Sadly, there came a time when I felt like throwing in the towel, just as I had done several times before.

It seemed like I didn't quite fit into this world, as if I didn't belong. The simple joys of feeling the sun on my face or hearing the birds sing felt distant and unattainable.

But I made a firm decision not to let those feelings define me any longer.

I woke up one day and consciously chose to reclaim my life—to take it back.

You see, giving up wasn't an option because I had two incredible daughters who depended on me. They were, and still are, my anchor in this chaotic world.

This realization fueled my motivation to focus on what I could control: my weight and my eating habits. I have to transform my life, permanently!

I had traveled the weight loss journey many times before, but it wasn't just about shedding a few pounds.

There were deeper underlying factors contributing to my weight gain, even though I wasn't fully aware of them at that time.

Nonetheless, I always had a sense of what constituted a healthy diet. That's why I made the conscious choice to remove meat from my meals and embrace a vegetarian lifestyle.

But it didn't stop there. I realized that in order to make lasting transformations, I needed to address other aspects of my life.

I gradually incorporated exercise into my daily routine, alongside the changes I made in my eating habits.

To help me visualize successfully reaching my goals, I started meditating and engaging in mental rehearsal exercises.

I delved into the depths of my mind, working on clarity and understanding the patterns that kept me stuck. I sought knowledge through courses and additional readings, learning how to counsel myself, shift my thoughts, overcome obstacles, and create a calm space within my chaotic world.

To stay accountable and motivated, I sought out an accountability partner who could support me on my journey.

I even summoned the courage to purchase clothes a few sizes smaller, envisioning the day when I would radiate confidence and vitality in them. In my mind,

I mentally rehearsed how I would look and how I would walk once those dresses fit me perfectly.

I could almost feel myself embodying the size small—the size of the dress I chose, despite the salesperson's suggestion of going for at least a medium.

With confidence, I explained to her that I was purchasing that dress because I was committed to achieving my weight loss goals.

She made assumptions about my abilities based solely on my appearance, underestimating my unwavering determination to pursue my dreams.