Positive self image regardless of weight...

Hello all,

I've always had a pretty much positive self image even though I am overweight.  Something makes, me think this is the reason why I never really thought about getting in shape or losing weight.  I always thought I was beautiful.  I mean I had those days when I was not happy with myself, but these days definitely in the minority and usually revolved feeling I have nothing to wear.  Even the healthiest people have these days.  I've always been the biggest girl in the group...dont think any of my friends are over a size 8.  But I never felt that way.  Now that I decided to get into shape, take some control..I've started to question myself and whether or not it was/is false self-esteem all along.  Which is in turn causing motivation issues.  I've never felt this sorta self doubt before...It scares me and I don't like it!

Can anyone relate?

Oh yes, I can relate more than you could possibly know.  I was once pretty athletic and I guess I am still active now but have always been the biggest guy in the group.  That never bothered me before because I still feel like I look better than everyone else lol...

But in all seriousness you are making a change to something that you have never really thought about before.  You are going to have some doubts but the fact of the matter is that you are making healthy choices for a healthier life and nobody can doubt that that decision is a good one.

It's tough to stay motivated but I will promise you one thing CC is a huge help and many times is a great motivational place.

Stick with it, it will all be worth it.

Whew...glad to know I am not going crazy!  Th emind has a way of playing tricks on you!

You probably have one of the healthiest self-esteem attitudes I've ever seen.  Just wait until you lose those pounds!  I get tired of reading post from people that can't get into their size 3 clothing anymore.  Good heavens, now they're a 5.  (what do those sizes look like?)  Anyhow, keep it up.  I hope more read your post.  With out knowing it, you will inspire many here. ~

It's great to have a good self-image.  You will exude confidence no matter what your size.  I can sort of relate b/c I'm the type of person that didn't really see myself in the mirror as "a fat person."  I would notice a bulge here or there but nothing to really fret over.  Actual photos of myself were a rude awakening! 

Thanks for your post. As others have said above - very inspiring. While trying to lose weight, I notice that my own self esteem plummets. It's sad, when I'm losing and am thinner, I feel worse than when I didn' t know better and didn't care. And, since I had a really hard year last year and overate from depression - am bigger again. I actually feel better/have more positive self esteem now, but deciding to make a change, I start to notice things, and then the self esteem goes down again...

anyway, made me feel better for now, and is inspiring me to make the healthy changes just to be healthier. Maybe we should ignore the whole looks/vanity for now? idk

i was actually gonna start a thread like this because i thought i was the only one!  i've always seen myself as thinner than i really am.  i think that's why i weigh as much as i do.  i just never saw the pounds come on.  then every so often i'd have a "sober moment" where i would see myself as i really am.  my weight was always in the back of my mind though.

that mentality is actually helping me lose though.  i'm down 11 pounds and i feel SO thin!  i weigh 218, but i still feel thin, even though i was 40 pounds thinner a few years ago.

if you feel good about yourself now at your current weight, just keep reminding yourself how great it will feel in a year when you've lost even more weight.  that might help your motivation issues.  there's nothing wrong with feeling good about yourself the way you are!  people get way too hung up with hating themselves.  that's the wrong, unhealthy attitude.  your positive self esteem is the right way to go!

Hey guys!  Thanks for your responses!  It is comforting to know that someone out there understands.  Honestly I have no desire to be a size 2,4, or 6.  I'd be pretty stoked to be a healthy 12/14 and that's what I am aiming for.  My lower back started acting up this year and I just knew it was all the weight I carry in my mid section!  So I decided time get rid of it!   I have failed other life style changes before because I got depressed...constantly obsessing about how I looked.  I was never this person!  This time I am hoping its a little different...it just has to be!  I can't allow myself to become my own worst enemy when I've always been pretty good to myself...gotta repeat this daily! 

I'm so proud of you (and I don't even know you!) for having such a great self image...I'm also a little jealous ;) 

Even when I was younger, rowing for my highschool, and weighed 135 lbs (didn't get there healthily, mind you, but I had a LOT of muscle on my little 5'2 frame) I was convinced I was huge.  I look back at pictures and think "what was I thinking".  I look at my cellulite free thighs and sigh in envy. 

I hope I can get where you are one day :)  I'm 5'2 and a 12-13 now (whoo!) down from a 16-18, but I'm not going to lie - I'd like to see maybe a size 10.

Congrats on dropping those sizes!  Hopefully I can be able to say the same one day!

This is so inspiring because I too feel that life was easier when I didn't see myself as large or thin.  I didn't care unless I couldn't find something to wear and I have more issues now about what to wear, what to eat.

The insecurity of being thin seems so mind blowing that I often ask myself is it worth it.  After losing 99 lbs I know I am healthier, I am thinner, I look possible younger and I have curves instead of lumps and for that I am grateful.

I wish us all Great success and we are not alone!!!!!

Original Post by annacabana:

i was actually gonna start a thread like this because i thought i was the only one!  i've always seen myself as thinner than i really am.  i think that's why i weigh as much as i do.  i just never saw the pounds come on.  then every so often i'd have a "sober moment" where i would see myself as i really am.  my weight was always in the back of my mind though.

 I felt the exact same way at my highest (160 lbs for 5'1") but I could almost all the time convinced me(and believe me I'm good at that, I'm a lawyer!!!) that I looked good... now at 125, I'm more self conscious than I was back then.

I think it has to do with acknowledging my body, being more conscient of what I put it through (exercise, food)... also I am more conscient of what it actually is because I scrutinize it to see change and I'm still surprise to see a thin version of myself in the mirror instead of just imagining it!