This is me in March 2005, a few weeks before I started my weight loss journey. This was one of the photos that shocked me into doing something about my weight, my physical fitness and my general outlook on life. I was tired of being heavy, tired of being too big to fit into fashionable clothes, tired of never being able to buy nice clothes, tired of feeling like my only friends were chocolate and cheesecake, tired of feeling that I missed out in life, tired of being tired. I was bored, lonely, and desperately unhappy, even though I projected a generally sunny disposition out to the rest of the world.
This is me, competing in my first triathlon two weeks ago. I am staggered at the difference between the photos, and the relatively small amount of time that has passed between them. Sometimes it still has to register with me that I'm not overweight anymore. I actually did something about it.
I don't know if I can put into words how much this has changed my life. Having set a reasonably modest goal of losing 27.5kg (and then some) and achieving it has made me realise that I can do anything. It gave me confidence and self esteem for the first time in my life. It made me believe in myself. It made me less afraid of life. It made me embrace it to the full and realise that I could have all the things I wanted and be all the things I wanted to be. All I had to do was make the decision.
Not that I am a peppy ball of energy and positivity all the time. I have my down days. I still get afraid of everything that lies ahead of me, whether I have the courage to face it all. But eventually I snap out of it and I know, deep down, that nothing is out of my reach, nothing is impossible. After what I've achieved and survived this year, I don't doubt my strength anymore. I know I can get through anything.
If you really want something badly enough, you will get it. The only thing that holds you back from getting what you want is yourself. There is no greater power in this world than your own will.
So, stop dreaming about it and GO FOR IT.
You'll be so glad you did. Trust me.
