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For me the hardest thing was the change to my routine and what I'm comfortable with. Add that with the thought, I can start tomorrow. So, I decided to make my tomorrow, today. The future is not built by doing things someday.

Losing weight often sounds scarier than it is. A lot of people think of what they're going to miss out on but that's because they're looking at weight loss as a thing you do until you can get back to normal. It doesn't have to be hard. I'm going to hit you with a bunch of cliches that really helped me (for context: 5'6", 43, F, started at 283.3 lbs, currently 138.4 pounds. Maintaining for almost two years)

Don't live your life to lose weight, lose weight while you're living your life. What this means to me: create new habits that you enjoy. Don't put your life on hold while you lose weight. For me, one of the most important part of my journey was the building of a "new normal" while i was losing weight. New habits, new routines, a new way of life. Do things every day that will help you reach your goal.

Don't reward yourself with food, you're not a dog. What this means to me: everything doesn't revolve around food. Thanksgiving, Christmas, etc., these aren't huge meals that happen to take place with family. They're family time that just happens to have food.

Don't do anything to lose weight that you're not willing to do forever. What this means to me: Depriving yourself is a sure fire way to failure. If you can't imagine a life without carbs - don't cut out carbs to lose weight. Remember, part of the journey is creating a new normal. If i want cheesecake, i'm going to eat cheesecake - just not ALL the cheesecake. If i want a burger and fries, i'll have a burger and fries - but i'll have a salad for lunch to create some balance.

There are no mistakes. What this means to me: Oops, so i ate all the cheesecake. Oh well, back on track. Don't say "*kitten* it, i'll just eat everything i can and start again tomorrow, next week, next month." Just get back on track. One "bad" mean won't make you fat, just like one salad won't make you thin.

There is no shortcut. What this means to me: you didn't gain it overnight, you're not going to lose it overnight. You got here by eating too much. You'll get where you want to be by eating less. It's not rocket science. It doesn't come in the form of a pill, powder, cleanse, or expensive doohickey or doo dad. It comes from perseverance and commitment. It comes from saying enough is enough.

Don't sacrifice what you want most, for what you want right now. What this means to me: yeah, i can have the cheesecake, but is it worth it? Unless it's damn delicious cheesecake, it's not worth it.

Good luck. Use your tools and resources. Don't be fancy, just count your calories, get outside and go for a walk if you can and want to. Be kind to yourself and remember, if you're tired of starting over, stop quitting.