Friday, August 27, 2010

Sort of success

The fantastic Dee, our Weight Watchers leader here at the Children's Office Park, asked me a couple of weeks ago if I would speak at something called Success Live. It's an open house at her WW center, where several WW members will speak about their weight loss journeys.

"Dee, I'm not a success," I said.

"Of course you are," she said.

"But...but, I'm not finished!" I said.

Dee went on to explain that they wanted people from all parts of their weight loss journey—people who just started, others who've reached their goals and people like me—those who have lost weight but aren't to their goals yet.

I was pretty hesitant at first. I don't think when you look at me you automatically think I'm a success. In fact, if you hadn't known me before I started, you'd think I was still just another overweight girl.

But a friend reminded me of my "If I can do it, anyone can" entry. Maybe seeing someone who's had some success, but is still chugging along could make an impact for someone who just started and has a long way to go. I sure hope so. Plus, I couldn't let Dee down. She's done too much for me. So, sometime between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. tomorrow (Saturday) at the Northlake Mall Weight Watchers center, I'll be telling my story of (sort of) success. If you're in the area, feel free to stop by. There will be raffles and prizes and other fun stuff.

Many of you have asked me to post an updated photo. A lot of you have asked me if I am going to change that little black and white picture on the right. I've thought about it. When I hit my ultimate goal, I'll probably change it, but for now, I like it as a gauge to show me how far I've come.

But for tomorrow's talk, Dee asked me to have a before and after photo. My friend Kate, who's a graphic designer here at Children's, was kind enough to put the two photos together. I thought I'd share with you.


So, there you have it. The photo on the left was me, probably at my heaviest, and the photo on the right was taken just a couple of days ago.

I hope everyone has a healthy, fun weekend. As always, thanks so much for reading. You guys inspire me every day.

13 comments:

Alison said...

Unrelated to the weight loss, but you have SUCH a great smile, Erika! Even on a computer screen, across thousands of miles, it's infectious - I can't help grinning. Congratulations on your success so far. Your hard work is really paying off!

Anonymous said...

Erika- you are a knockout! you look fantastic! and red is your color! i am so proud of you. keep on going, girl. keeping running the race. you can do it. i believe in you.

Katie
girl on the phone. :)

Casa de Nagel said...

Love the smile, love the red, love the hair - love it!
You are absolutely a success story.
Have fun at the meeting
Ana

Dawn M. Stark said...

Erika- You look AMAZING-keep up the great work! I'm so proud of you and you're in inspiration to SO many!

Love ya girl!

Anonymous said...

WOW! You look AWESOME! You are definitely a success and inspiration! Hope you had fun at the meeting on Saturday!
Jennie

Anonymous said...

You are a success because you are already so much healthier than you were at the beginning of your journey. Even if you didn't lose another pound, think how much your quality of life has improved. You can be proud of your accomplishment so far!

Anonymous said...

erika you are such a beautiful lady and you've come so far! You've worked too hard not to share your success so far. And I don't think it's just our fantastic flourescent lighting that's giving you an extra glow in your photo from "now" ;)
<3abo

Janell said...

You are looking good, woman! Love the hair!

Lauren K. said...

You look great! That is such a good photo :)

Unknown said...

Yep, you're totally rockin' it Erika. You look gorgeous. :*

CD said...

You are a knockout, Erika!
wow - the change is striking - you are doing GREAT!!!! You are an inspiration!!!!

Anonymous said...

Hot. Mama. In. Red.

So proud of you!!

Lauren Griffin said...

You look amazing!!!