One Year.

One year ago today, I took a leap of faith, or fate, both work here. I was nervous, excited and sore after a hardcore 15 minute boot camping session. The pain of that workout combined with the embarrassment when I stepped on the scale is engraved in my mind because at that moment, I realized where I was.

I knew I was very overweight but I failed to recognize that I could find my way out. I had tried, and it didn't work, so I simply gave up and tried to accept the fact that I was just big and would be forever. I was fine being the fat one, even though I wasn't at all. In fact, it bothered me almost every single day.

For some reason though, I convinced myself it was okay. Something that is very unlike me. I always strive for better yet when it came to my self image and mental and physical health, I couldn't get myself out of the hole and didn't even care to.

A year ago, when I walked into the gym and put on a green t-shirt, I knew I would be successful. I told myself I would win, no, I had to win, because I was 20 and strong and could beat anyone that got in my way.

While that didn't happen, I tried my best. The soreness eventually went away, my fitness level picked up and I enjoyed exercising. I figured out new ways to incorporate foods into my diet and live the way I wanted.

Throughout the past year, I've watched my pants size drop from a tight 20, to a 18, 16, 14 and now a 12, but almost a 10. It took the whole year to be proud of where I've gotten even though people tell me everyday how proud they are of me. My self confidence is slowly growing and I feel better about myself than I ever have in my life.

One of my happiest days was the day my roommate told me to try on her dress. After telling her it wouldn't fit, she got me into it and of course, it did.

While I definitely still have things to work on, I'm happy about where I've gotten. Not too many people can say they lost 72 pounds in a year, or at age 21. It's hard to see myself as a size medium or a similar size to everyone else because I've never been that way. My eyes are slowly changing with my body, but they haven't caught up entirely yet.

I honestly never thought I would be here but I know that I'll never go back. The numbers that have quietly passed on the scale are ones I know I will never see, ever, ever again. My body is strong and so is my mind and together, they will work their magic for the rest of my life.

Today, I eat. I exercise. I weigh 159 pounds and wear a size medium. Today, I am proud of myself for where I have gone and who I've become.