I love the rather over used “We Can Do It” American wartime propaganda poster. To me it epitomises the willingness of women during the war to roll up their sleeves, get stuck in, work hard, be strong and never give up.
Sometimes in life it’s the only thing to do in the face of adversity. If you don’t you’ve lost, you wither, you are consumed and you vanish..
Adversity comes in all shapes and forms. It can involve emotions, physicality and economics.
Struggling with one’s weight is an adversity, especially if it is manifesting itself in physical or emotional pain. It’s hard to lose weight, especially hundreds of pounds. It feels like the end is never in sight, the struggle seemingly never ends and often you fall down, and have to climb back up again sheepishly, half heartedly, even reluctantly. It’s easier to lie down in a comfy bed then walk barefoot on sharp pebbles..
Weight loss isn’t without pain..
But pain is temporary and there is undoubtedly less of it as we scale our hills and mountains and realize we are nearly at the top.
Despite the struggles and setbacks and 20 years of obesity I do believe in Sir Ernest Shackleton Family Motto: “By endurance we conquer….”
And trust me when I say there are years more endurance left in my 48 year old bones to fight this demon, this need, this greed, this something which I still haven’t quite worked out.
100lbs left to lose..
WE CAN DO IT!
Wikipedia: “We Can Do It!” is an American wartime propaganda poster produced by J. Howard Miller in 1943 for Westinghouse Electric as an inspirational image to boost worker morale. The poster is generally thought to be based on a black-and-white wire servicephotograph taken of a Michigan factory worker named Geraldine Hoff.
The poster was seen very little during World War II. It was rediscovered in the early 1980s and widely reproduced in many forms, often called “We Can Do It!” but also called “Rosie the Riveter” after the iconic figure of a strong female war production worker. The “We Can Do It!” image was used to promote feminism and other political issues beginning in the 1980s
What an inspiring post! YOU can do it! I can do it (publish my novel)! We can all do what we dream, but the road is hard, and it requires work and endurance. I love that quote. Thanks for sharing and keep fighting!
HELL YEAH! Yes we can. We can all do anything we set our minds too! Your novel will be a success because you want it to be and you love what you do with a passion. It WILL be a good year for us all… xxxxx
Always been impressed with your strength Carolyn, all that you have endured and struggled through in your personal life in the last few years whilst still staying positive and fighting through it for you and your Hobbits….you are an amazing, inspirational lady, beautiful both inside and out whatever weight loss you achieve(and we know you will do it)….plus Mr Tiddles obviously likes you just the way you are!….have a lovely weekend xx
And your strength too lovely lady. We all face struggles. You are amazing!!! xxxxxx I love Mr Tiddles so much xxx
A bit like Thomas the Tank Engine when he was going up hill ” I think I can, I think I can” and then when he reached the top ” I knew I could I knew I could”
I always say “I think I can” when there is something difficult to do, and I mostly suceed
So very well said Thomas!!! 🙂 Jan- YES! And I find when you succeed when all around you doubt it can be done then the success is all that much sweeter xxxxx
Carolyn,
I’ve been a yoyo dieter my entire life. I’ve also reached my goal weight several times, but, whenever I’ve done so I’ve let fear trip me up and I gain it all back and then some! My mother was anorexic and bulimic. She was 68 pounds when she died. Each time I’ve managed to get down to my goal weight I fear that I won’t be able to stop losing. I know how to gain weight and how to lose weight, but I don’t know how to maintain it.
I don’t have 100 pounds to lose. I’ve lost 20 pounds and need to lose another 30 or 40 pounds. I’ve been stuck at this weight for about 8 months. I know part of my problem is stress-related (situations I can’t control). But, my biggest problem has been fear.
I won’t let the fear defeat me. The strong women of the 40s on both home fronts (British and American) kept their families going on a hope and a prayer. I will find a way to attain my goal and I will find a way to maintain the proper weight. You will, too. YES, WE CAN!
You are so right Marian- I think looking back at what the women/families of the 1940s had to endure during the war kind of puts things into perspective….makes our struggles less and the goal obtainable. I never thought about maintaining once at a healthy weight… I guess that’s a whole new thing to learn…getting the balance right. I hope everything goes well for you this time Marian… you sound like you know exactly how to get there, I know you’ll be successful in maintaining too!!! Yes you are right, WE CAN DO ANYTHING!!!! xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
All of you ladies move me to tears. You seem to prop me up so I can go about an other day. Thank You.
Beautiful, strong ladies… love the comments shared here so much xxx
Yes, really inspiring. I agree. I like your new hair colour, Caroline. It makes you look really sophisticated. And it brings more colour into your face. Good decision.
Its just my hair growing out its colour- natural greys now- about 4 more inches to lose off the end and then it will be all grey… thank you Joss xx
Great Post again Carolyn.
Just a quick question though. Did you know about this poster before I sent the package to you? Personally my favourite was the children in gas masks. A bit creepy/scary – as I presume it was meant to be. Thank God that gas wasn’t used in WWII though.
BTW I did peek in the Daily Mail today, even though I boycott it usually.
Keep going, with the diet, blogging, cooking, making merry with Mr Tiddles. You are an inspiration for the Half-full brigade.
I did but even though it wasn’t actually used much during the war it’s now one of my favourites!! I bought the big poster on the wall for just 2.99 from Amazon recently..its just huge!! I have many of the laminated posters that came from you up in my kitchen!! Yes the kids with gas masks one is creepy- reminds me of a certain episode of Doctor Who!!! Have you seen my mummy ? LOL! Thanks Paul and Mr Tiddles is lovely and is making me feel very happy! x
I just need to say how wonderful your hair looks! It is shiny and healthy and a gorgeous shade of gray. What an interesting diet idea too. You don’t have hair like yours if your diet is poor.
I’ve just heard some wonderful news. There is a group of people in Detroit who have been working tirelessly to raise funds to create a museum based on Rosie the Riveter. They’ve announced that they have met their goal and have purchased part of the factory where the planes were made during WWII. They are creating a museum in order to preserve this piece of history. They made it just in time too because part of the building had already experienced the wrecking ball. They have a long way to go, but there are plenty of supporters behind this enterprise. The article mentioned that Geraldine Hoff, aka Rosie the Riveter, will be there for the opening of the museum.
I’m thrilled to hear that a piece of history will be saved for future generations by the greatest generation who ever lived.