Beads in a glass?

I counted out as many beads as I was pounds (when I started) and put them in a pretty see through glass. For each pound I have lost I put them in a different glass. It helps me visualize the loss and also see that while any loss is good it is not a big deal. You should see those 11 sad beads all alone in glass.
I was also thinking about those people who have a hard time getting on the scale or seeing the scale go down. Perhaps it is because, like so many, we have in the past put the weight back on. Seeing the scale number go down is almost like a tease because we know it will go back up in a month or a year (it has for most of us and why would this time be different)? Stinkin thinkin. For those who have played a video poker or slot machine knows the thrill when you put in one and 'win' back five, but usually we keep playing and end up for a loss. Sound familiar?
So here is my thought. Lets say I started my healthy living style on January 3, 2011 and I was (for arguments sake) 255 pounds and lets say that by the end of the month I was 246 pounds. On February 3, 2011 I made the conscious choice to live a healthy life style but my beginning weight is 246. By the end of the month maybe I lose 6 pounds and on March , 2011 my beginning weight is 240. I know it may sound silly but there is a method to my madness. We have all been up and down. But who is to say what are starting weight was? If I had started this 6 months ago then my weight may have been 240. So my challenge to you is that the beginning of the month you make a conscious decision to live a healthy life style and see what happens. One reason I think this method of thinking may be helpful is because BIG numbers are intimidating. I want to lose 75 or 100 pounds. Big numbers - I can never do that, if I lose 70 am I a failure? If I do reach my goal than people, who are well meaning, say nice things to me and it messes with my head.
If I stick to a monthly start weight and a monthly loss it doesn't seem so huge. It also allows me to get back on track a little bit easier.
PS-If you do the beads in a glass thing I recommend using as small a glass that the beads will fit in. Seeing them overflow the top and balance on each other is a great visual. I could take 20 out and it is still bulging at the top (sort of like my excess tummy and hips). Maybe you don't want to see the beads you have lost. Perhaps it would be better to throw them out at the beginning of the month when you have a new start weight. The lesson here. Do what works for you.

+34 day    
- 11 weight