(1) Portrait.

Me. 40 pounds ago.

Dear Me,

You thought you were beautiful and funny then, and you were. Very much so. But I like "me" better now. I am healthier and stronger, both mentally and physically. I thank you for all the hard work you put yourself through to get us to where I am today today. Without that hope and perseverance, we'd probably still be over 200 pounds and depressed about how we felt people saw us only for what jiggled and not for our humor or friendly smile.

We both know that size shouldn't be a factor in how you see others. We should see them for who they are on the inside, but you and I both know that's not true. That people saw that shell and immediately assumed you were a slob and/or lazy. Hell, maybe you were, but it wasn't because you wanted to be. I hope I can remember as I'm still losing my "soft" spots that who I am is still who I was 40 pounds ago. I'm just not nearly as leery to open up and show people who I really am.

Keep on, keepin on girlfriend.

P.S.

We'll all miss your pretty face when the new skinny you takes over this Blogger avatar.