Losing a significant amount of weight was a transformative journey for me, both physically and mentally. It wasn’t just about shedding pounds; it was about discovering who I really was and what my personal style might be. This process led me to observe others and seek inspiration from their choices. I’d wonder what clothes looked good on someone, what dishes my friends were cooking, and how I could integrate these new elements into my life.
I realized the importance of developing my unique style, one that resonated with me. However, there was nothing wrong with drawing inspiration from others. It’s similar to reading an article and taking away what resonates while leaving the rest behind. We have a valuable resource in being able to pick and choose what we want to incorporate into our lives.
I began to notice that successful individuals in various fields had their own unique approaches to life. We could listen to podcasts on health, nutrition, and business, picking out what worked for us and implementing it. It was akin to having a personal trainer who tailored a fitness plan based on your goals and needs, not a one-size-fits-all solution but a customized approach.
When I started my weight loss journey, I had no clue about fashion. I turned to others for inspiration, considering what colors suited someone or how they styled their wardrobe. I learned from different people and pieced together my own style.
As I ventured into this new world after my remarkable transformation, it was undoubtedly challenging, frustrating, and scary. However, we could pick and choose what we liked and discard the rest. This philosophy led me to a memorable Halloween experience a few years ago.
I was heading to a Halloween party without a costume idea when I noticed my friend Brandon, my personal trainer from the early days of my weight loss journey. He had always been a source of inspiration for me, and I decided to dress up as him. Brandon’s consistent outfit of boat shoes, jeans, and a red and black checkered flannel shirt quickly became my own. I even found a black beanie hat with a red beard attached. I became “Lumberjack Brandon.”
Walking into the party, I spotted Brandon wearing a zombie lumberjack costume – a hilarious twist of fate. We had the same attire on, and I was basically Brandon for the night. He couldn’t stop smiling, and to this day, he recalls that unexpected encounter.
I share this story not to suggest that you dress up as your friend, but to encourage you to explore various styles, borrow ideas, and try new things as you reinvent yourself after significant weight loss. Don’t get stuck in the same routines; instead, seek inspiration from the world around you and give different looks and experiences a chance. The worst that can happen is you don’t like it, but the best is when it brings a smile to someone else’s face.