My Half Way Mark- 16 lbs

Hi all! My journey isn't one of great proportions and is only half way complete. However, I have achieved my goal of gaining back my confidence and feeling comfortable in my skin again. I am 5'9" and got up to 174 lbs (having gained 40 lbs) from drinking. I had a problem and it took its' toll on many, many of things, but most obviously my once svelte appearance. After sobering up, I looked in the mirror and didn't recognize myself. I've spent the last three months on a journey to find myself once more, both physically and in other encompassing ways. I have lost 16 lbs. (not counting calories, but by being quite mindful), cutting all booze, and working out 3-6 times a week. More recently in the last month I have begun lifting and am liking the results and increasing strength I'm building. This was the first time in my life I had not been thin and had to lose weight by not practicing disordered eating habits. I've spent the portion of these last few months learning to trust myself intuitively when I eat and learning to ignore the numbers more than anything and appreciate the results.

The first few photos are at my highest of 174 and the last few were from today and this last weekend at the park, where I sit at 158. I am proud. I have worked hard to find a strength in myself that I had lost in a drunken last few years.

Thank you to those who have supported and motivated me, those who have been open with their own journey and continually inspiring. I lurk more than I talk, but so many of your posts help me focus on my own goals and progress.

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ETA: I apologize for the sizes. I am not familiar with Photobucket and really struggled with resizing.