I had given up on this a while ago. Then, I was sick recently and realized that I’m only 5 pounds away from my goal weight. What a shock!! I quit focusing on losing weight and started focusing on living a life that made me happy and the weight came off. I stopped eating when I was full. I chose healthier foods that made me feel better afterwards. I got enough sleep. I started days with yoga. Chose to walk or take stairs instead of waiting on elevators. None of it was with the idea of losing weight—just moving. Friends and I go for walks or work out or watch TV together instead of meeting at the bar. I’m losing weight and saving money.

Then in August, a friend and I started rock climbing and discovered it is a BLAST. Finally—a workout that I really love and look forward to doing—not something I force myself to do.

I just threw away some pants that are now THREE SIZES too big. I’m fitting into my goal size—a 12—while I still enjoy life.