I give thanks to all of my hard work and determination. I give thanks to every one who's given me support, love, advice, guidance and friendship. I give thanks to my husband & children just for being MY husband and children.

What I've learned about myself: I'm stronger than I thought I was. I'm capable. I'm smart. I'm learning to find patience in all areas of my life.

The biggest challenge I've overcome. Well...the anxiety and depression is a huge one. I'm still fighting it, but at least I haven't sunk back in to my old ways as I would have in the past. I haven't turned to food, I haven't withdrawn from society and I haven't let it slow me down at all. I make my daily plan, I stick to it and come hell or high water, I fight and keep fighting. I've surrounded myself with positivity and love and support, where as in the past I had none of that.

I give thanks that I've finally gotten strong enough mentally, as well as physically to understand myself and what I need in my life versus just going through the motions of daily living and not really knowing. That is the biggest lesson for myself and for any one on this journey to good health and weightloss.