Some people don’t like to be in the spotlight. Alas, I’m not one of them. From the moment I first stepped on stage for a tap dance recital at age three - apparently a few steps out of beat and missing cues right and left – being the center of attention has been rocked my world. Taking the role of King Arthur in the third grade school play, complete with a paper crown from Burger King and my mom’s burgundy and gold trimmed satin bathrobe, was thrilling. So was competing in public speaking events throughout high school and college.
It wasn’t any different for me socially either. I would happily climb on top of a speaker platform at a disco and dance my butt off (my rhythm has significantly improved from those early tap dancing days). Donning creative, handmade Halloween costumes like a Chiquita Banana and Bazooka Bubble Gum ensured I stood out amongst the crowd of sexy nurse and witch outfits. One year, I pretended to be a fake fortune teller, Madame Gaza, for my best friend Samantha’s birthday celebration. There is plenty of evidence to prove it. I’ve got pictures galore of me entertaining, cajoling and generally annoying crowds of people.
I bring this up because throughout all of those occasions, I was overweight. Sure, I wasn’t thrilled with my appearance. But it has always been important for me to capture life’s moments visually. That way you can go back and revisit those memories anytime. Over the years, I’ve talked to a number of women who don’t like to be in photos because they aren’t crazy about their size. You know what? Starting to participate in pictures instead of hiding behind the lens can do you a world of good.
For starters, you might just see something you like. Do you have a killer smile or thick, naturally blonde hair that people pay hundreds of dollars for at a salon? Perhaps you’ve never noticed how your husband still hugs you so tight even after 18 years of marriage. Or it could be the adoring look of your four-year-old as his arms are wrapped around your leg.
Photos can also be great catalysts. The pictures of me at my heaviest helped prompt the weight loss. Looking back on them whenever I hit a plateau or felt fat during PMS kept me motivated by showing how far I’ve come.
So start jumping in front of the camera more often. Who knows? The shot you take today could appear as your success story “before” shot in a future issue of Shape Magazine …or it might serve to remind you how fabulous you already are.
It wasn’t any different for me socially either. I would happily climb on top of a speaker platform at a disco and dance my butt off (my rhythm has significantly improved from those early tap dancing days). Donning creative, handmade Halloween costumes like a Chiquita Banana and Bazooka Bubble Gum ensured I stood out amongst the crowd of sexy nurse and witch outfits. One year, I pretended to be a fake fortune teller, Madame Gaza, for my best friend Samantha’s birthday celebration. There is plenty of evidence to prove it. I’ve got pictures galore of me entertaining, cajoling and generally annoying crowds of people.
I bring this up because throughout all of those occasions, I was overweight. Sure, I wasn’t thrilled with my appearance. But it has always been important for me to capture life’s moments visually. That way you can go back and revisit those memories anytime. Over the years, I’ve talked to a number of women who don’t like to be in photos because they aren’t crazy about their size. You know what? Starting to participate in pictures instead of hiding behind the lens can do you a world of good.
For starters, you might just see something you like. Do you have a killer smile or thick, naturally blonde hair that people pay hundreds of dollars for at a salon? Perhaps you’ve never noticed how your husband still hugs you so tight even after 18 years of marriage. Or it could be the adoring look of your four-year-old as his arms are wrapped around your leg.
Photos can also be great catalysts. The pictures of me at my heaviest helped prompt the weight loss. Looking back on them whenever I hit a plateau or felt fat during PMS kept me motivated by showing how far I’ve come.
So start jumping in front of the camera more often. Who knows? The shot you take today could appear as your success story “before” shot in a future issue of Shape Magazine …or it might serve to remind you how fabulous you already are.
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Best post yet! Great advice.
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