It's all in the attitude.

     I often wonder if my success in my weight loss would have taken a different route had my attitude been different.  I'm almost certain it would have been.... but I also know that my attitude may have had some sort of impact on those around me as well.  I feel like my influence has helped those around me (a little anyway) realize that anything is possible.

     Not allowing others to make my mind up for me was a huge thing.  Historically, I always did things to please others so when it came to the massive transformation that I went through, I knew that I had to keep in mind that it was me that I was finally pleasing.   Not allowing those people that were merely looking in on my situation to change my mind, was one of the biggest hurdles I had to jump.  Over time, you get tired of jumping your own hurdles... but at the end of the track you realize how much stronger you have become.  

     My attitude change took me from a person that hid in the shadows and was quick to accept poor treatment, to a person full of confidence and happiness.  I still find myself allowing people to make an attempt at treating me poorly, but it's a work in progress... and probably always will be.  My self esteem went from the hatred of wearing the skin that I was in, to being proud of my accomplishments, I feel I have conquered quite the battle.  At times I find myself being ashamed of where I was, not only physically in size but mentally allowing myself to hide.  I had a hard time going into public, much less telling the world about my struggles.  

     The battles will always be there... it's just a matter of changing my attitude to conquer those battles.  I realize that I'm proud of the path I have taken and the accomplishments that I have worked hard for.  It's taken a long time, but I realize how much brighter life has become, and how many more doors have opened.  

You can do ANYTHING you set your mind to... Anything!