I'm still a young'n (19) and I'm still in the process of my weight loss. I've never been thin in my life even as a child I was a lil chunkster <3 but for the first time in my life I'll have the most confidence, because I can feel it growing. What I've learned SO FAR;

1. You have to push yourself to your limits for change.
2. You have to take care of yourself because no one will do it for you.
3. Sometimes you have to be your own cheerleader because you won't always have someone there going through the same processes as you.
4. Know your worth before someone tries to take advantage of you.
5. People are shallow as ****.
6. The people who stuck with you through thick and thin are keepers.
7. You have the abilities to be everything you want to be.
8. Most of the time the only one holding you back is you.
9. Don't judge others by their looks, but what's in their hearts.
10. A boy will leave you when you aren't at your best, but a real man will try to make you believe you are perfect regardless of your circumstances.

I wish I knew all that at 19! I learned to go for what I want because life is short and time is flying by. I learned to love myself no matter what and that was the single most important thing. I learned that other people's opinion are pointless and unnecessary in my life. I learned not to be afraid! Fear will kill your dreams faster than anything.

That's a lovely post OP. I'm a bit of a granny and i've learned how to get better at losing weight each time i do this. Now i'm eating how i want to eat for the rest of my life. And i have set out at the beginning of this diet with that approach.

Mood management is key. Key to mood management is tackling what needs to be tackled and positive self talk. If you can't do either of those things, then you need to get professional help in the form of therapy/counselling.

Make whatever you sustainable for the longterm. e.g. how much exercise you do. I learnt i couldn't do it every day or even regularly for the long term. I do it in fits and starts, therefore i don't rely on it for weightloss.

Its important to have a good solid understanding of nutrition and its important to want to know how to cook good food.

I've learnt a lot else too but that'll do for now.

I love the very first one! because in essence you are in a battle with yourself so really you are the only one you are competeing with

I learned that I am still the same person with the same fears and hang ups. I really thought weight loss would "change" me. A lot of the work needs to come from with in as well. A lot of us over ate for emotional reasons. That's petty clear now. I'm not speaking for everyone but a lot of people I think were/are in the same boat as myself.

The rest of what you said sounds very positive though so I think you are well on your way. Enjoy being 19..I'd kill to be that age again.

The good things:
My body isn't in as bad as shape as I expected it to be.
It was actually pretty easy to lose.
I was happy before, but I feel more content now.

Things that still challenge me:
Weight comes back on incredibly fast.
I've learned that I can fall prey to any excuse not to stay on plan.
I can still eat a LOT of food.

It has to be a life change.

All have great advice so far! but that's so true...I don't expect things to just change. In fact I'm thinking of getting some counciling because besides the weight issue I have other things bothering me so not only do I want to lose the weight i want to lose the baggage i have with myself. Great advice!

Great list OP, you're wise beyond your years.

I've learned that I don't eat because I don't like myself, I eat because it's the only way I know how to nurture myself. It's an act of love and knowing that makes it a positive journey rather than a one filled with self hate.

I've learned that I am the most compassionate person in the world to others and that to truly succeed I have to be compassionate with myself.

I've learned that I have to live the life I want to live NOW, don't put it off for some future version of myself. I'm me now and I deserve happiness now.

Being made fun of in gym class growing up I associated sports and fitness with cruel people and tried to participate as little as possible. Now I have come to know about myself that I am quite athletic!!!! I've got mad skills on tennis court watch out!!!

I've learned that what other people think of me is none of my business.

I've learned that if I want it I'll find a way, if not I'll find an excuse.

Great post...
I have learnt that it is only me who can make the change.
Some people are obstructive to the process, particularly those that saw it an advantage to have you fat.
Weight gain is quicker (or seems it...!) than weight loss!

Wishing you continued success. It will be the best thing you achieve at your age. I wish I had done it then and not waited til I was 40

that we are living on a super super superficial planet, where your outer appearance can make friends...

That pretty much sums up a lot unfortunately.. :/