How I didn't wait till perfection to wear a String Bikini

In the beginning of the year I found myself just shy of 200 pounds. If you know me well, you would know that about three years ago I was heavier then that, and had started my weight loss journey- nearly loosing 50 pounds. Unfortunately, I had gotten lazy despite my hard work and slowly climbed back up to almost 30 pounds. I decided to get serious again and take a different approach this time. Among different techniques to help me stay motivated, one of them was going out to purchase a 2 piece string bikini. Not only did I hang it up on my wall, but I took the infamous before picture wearing it. I started lifting (which I learned I enjoyed) HIIT cardio, and took my nutrition seriously (especially with my PCOS). Next thing I knew, I had lost 20 of those pounds I had regained and decided to take another picture of me wearing that same bikini.

Although I felt a difference and noticed a little change in my appearance- nothing could have prepared me for how big that difference truly was when I compared the before and after pictures. It forced me to look at my body in a whole new light. Instead of struggling with the idea of still not being perfect, still having such a long way to go before I reach my big goals- it opened my eyes to how far I've gone. It showed me how big of a loss 20 pounds actually is, and made me appreciate what my body can do.

Since I was celebrating my birthday at the beach this past weekend- I toyed with the idea of wearing that string bikini out in public. On the day of, still torn, I had consulted with a friend who encouraged me to go for it. I'm so glad that I followed her advice! Taking off my cover and revealing my work-in-progress bikini body to the world was most definitely a different kind of rush. Sure I've gotten a couple of looks here and there, but by that point it truly didn't bother me (even though I thought it would). I was too proud of how much I've accomplished so far, to care what others thought. It gave me confidence and a different kind of motivation to continue my hard work. Instead of getting upset or frustrated that I'm still not "perfect," it's changed to a mind set where I ask myself "How much farther I can go", "What else can I accomplish", and "How can I keep this 'high' to continue?" Instead of focusing on what I can't do and comparing myself to others, it showed me what I already did and what I'm capable of doing. Which is the most effective motivation and inspiration that I've had in regards to my health, ever.

If you are going to take anything out of my experience that I'm sharing with you today, please take this. Stop comparing yourself to others. You may not realize how destructive that can be to your efforts- but it is. It makes you forget how far you've gone and what milestones you've accomplished. It will frustrate you because you still haven't reached your (or others') idea of perfection, which in turn can undo everything you've worked so hard for. I know this to be true, because that's exactly what's happened to me all these years. That is, until now.

Left: 180 lbs Right: 200 lbs

Tati