A few days ago, I was going through my photo archive on my computer and was amazed at what I saw. I guess I haven’t noticed the physical transformation I made over the past few years that much. Despite the total change in wardrobe, feeling healthier and lighter on my feet, I haven’t really stopped to smell the roses.
Before
This was taken in mid 2004.
After
There have been several major changes in my life between the before and after. Changes in relationships, diet, self-care, activity, address, living situation, lifestyle and how I feel about myself.
These were taken in late 2007
Right around the time the “after” photos were taken, I spotted my brother at a Whole Foods after we haven’t seen each other in about two years. I saw him in line and I waited for him to check out. As he was leaving the store, I got in front of him and he looked right though me. It hadn’t dawn on me that he didn’t recognize me! It took him about 15 seconds.
Do you ever look at your old photos wonder who that person was? Are you surprised at the changes you made even in a few short years both positive and negative? How do you feel about that?
I am frequently shocked at how I have changed. Years of chronic prednisone has given me a moon face and softened my bones to the point that I have shrunk two inches. The left side of my face is “slipping” from 20+ years of MS and I have gained weight due to inactivity.
I was at a wedding last summer with people that I had grown up with but hadn’t seen in years. Almost no one recognized me. If I didn’t still have a crazy mane of curly strawberry blonde hair, I don’t think any one would have recognized me at all
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Amazing transformation. I love this blog.
I’ve always looked basically the same, so I haven’t had that experience.
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Wow!! You look fabulous, girl! Keep up the great work.
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Amazing! You did such a great job and I LOVE your biceps. All of you actually. It’s also great that this is not just about looks or dieting but about taking better care of yourself.
I haven’t changed much over the years, except that I do look older than, say, 10 years ago – but that’s pretty normal I think.
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Hi Carla,
Wow, you’ve done an amazing job – and should be very proud of where you’ve gotten yourself to! You look amazing!
Me? Yes, I went through something similar about 5 years ago – and I took pictures through the whole process. It’s scary to see where I was – when healthy wasn’t important to me.
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Wow, you hardly do look like the same individual. Way to go Carla!!
Now I need to follow your lead and do something similar. You’re an inspiration.
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@Lisa – Thank you so much! Feel free to let me know if you have any questions.
@Lance – Thanks! I would love to see old photos of you, if you are willing to share.
@Vered – Genetics definitely play a role in my biceps. And yes, its all about taking care of myself from head (inside) to toe.
@Lisa – Thank you!
@Lovelyn – Its not a bad thing to look the same. That means you’re doing something right!
@Bean – I totally sympathize with you taking prednisone. I only had to take it recently for the first time for 24 days (not directly related to MS) and that was hellish enough. You are definitely in my thoughts.
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wow you look totally different in 2004 and in 2007. great job on the weight loss, you look fantastic!!!
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Those are awesome before and after pics! You look sooooooooooooooo much younger, healthier, and more vibrant in the after photos–beautiful!!
*smiles*
Michele
Michele’s last blog post..News: Contest Notification!
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Wow! You look incredible in these photos. I can understand why your brother didn’t recognize you.
I’m sure you feel much better as well. Seriously, way to go Carla!
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