More than just weight loss success

I started working out and dieting at the end of January and since starting I have lost 25 pounds (23 since starting MFP). My clothes fit better, I'm actually winning a weight loss competition, I can see definite muscle mass forming in my arms, legs - everywhere!, I've also signed up for my first 5K - a Race for the Cure being held in my hometown that I would never have dreamt of going to last year.

And while I am super-excited about all the physical progress I have made, I marvel more often at all of the emotional and quality of life progress I have made.

I know that to some 25 pounds isn't much - there are some amazing stories on here that belong to people that I would honestly be proud to be every single day. But over the past few weeks I've really noticed my life changing.

I have fun at the gym. FUN. I have discovered I enjoy lifting weights, I like racquetball and I can seriously kick some *kitten* on the elliptical. I love the feel of having worked out. I wake up every day and feel like there is a really good point to getting out of bed. I'm not nearly as depressed as I was before. I was not previously depressed over my weight... just depressed. But now, whether it is the workout pheromones or the feeling of succeeding at something - I am much happier. I enjoy cooking. I enjoy the challenge and fun of finding something healthy and filling to prepare for me and my husband.

I take care of myself more and try harder to put in the effort to do my hair and look nice even on weekends.

My husband has also been working out with me and helping with the food planning and I feel like it's even improved our relationship.

I also have fibromyalgia, which causes pretty intense muscle aches and pains, but the biggest thing for me with it was the tension headaches during flare ups. And I'm even starting to notice I don't flare as much. I feel better for longer. And I'm learning to "play through the pain" - a.k.a. have fun anyway! I mean, yes, my shoulders and back ache. But they'd ache on the sofa just as much as they'd ache out with friends or my husband. So I might as well go out!

I have a new outlook on life, more confidence and a feeling that I CAN reach my goal weight! I even increased how much I wanted to lose by 5 pounds and I'm thinking about doing it again.

It's amazing to me every day how much one big dedication to make a few little changes has done for me.

So that is my success.