So, I was thinking about how much weight I've lost, and how far I've come, and to remind myself it's okay to enjoy the pumpkin spice things this time of year. And I started looking through old pictures on my phone. Now, granted, I don't have ALL my old pictures on my phone... but...

The number of pictures from even 2 years ago, versus the number of pictures now, with me in them... it's a staggering difference. I can find maybe 1 full body image from 2 years ago, and it's a screenshot of a picture I took for My Fitness Pal as "evidence". And there only 1 or 2 partial and 2 or 3 face shots, frequently with me in the corner of the pic or hiding behind people or otherwise just trying to make myself disappear. I know I'm usually the camera person, but this is just sad.

Thankfully, in recent months there are quite a few more. I've got a full body shot every couple months, a bunch of selfies with my kids, and just pictures of me living my life doing things. I'm sad for the person I was two years ago, even while being happy for me now. I'm sad that if something had happened to me back then, my kids would have had virtually no pictures to remember me by. It would have compounded their pain, and that's not fair to them.

Now, at least, they'd have enough for a memorial. Now, they'd have happy times to look back on and reminisce. Now, they have a better idea of the person I am.

So, take the pictures. Not just the ones for evidence. Take them now, no matter where you are in your journey.

Let people see you.

You matter.