud them for choosing your story, because it’s not always so easy to lose the weight. it gives people a real view on the struggles of weight loss.
First of all – CONGRATS! It’s always exciting to get published! And it’s also nerve-wracking because you start to panic over every single word choice & placement. But the reality is they selected you because of your honesty and how real and accesible you are to your readers! I struggle with my weight every single day and I appreciate how relatable you are.
That is so exciting that they want more from you! Best of luck.