Me, in front of some glass flowers by Robert Chihuly at the Marlborough Gallery in Chelsea
Among the many things we did this weekend was to take stock of my closet. Because my mom was having some health problems this summer (she is doing really well now - - thank you to all those of you who have asked -- I really appreciate it!), she had not been up to NYC for a bit. As a result, she hadn't seen the bulk of my new clothes, so I did a little fashion show for her yesterday!
As I was trying on the new things, a dress I've kept for the past 14 years caught my eye. It's a floor-length Betsey Johnson dress that I wore to my law school Barristers Ball with my old boyfriend, Peter, in 1996. (You may remember Peter as the Italian movie-star-type from the recent post where I'm wearing a deep pink dress.) I may not be as young and fresh-faced as I was in 1996, but I'll tell you -- the dress fits even better now! And, much to my surprise (though I surely work out about twice as much as I did then), I think that my arms actually may look better and more toned now than they did 14 years ago. You be the judge. . .
Me, at home, yesterday.
Me, with Peter in 1996 at the Barristers' Ball
(post-blow-out and professional makeup ) :)
Me, with Peter in 1996 at the Barristers' Ball(post-blow-out and professional makeup ) :)
It would be hard to put into words how good it feels to look like my old self again. I don't take it for granted, and I appreciate things a lot more than I ever did the first time around, and I am a lot more forgiving of my flaws than I would have thought possible. I smile sometimes when I hear my thin friends (who are just beautiful as they are) beat themselves up over a few unwanted pounds or the slightest, most imperceptable bit of jiggle on their legs. If they only knew the secret to getting free from feeling badly about that!! I mean, all they would have to do is gain 80 pounds over a number of years, and then lose it!
Ha ha. . not exactly something anyone would sign on for willingly. But, I will tell you that going through this journey not only has freed me from the "food prison" -- it also has freed me from feeling badly about myself for not having a perfect body, and has let me feel good about what I do have and what I've been able to achieve. I think I am actually stronger and more confident about my appearance as a result of going through this journey. As difficult as it has been, especially during the gaining and pre-band years when I felt so hopeless, I don't regret it because it has taken me to where I am now.
22 comments:
I think we are kindred spirits, I am right there with you!! It actually hurts my heart to see beautiful thin girls beat themselves up, they do not understand how freeing and how much happiness they are missing out on when they are BEAUTIFUL. Just for that lesson learned I am grateful for my band
And by the way you definatly look hotter now!!
If I didn't know any better I would have said that photo was taken on the same day! You look beautiful in both pictures! And probably even more so in the recent one! That is so wonderful for you!
GORGEOUS!!!!!
I agree your arms look more toned now!! How awesome to have that dress to put on as a before and after! I agree with you that having traveled this path makes one appreciate this place flaws and all!
You look amazing. How fun to fit back into an old favorite even better than before.
You look great in both, but happier in the recent picture. It's a lovely dress!
what a great reminder to all of us to learn to love ourselves along this journey. I am determined to love myself every step of the way too otherwise I can't appreciate how far I've come.
Catherine - STUNNING!!! You look just gorgeous, and I do think you look better now!!! And great words - I find myself so more COMFORTABLE with who I am - even though I am not near goal yet, I dont' beat myself up - worth an amazing amount!!!
I think you look amazing, you have a glow about you and a confidence that can only come from having lived this journey. I'm so proud of you and of course...so encouraged. You give me great hope for the future.
Catherine you are gorgeous as always! Great post, you look glowing in the new picture!
I honestly think you look even better now. can you believe that? That a decade and a half later you are BETTER? I like that. And I also like that the dress is as perfect now as it was then. That's a good investment! Just like the band.
Its all about perspective. You look wonderful!
"If they only knew the secret to getting free from feeling badly about that!!"
Completely agree. FREEDOM!
Ahhh...I can almost FEEL your relief, Catherine. It gives me hope! Each day I get closer to that food freedom is a good day for me. Thanks for sharing!
You haven't aged a day! You look fantastic!
I love Dale Chihuly! I saw him on the street once, I was giddy like he was Oprah or something. He's hard to miss with the eye patch and all...
Wow! You look so great! Definitely time to revive that dress!
You've gotten more gorgeous through the years...definitely look better now than then and that is a pretty huge challenge.
So glad you and Mom are doing well.
You look more beautiful and toned in the current picture - that's fantastic!!
It is amazing how this journey makes it so much easier to appreciate what we have! Great post.
You look better now! And I am so jealous (in a good way). Karin and I went into the Betsey Johnson store in Chicago because, as I told her, I will consider my weight loss a success when I can wear *something* in that store. I'm not a designer clothing kind of girl, but I have always loved Betsey Johnson!
Yup, I would say your arms look a little more toned than 14 years before but DAMN I swear you havent aged a bit. Looking good, girlfriend xx
YES! YES! YES!
You said everything I feel....everyday!
And, you look stunning in both pix!
Onward!
Judi
Bombshell! What a stunning dress! You have to save it for an amazing date!
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