Perspective

Having been here since 2011, I've got a fair bit of weight history in MFP. I lost ~65 pounds in 2012-early 2013 to reach a low of 136. Over the next 5 years, through some ups and downs, I managed to re-gain 50 pounds.

Gah! How horrible! What kind of glutton was I to gain 50 pounds?? Then I broke it down by the numbers.
50 pounds in 5 years = 10 pounds per year = 35,000 extra calories / 365 days = 95.89 calories over maintenance per day. Let's say 100 just because I like round numbers.

Put another way, that's:
A (small) roll with dinner
An extra spoonful of the main course
A banana with breakfast
(Not even) one can of soda a day

Or:
One restaurant meal out per week, with appetizer and maybe a drink
A bottle of wine over the course of a week
A decadent dessert (and then some) (Example )

Or:
Parking as close as possible, always taking the elevator, and watching a TV show instead of taking a walk.

Do any of these little things look familiar? They certainly do to me. Now I've managed to convince myself of 2 things:
1. I'm not a horrible huge failure for succumbing to weight creep. I was just a little over-indulgent and a bit lazy over a long period of time.
2. Small things matter. This is just as applicable to weight loss as it is to weight gain. That's why forming small, good habits during weight loss is more effective at keeping the weight off than a crash diet followed by a return to your old behaviors.

I'm 12 pounds from my previous low of 136 and taking it nice and easy. I'm not doing anything I'm not willing to continue into maintenance. And it feels good Be kind to yourself, but also be consistent. Your patience will be rewarded.