January 9, 2012

That Girl; This Girl

Appearances are deceiving.

Would you believe that the most remarkable difference in these two people has nothing to do with what you can see? The biggest difference is in the way their minds work.

The tragic mistake I believe most people make when it comes to weight loss (which is the mistake I made for so many years) is that we totally neglect the hard work that needs to be done to change the MIND. The way we think informs our every decision, action, and belief. So it stands to reason that merely altering the food we put into our mouths could never be all that it takes to sustain lasting change.

When I found this photo:


I began to weep. Weep.

Doesn't it look like a mugshot? Because I was in prison. A prison in my own mind.

It doesn't have to be like this. Life is not supposed to be like this. 

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. John 10:10

The most valuable makeover I have received is the one in my thought-life. The way I think continues to be changed and renewed daily. This is the transformation that we all need desperately---and maybe don't even realize. I tried to put the before and after into a visual:



If This Girl could talk to That Girl today, she would tell her that help is on the way. This Girl would say that it IS possible. This Girl would declare that emotions have reigned for long ENOUGH!  She would tell That Girl that the pain of change is worth more than she could ever imagine. This Girl would tell That Girl that she is not disgusting and that she has worth far beyond what the eyes can see. This Girl would tell That Girl there is hope. This Girl would tell That Girl to get up and start taking steps, right now.

Because That Girl is going to make it...after all.
Photobucket

23 comments:

CathyB said...

Can I borrow your post and use it for my own??? LOL... it is perfectly ME! I still have a ways to go for my This Girl photo... but the visual comparison you made is perfect. Seriously, can I copy the visual and use it? (with proper acknowledgement, of course)

Thank you so much for this post. It was exactly what I needed to confirm that I am THIS GIRL!!!

Christina said...

You look absolutely amazing on the outside and sound amazing on the inside as well. Your That Girl picture reminds me of how I look in all my pictures and I do feel like I'm trapped in a prison; in a body that I don't belong in. Thank u so much for this post. The comparison was spot on.

Bonnie said...

I know I have said this before, but I think it's important for you to know: I love both those girls, That one and This one. Your worth is not determined by the number on the scale or the number on the label. You are priceless in whatever state you find yourself.

Chubby McGee said...

UH-mazing!!!! Seriously. My jaw literally dropped over that before facial shot.

You look like a completely different human...if you don't mind me saying so. I'm so proud of you!

Oh, I mentioned you and your blog the other day (in my blog)...as it was you (and someone whose comment about why it's taken me so long to lose all my weight) that gave me a big kick in the bum.

Sharlie said...

So glad I took a break from writing by blog (I usually start it early then finish it once I get home and have all my points counted up)The blog I'm working on is about whether or not to do the C25K...then I read this and I cried..I mean balled my eyes out cried~my co-workers thought something was wrong, lol. I still am That Girl..but hopefully I'll get around to the This girl mindset! Thanks for this post and for stoping by my blog every now and again and leaving me comments :)

Kyle said...

Awesomely awesome...and not let's forget the ole' chestnut "I'd rather die younger and happy instead of old and miserable" How's about that for glorifying god's great gift of life?

Emily said...

Best post ever. I'm printing the list and hanging it on my bathroom mirror. Thank you.

Denise said...

Wow Keelie....that was a very strong post. I printed out your This Girl That Girl list and am putting one in kitchen and bathroom. You are so amazing girl. You got this without a doubt!!

Sarah said...

LOVE LOVE LOVE this post. No way that is you on the left, seriously it doesn't even look like you AT ALL. What a transformation!
Isn't it fun to look back at "that" girl and "this" girl, I am amazed all the time how much my mind has changed.

Anonymous said...

Wow this is so encouraging. Thank You.

Jamie said...

TEARS and I mean real tears! Keelie this was such a motivating post. I love how God is using you to touch so many people.Keep it up!!

Can do mom said...

You are beautiful, both inside and out. Wonderful post. Really. I love the work God is doing in you and through you. Blessings to you, dear Keelie.

Kelly @ turned UP to ELEVEN! said...

You are so right on with this - thank you for posting and reminding us all that it's not just what we do but how we think of ourselves, our situations and how we are feeling that effects us! ox

Anonymous said...

This is awesome! I think this post hits it directly on the head. :)

Codi said...

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Mom on a mission said...

So glad I just came upon your blog:) Truly inspirational! Your newest follower.

Loving my Complicated Life! said...

Thank you for this Keelie. The visual is powerful. It reminds me this can be done. The inspiration I needed tonight.


Allison

MojoMissy said...

Great blog! I'm battling an injury and water retention right now, so I really needed this tonight.

A Fine Balance said...

Hits home for me like you have no idea. I'm am this girl. And have been for a while. Though I worry that girl may reappear one day. I also still have trouble seeing myself as this girl. Through blogs like yours I find solace and strength.

BeesKnees said...

What an inspirational post. You just look so much happier in your after it really is amazing. You look Fabulous!

~Christina
www.loserlike-me.blogspot.com

Kelliann said...

I LOVE this post. I would never have known that old picture was you. I love your mindset and I find it very inspiring. Thank you always for sharing.

Thinking Thin said...

Such an awesome inspirational post. I just found your blog via Scale Junkie. You look phenomenal. Grats on your hard work and your mind remodeling :)

Jaime G. said...

Thank you for this post. Seriously. And not even for your pictures (thought the transformation is awesome). BUt thank you for addressing the that girl:this girl. I'm currently "that girl" trying to become "this girl". I'm keeping this marked in my reader to remind me and encourage me.