I did it...Posted Pics

[Carlene]

They are horrible and I may never be able to go to the journaling area again. I was going to wait until I lost another 5 pounds to have a picture taken, but today my son-in-law and I went on an 8 mile hike to water falls in the desert. I had Craig take a picture of me at the falls.

I'm not a pretty woman, obese I'm down right horrible looking. Now I just look old and worn. Everyone has been telling me how much older I look now. It's the sagging skin, the last remnants of my double chins hangs wrinkled beneath my chin. My skin is ruddy from all the sun. I know things will tighten up as I finish losing the rest of all this weight, but so far these are not pictures I really want to share.

Keep in mind I still have 60 more pounds to lose. 70 gone may sound like a lot, but I'm only a little past half way there. Of course how I look and how I feel are two different things. I feel twenty years younger even if I look that much older.

No need to try and soothe my soul. No one in my family takes good pictures, so I'll find my comfort there.

[sweetgoddess]

Carlene, are you kidding me! WOW. What a huge, incredible, amazing, beautiful difference. You have done so well and I am so so so proud of you. Look how far you have come! I am so inspired by you that I wanted to give you a gift. If it bothers you that it is on here, just say so and I will remove.
Save it to your harddrive and put in your journal area, if you want. I am amazed by you. Way to go sistergoddess!
3 cheers for you!
\ :) /\ :D /\ :p /
Many Blessings and Much Warmth~
Carmel

[VeganVixen]

WAY to GO !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

props to Carlene :D!

[tglasco4]

Carlene, You look GREAT! Keep up the wonderful transformation!!

Peace and Blessings to you on your raw journey.

Todd

[Helen Of Tennessee]

Carlene,

Am I missing something? I see a HUGE change!!!! And it's GOOD!!!!! I think you look younger and definately can tell you lost weight. WAY TO GO!!!! Can you imagine what you'll look like in another 3 or 4 months????? I know you can see the loose skin, but I can't in the picture. And like you said, in due time, your skin will tighten up; at least you have the comfort.

It's funny, I never use to take good pictures, but once I went high raw, my pictures look better than what I look in real life. Eating high raw was a big turn around for me. Now to get to 100%!!!!

It is so nice to have a face to put with your name. Thanks for posting your photos.

[Gosia]

you do look much healthier and your face is nice to look at. Your transformation is clearly evident, and it is to "much better"! Do not deprive yourself of reward that you deserve. I know, there is still a journey in front of you (it is in front of all of us), but be patient, you WILL get there (and elsewhere, where you did not even dream off being). In the meantime, celebrate that you got where you are now. Congratulations!!!

All the best,
Gosia.

PS Sometimes I feel like leaving it all, and think "Why bother?", but then I look at the improvements that already have happened, look at where I once was (I do not want to go back there under any circumstances), and this gives me a kick to continue.

[rawpriestess]

I too see a dramatic difference.

What a beautiful smile you have, and such thick lucsious hair, I am so envious of that gorgeous hair.

Mine is practically gone, all straggly, because of menopause. I haven't had it cut sin 1977 and it is just past my shoulders, looks horrible, tons of gray.

Your is so beautiful.

And look what you have accomplished, I wish I could say, I lost 70 pounds and only have 60 go go, I've lost 40 pounds and still have 125 to go.

You are an amazing inspiration to us all.

We so appreciate your taking the time to post your pics.

YOU LOOK MARVELOUSLY TRANSFORMED!!!

[Ireland]

Carlene, thank you sooo much for posting your pictures. Now we can see that you ARE beautiful on the outside as well as the inside whether you think so or not. And, we're good judges of beauty here ya know...so there!

You're a wonderful inspiration and I am so glad you're a part of this forum.

May God continue to bless you on your journey. :)

[Ginger]

Why on Earth would you think you're not beautiful?!!! So you have some extra weight! Big deal! It's coming off anyway! I see beauty when I look at you. I hope someday you can see yourself as I see you because you would be very happy.

[WinterSun]

I too must agree! You look wonderful! No one is a supermodel that's not natural. You certainly have natural beauty! Keep up the transformation :)

[dragonfist70]

wow! you are doing so well. i can see such a difference :d keep it up

[GlimR]

Your story has really been an inspiration to me, thank you for that. I've loved seeing your pictures. It's a strange and terrible thing the way women judge themselves, me included. Neither you or I will never fit the ideal of some young boys dreams but that is a good thing, no?*s* I have lost over 100 lbs from my highest weight and have probably 80 more to go...but it is ok~ I love the hiking picture. You look strong and beautiful to me. What an amazing place to see...8 miles is a great long hike...could you do that 5 months ago?

True womanly beauty shines from the soul, from life lived and lessons learned, from the wisdom we gather to ourselves. Your light shines sweet lady...my wish for you is that you bask in your own glow~ So very well done~

[angelandarose]

Carlene I think you are beautiful! What an amazing difference and that's only been 4 months. So very cool! Keep up the great work girl.

Love ya,
Angie

[Ariannah]

Carlene, what an amazing difference! You look wonderful!

[earthmama]

Girl, you should be patting yourself on the back. You look amazing!!!! I read your journal the other day. it so inspired me. I just knew you would be lovely, and I was right!!!! by the way, just reading about all that you do, wore me out.LOL. I have CFS and can barely make it to the end of my street. I was so impressed at all the exercise you do, and thrilled for you. Keep it up, you deserve the best. I'm really proud for you, taking such good care of yourself. Blessings Earthmama

[flutterfly]

You look at lot like my step sister and she is a beautiful woman!!!

[NoGMO!]

Hi Carlene,

I read your journal! Very inspiring to all! CONGRATULATIONS on all of your success!!! You look and sound great, I am so very happy for you! :D


Cheers,
NoGMO! ~

[sebert2]

Carlene,

Your progress is amazing! I read your journal for the first 30 days. Very inspiring. I haven't done the 30 day challenge, yet, but plan on it in the future. I really like how your mind-set was for a "healthy, vibrant life".

I thank you for sharing and applaud your success. You should feel very good about yourself.

[vegggeeemom]

Oh my gosh! Yes, you can see a difference by all means! And if you feel better, then don't worry about the rest (I know easier said then done :))
You're doing a great job, keep it up!
8 miles?! Wow! Congrats on that!

[adiasmc]

I think you look great! Remember we are much harder on ourselves than we should be. I don't think anyone ever really "loves" what they look like. You can see a big difference. You can see your face and shoulders. I think you should be IMMENSELY proud of how far you have come!

[Sweet lips]

We all carry on a steady mental dialogue with ourselves, and what Adiasmce said is so true
Remember we are much harder on ourselves than we should be.

You took a single step and made a difference in not only your life, but for your family and all of us, who have read your journal. Your difference is so noteable and outstanding. Be blessed!.

[Kris]

Wow! I can especially see the difference in your face -- it looks so much thinner and younger and more vibrant. What an inspiration to stay with it! :)

[LNdolls]

I think you are beautiful!!! I love your smile. And I applaud your hard work! It totally shows in your looks and your vibration.
Bravo!!
Best Always,
LN

[rawgrrl]

I agree with you that the pictures aren't great, but it's obvious that you look great in 'em. You are positively glowing now and the difference between pre-raw and now shows greatly.

[Meowzr]

Carlene --you look fabulous! The changes are very noticeable to me. Look what 4 months can do! "You GO Girl!" Kristen
:D

[Carlene]

Wow, I must say, I am overwhelmed by all the response. Pictures have always been a sore spot with me. Even as a child I shyed away from the camera (it's why I became an amatuer photographer). I appreciate the ability to be so honest with everyone here and the acceptance of all. I will post another picture when I hit 100 pounds and then a final one 30 or 40 pounds later. It's hard to share obesity, not even my mother has seen these pictures. I hide them on my hard-drive. So, I just want to say thanks for all the support and for giving me a place to share my success and failures without worry of judgement or ridicule.

[sweetgoddess]

We are all on a similar path dear woman. And we are all here to support you, and to celebrate you. You bless us with inspiration and possibility by sharing with us, and I am sincerely grateful for that gift.

Thank you.
Warmly~
Carmel

[deedub]

I think you have accomplished a great deal in four months. Congratulations! I know what its like to look at pictures and still see all the work ahead. Your daughter and your son- in-law both went raw? Even if its just your daughter speaks I think volumns about the example your are setting. And hey size 16 real jeans is a great milestone. I say celebrate the success and let the rest motivate your continued success.
Peace and Blessings

[kmik]

Let's not overlook the 8 mile hike! Could you have done that and been smiling like that before raw?

I have to agree with everyone else, you look great... but regardless of how you think you look, you've got to be feeling fantastic to be able to knock of 8 miles and still be smiling :D

[sharthejoysheila]

Carlene, You look great.. We all struggle with our image. I know i have a terrible time with mine. I know i have to love myself or no one else can. I have come along way just to even be able to write that down on here.. Please love yourself and know that you are a beautifull creation.... Sheila

[shakti17]

i agree with everyone - carlene is gorgeous! you look so full of life.

[Angelic Light]

I think you look wonderful in both photos!! I can't understand why you don't think you are good looking. You are!!! And I really mean that - I am not just trying to make you feel good. I can see your beauty shine.

You have done really well with your weight loss - keep up the good work!

I bet your body is really really happy......

You are glowing! :)