December 29th, 2010 
Lisa Johnston 
I’ve wondered, for years, what I’d look like… thinner.
Easter 2010
This year, my family and I started on a healthier journey thanks to some MAJOR motivation and indigestion over Easter weekend – that, and a fat pic. Yes, the infamous fat pic. You know, the one that you’re look at thinking… I know that’s me, but wow, that’s not me.. is it?
Over the last 8 months, our family has made several changes in our lifestyle, and for the most part, we’ve done great!
I know that my goal was to lose 50 pounds in 8 months, hence the website title 50 in 8, however I never made it to the 50 pounds.
Am I upset about it? No. Do I feel defeated? No. Am I am failure? No way.
July 2010
You see, a few months into our lifestyle change, I switched my focus. I was no longer doing this for myself. I became a leader and an inspiration for many others in my shoes, yet I hit a road block. I was no longer listening to my body, but what others were pressuring me to do with it. I was no longer eating for myself but for a number – a number that was not changing.
In August, I hit a plateau. Sure, I wavered back and forth a few pounds – but I lost the spark. I kept telling myself that I have several months to hit the goal. Nothing.
August 2010
Finally, mid-November, I removed myself from a very flat and stressful situation, but by that time, it was too late to rekindle that fire I had ignited in April.
Is my journey over? No, it’s not. Not at all!
Currently, I sit at approximately 40 pounds lost. I don’t see that as failure, because a very wise person once told me “you have achieved weight loss”. That, to me, is a great acheivement.
October 2010
It’s been a very rough Thanksgiving and Christmas season with absolutely ZERO motivation to get up and move, but that is slowly starting to fade away.
I have high hopes, and I would hate to reverse all of the hard work that I’ve put into living a better life! It’s been a long and hard 8 months, but we’ll see what the next 8 months bring us!
One day, I’ll be able to look back on these photos, add more to them, and wonder why I ever let myself get to this point. I WILL see the day when I am thinner. I will get there, and I will hold on to it.
November 2010
Can you see my ups and downs throughout the months? I read a quote today (not sure where) that said something along the lines of “To get one step forward, you often have to take two steps back.” This has been my saving grace.
December 2010
I know that I have not failed, because this is a long, tough road, and I knew it was not going to be easy!
I’m cool with gaining a little here and there. Ultimately, I know where I am going!
Thank you for following, and I look forward to bringing you many positive, healthy, and encouraging updates soon!
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Thanks for sharing this Lisa. I have have been on a roller coaster with my weight. I started with a very small weight loss goal and I turn around and I’ve gained 10lbs in little over a month. Not sure what the heck happened. But reading your story helps me look at it a little differently and to keep pushing.
Best of luck to you in your next 8months!
40 pounds is still very impressive! I am starting a goal to be 2 sizes smaller by June 1. And reading your positive outlook on any changes. That’s how I’m going to look at it. I plan to do official weigh ins once a week and be happy with ANY losses, and when there aren’t any, or there is gains, I’ll remember your encouraging words!
Congrats on your progress, I plan on doing this at the beginning of the new year. Yes, one big reason was all because of a few pictures. I couldn’t believe I was looking at myself in them.
I think you look fabulous! I have your website bookmarked in my favorites because your story is intriguing. I look forward to your future posts, and believe you will meet your goals. Happy holidays to you and yours!
40 pounds is amazing!! You’re my hero! If I lost 40 lbs I would be soooooo hot. Tell me what to do wise mama!
you should be proud of yourself and you look great now good luck with the rest of journey