Setting Goals

Goals,
How important in how they have helped me during this time.

From the beginning, 17 ½ months ago when I began and looking at 123 pounds to lose, I sat in disgust and thought there was no way that I could lose that much weight. It was just to much to do. So at that time, I decided to break it down into small, obtainable goals. First was just making it through the first day, which I had my doubts that I could do, next, last a week, then anything else I could think of. Whether going down a size in clothes, getting from the 280's to the 270's etc, things that could be accomplished rather quickly and knew if I put a lot of those together, I would get to where I wanted to be. And these goals filled my days of positive things.
One day I would lose some weight, another day, I would hit day 100 on my fitness pal, another day some pal would write how I inspired them or someone I knew would noticed I was losing weight, another I would walk more steps then ever in a day. The more that these things happened, the more motivated I got. I found myself, instead of grabbing that slice of pizza, thinking how I would rather lose that pound, knowing eating it maybe I would maybe only gain a pound, but also realizing it could maybe take a week of hard work to take it off. That is when I realized I can do this.
The thing I hated most was going backwards. Even if was gaining only ½ of a pound. So here I am now, 120 pounds down with 3 to go, being under 200, for the first time since high school, and I graduated in 1975. Sure a lot of you were not even born yet and at my last goal in this journey, which will be the biggest, reaching the 150's, reaching a healthy BMI after being morbidly obese, and reaching the goal I set out so long ago and proving to myself that I can do it. Was it easy, not all the time. Was it fun, not always but you just have to be determined that you do not want to feel embarrassed by going into a place to eat and being afraid you may not fit in the booth, or refusing to fly because fearing you may not fit in the seat. Or have people stare or laugh at you because of being so over weight. That was my motivation. Not ever to feel like that again. So after this there is maintenance. I hear that maybe even harder, but think I have learned enough to be able to handle it.
That is why I am staying on MFP. I know I need to be kept accountable, and not like so many others on here that I see reach their goal, leave and are back a year later, gaining everything they lost back, plus some. So just wanted to thank each of you, whether we have been friends months or days. I never thought I would have friends from all over the world including South Africa, Austrailia, New Zealand, Ireland, the UK to name a few, some that I speak to almost everyday.
I can say for sure if it was not for MFP, Fitbit and all of you, there is no telling where I would be today. I assume over 300 pounds. if even alive, after having a stroke 5 years ago. So off I go, my final short term goal. Actually, in a weird way, kind of sad. This has become so much a part of my life, I have gone from one extreme to another.
Not knowing or careing anything about diets or nutrition, to now looking at labels on food and talking BMI. Who would have thought.
Well best of all to each of you and feel free to contact me anytime if you are down or just would like to talk and do not worry if you have been on here years or 1 day, everyone is welcome. Just remember, we all started some place, just all at different times. To me the biggest day is day 1, the day you decide to change your life for the better, and not just for yourself, but for friends, families and loved ones as well.
Best to you all......