I was just thinking that when I was younger, everytime I was really serious about going on a diet, I would paint my toenails. This was my own secret reminder to myself. No one else sees it, but I. I'd make them a pretty, bright color and every morning when I'd get dressed, there they were as a beacon to my dedication and success.

Do use anything as a secret reminder? Perhaps a special song on a favorite CD? Maybe a special ring? A new haircolor?

I think it's time for me to paint my toenails!

Hi! My secret reality check/reminder story is this. I went out to Kirklands (a decorating accessory store in the mall) and bought a huge 6 foot by four foot carved and gilded mirror. I put it against one corner of my bedroom (sort of leaned it against the wall like the designers do these days). So why did I do this? Because every morning when I get out of the shower I make myself get in front of the mirror before I get dressed. I make sure I spend a good amount of time so I know I am not running away from my reflection and what I have done to myself. This is where I renew my promise to myself every morning. And now its not much of a secret is it?!

I cut my hair!!! See, the first time I went on this WOE was two years ago - I was at my heaviest 180 lbs, and just got out of a destructive relationship. I had always had very very long straight hair which was my security blanket because everyone loved it so much. I lost 50 pounds in 6 months and cut my hair short to celebrate. Then over the year I gained back to about 145ish and decided to go back to this WOE for good - my hair had grown out long again - so I cut it off - and every day when I blow dry my hair (which I love this style) it reminds me that I on this WOE!

This is a good thread. Okay, my shower has glass doors so everyday when I take a shower I write in the steam. Yes I know that it sounds funny but it is how I get motivated for the day. I write with my finger how much I have lost, how much to go, my starting, during, and ending weight and sometimes a little message like "way to go." Hey it works. Best of all I can erase it with my hand and my husband doesn't find out what a dork I really am.

jess

Quads! Every morning when I wake up and stretch out my legs I feel how rock hard my quads are! Keeps me running and going to the gym...which naturally leads to eating well for me!

Great thread!

Lisa

However I am thinking of painting my bathroom various shades of pink to purple.

Mine wasn't really a secret.

When I first started this way of life almost a year ago I made two print outs that read:

Tempted? You are only cheating yourself.

I attached them to my frig and the freezer. Everytime I started to cook dinner, get a snack, or anything else it was an upfront reminder that it is ME that makes the difference on if I succeed or fail. If I failed to lose weight, it was me to blame and not anything else.

It's worked 46 pounds and still counting.

So many signs that I'm doing well...
...that it's hard to choose just one. I know I'm succeeding because I'm happier, by the notches on my belt, because I can bend over and pick things up off the floor, because I'm wearing smaller clothes...and so on.

As for the daily reminder...I just always have it first and foremost in my mind that I have consciencely made the decision to lose weight for real and for good. I intend to do everything I can to loose weight and keep it off. It's not like in the past. This time it's about good health and a living a good and honest life rather than a superficial, temprorary fix.

Nothing like a health scare to snap ya back to reality!

Oh, and I confess to chekcing out my progress in the mirror every day. Today I saw contours where there had only been swollen fat blobs just a few months ago.

Donald

I just knew I wasn't the only one who did crazy stuff! I like the idea of writing on the shower door, Jess. and I keep quotes on my fridge too, Agony Cat. I am the leader of my TOPS club and each week I pass out a little quote for them to post. Rustpot, I just redecorated my bathroom, but not as exciting as yours. I painted it green with shadowy giant fern leaves all over the walls. Gives it that restful feeling of being deep in a forest.

Carol

I would have to say my big ole water glass on my nightstand is my first reminder of my WOL!!!

Got to say... tucking my shirt in and buckling my belt on my size 6 jeans every morning is enough to keep me motivated!!!

I like your ideas too!! Last time I was this size, I had a curly perm and I've been considering getting another!

Ellie