Weight- it’s something that has been on my mind and is on the mind’s of people all around the world. I’m 20 and I weigh about 200 pounds. At my lightest, I weighed 130-140. I was 14 at my lightest but I haven’t grown (in height) since then. I’m 5’3”. I don’t think I look big necessarily, but I carry a lot of weight on the lower half of my body. I’ve always had that. Before, I was toned and muscular, now I’m not. I’ve gained 10 pounds every year for 6 years.

Why? I was moved halfway across the country at 14, a week after my birthday. I ended up having to live with drug addicts, in an abusive home. I struggled with depression and anxiety, which made me struggle with school. I eventually dropped out my senior year. (I have my GED now)

I did not have a healthy lifestyle to say the least. Before I moved, I used to go caving, hiking, kayaking, etc. I played soccer and did cheer. (Stopped sports due to doctors orders.) I worked out twice a day, every day. I made myself have a good diet.

I want to get back to that point. Now that I’m not in the situation I was, I want to get back to being as happy as I once was. I want to go hiking, camping and kayaking. I want to workout everyday and see the progress that I know I can get. I don’t care if I get back to 140. I care about getting healthy again and being able to live a life that I have always seen for myself.

So, just because you’re not there yet, keep your progress in mind. Stay positive about your journey and keep yourself accountable. Things may get bumpy but you’ll get to where you want to be!