They didn't recognize me!!!

My CEO encourages employees to put together a goal post for the year of all their goals. I had a good time with mine . . . there is a parachuting man (skydiving), a plastic water bottle to remind me to drink water, footprints along the bottom to remind me that I want to be able to run a mile, and a few other things (including belly dance lessons). One thing is a before picture of me. Two actually. One from the front and one from the side. Underneath in glitter letters it says "NEVER AGAIN" to remind me to never look like that again (obviously). People look at the poster and comment on how cool it is, but they don't realize that super morbidly obese girl in the photo is actually ME. . . just one year ago. When I explain that it is indeed me. . . they look at me in shock and many say I look so different they never would have recognized me. It is indeed the greatest compliment I get these days. It is also encouraging to me that my coworker told me I was an inspiration and she knew she could get to goal weight because I'm there as an example. Never in my life do I recall anyone telling me I was an example (well, not a good one). It feels so good that it makes me kind of teary-eyed. It's also interesting to me that when you feel better about yourself it's easier to make better choices. This seems to be because I believe I have worth and that it's okay to have higher expectations in life than just filling up space. I'm willing to wait for the right guy to come along instead of rushing into something with just anyone because I know that I can be alone and happy for now. That being alone is so much better than being with the wrong person. Again, thank you to my grandparents. Two pounds to go and I will be under 200 pounds for the first time in as long as I can remember. A new life. A future.