How much I used to love to photograph on hikes, doing night photography, documenting my own life...that has been gone for too long because of my health and the depression issues around it.

I'm motivated to be that person again....and love being me. :yay:

"3. Overhearing two guys on vacation "ranking" girls as they walked past them. Hearing "nah, too fat," when it was my turn."

This sounds familiar! I was at a store and two guys walked past, and they didn't say fat, but they rated me a 4. Reaaaal nice *******s. That's okay, neither would even rank on my scale, haha.

Probably the biggest memory that kicked it into gear was when I found out just how high my cholesterol was at such a young age, and that if my next test had still been high they were going to put me on meds. Well, I didn't go for my sixth month test. I have a blood test coming up soon, so hopefully all my hard work will have brought it down.

I didn't realize how much I had gained until I needed a new pair of jeans about 5 years ago. I went to Kohls, and grabbed my usual size 7's. They didn't fit. Hmmm, maybe the brand ran small. I grabbed a size 9- they didn't fit either. It wasn't until I got to size 16 that they actually fit comfortably. I cried that day- but I was with my boyfriend at the time, and I didn't want him to see how mortified I was, so I had to call my best friend from the dressing room for support.

I also had a moment...about a month ago during a "romantic" time with my boyfriend. We just got a new bedroom set and the bed is much higher then my old one...high enough that I can see myself in bed in the mirrors on my dresser- well let's just say that I glanced to my left during our "moment" and I was mortified that he would even want me.

But that's all going to change now! :carrot: