4.3
June 8, 2015

The Before & After Journey. {Inspiring Photos}

Screenshot_2015-06-07-09-29-39-1

We are all familiar with the ubiquitous “before and after” pictures which  beam out at us from every magazine and weight loss commercial.

Though these images are there to sell us things by promoting our own sense of self loathing, the stories behind them are often quite inspiring.

I am fascinated by the journeys that people take toward health and personal betterment, and as such, I am fascinated by “before and after” shots. If a picture is a worth a million words, these are certainly worth two million—possibly more.

PhotoGrid_1433373715826

Lately, there has been a small backlash by people like elephant’s own Jamie Khoo, who turned the idea of before and afters on its head by posting images of herself in reverse: in her “before” she is noticeably slimmer than in her “after.” She says that though she may have looked better according to cultural beauty standards in the first one, she felt better in the second one.

The bottom line? Thinness does not equal happiness.

So what does?

I believe it is a willingness to grow and evolve, to constantly question assumptions, to strive to fall in love with ourselves and the world, and to work our butts off in pursuit of these goals. And anytime I see someone living in this fashion, particularly when it is a brand new path for them, I want to holler up to the heavens in joy as I watch them unfold their wings.

Screenshot_2015-06-07-09-30-21-1

These images of my friend Kristi Flint are not intended to sell you anything. By posting them here I am not trying to force you into a state of self hatred to make you take a pill, buy some fake processed “health” food or have you sign up for a “miracle” weight loss work out video—quite the opposite.

I am simply sharing the beauty of her unfolding wings so that we might feel more strongly the stirrings of our own.

Kristi has lost over 40 pounds in under four months, quit smoking for 199 days (as of June seventh, 2015), and dealt with severe social anxiety issues and obsessive compulsive disorder which in the past have kept her from doing simple things like going to the gym and the grocery store—both of which she is now able to do regularly.

She’s accomplished all this without any program or gimmick, educating herself about food and fitness, being her own cheerleader and coach, and has been willing to share her progress publicly.

Screenshot_2015-06-07-09-29-23-1

I don’t struggle with my weight (though you’d hardly know it based on my obsession with what I eat and how much I move) but I do struggle with many, many, many other things: self worth, lack of courage, pride, laziness, self forgiveness. When I see images like these, I see myself—or the self I could be—an imperfect soul who, with a little push, some consistency and a good attitude, can move mountains.

Witnessing Kristi’s journey has been like waking up each day to a song bird singing at the top of her lungs right outside my window. The joyous notes of hope and achievement motivate me to do better and show me that we are all capable of growing lotus’s from our mud.

In truth, the least dramatic piece of Kristi’s transformation is represented in these photos. When I asked her what the biggest change she has noticed has been, she said:

Mentally, I have had a complete turn around. Before I was the most negative, pessimistic, passive aggressive  (about myself) person. I did nothing but make jokes about myself and put myself down. Now I am as positive as I can be! I always try to see the brighter side, and I have learned to love my body and mind! I absolutely perceive myself differently now. I no longer think so poorly of myself. I have pride and confidence in who I am!

We are all in as state of evolution, whether we like it or not. It is up to us whether we take the helm and choose the direction in which we move, or just let the wind blow us willy nilly all over the ocean. Personally, I am grateful for anything that reminds me to have a strong hand on the wheel, even if it’s just being a witness to one woman falling in love with herself.

 

PhotoGrid_1433532393833

 

 

 

Relephant:

The Before & After Photo I Never Wanted to See.

Your Body Ain’t Wrong, Girlfriend. {67 Untouched Nude Photos}

~

A simple, cheap way to take care of ourselves and get the nutrients we need:

~

Author: Erica Leibrandt

Editor: Renée Picard 

Photos: all via the author and used with permission 

 

 

Read 4 Comments and Reply
X

Read 4 comments and reply

Top Contributors Latest

Erica Leibrandt  |  Contribution: 69,905