11/21/2025
I began my weight loss journey roughly 25 years ago. At my heaviest, I hovered around 230 pounds. Something as simple as tying my shoes left me out of breath. I knew I did not want to spend my life struggling through daily tasks, yo-yo dieting, or chasing the latest weight loss fad. I watched family members deal with a variety of health issues associated with their weight and obesity. I would lose a few pounds, feel great, and gain those pounds right back. I wasn’t losing weight in a meaningful or sustainable way. I felt defeated, lonely, and hopeless. I was never bullied, but I didn’t need to be. I was my own worst critic. Back then clothing for women my size was made for people who were tall not wide. The style looked and felt old when I was young. Several years passed and I maintained a weight in the low 200’s. (Picture #1 far left). 15 years ago a co-worker renewed my motivation. We went to the gym 3-4 times per week. I was making healthier food choices. Slowly the weight began to come off. Small changes were beginning to yield big results. I lost 30-40 pounds and for the first time in a very long time I weighed under 200 pounds. I was incredibly proud of myself. (Picture #2, the middle picture. As I mentioned yesterday 6 months ago I re-dedicated my efforts to my health. I began walking home from work, walking the dog more. Moving more and eating less. I paid attention to the ingredients in the food I ate. I still ate what I wanted, I just looked for the best version of it. Today’s photo is a representation of my efforts. (Picture # 3, all the way to the right). I am now a healthy weight, 118 pounds. The most important part isn’t my physical appearance, it’s how I feel. I am more energetic, my blood pressure is great, I’m rarely out of breath, and my joints don’t hurt. For the first time in my adult life I have reached a weight that feels healthy, sustainable and truely mine.