Keep going.

Today, I climbed a mountain, both literally and figuratively. Last year I tried hiking the Delaware Water Gap... the hardest trail they have there. Literally every 2-3 minutes I had to stop to catch my breath, and by the time I hit the top I felt like my chest was going to cave in. It took close to 2 hours.

Today I made the same hike in 43 minutes, without stopping (except to take a snapshot here and there). I think the statement "Nothing tastes as good as being thin" is incorrect - it should go, "nothing tastes as good as being fit." Why? I weigh just about the exact same thing I did then as I do now.

By all accounts I am still obese, I'm 5'8 and weigh 225lbs. Yet we were easily passing other people who were huffing and puffing, some turning back because they had chose the "hard path" - despite the fact that using weight and BMI as a measurement they were healthier than us.

It's taken me 2 years to get here, and all I can say is wow... I've changed so much. It has been rough at times. But oh my god, it is so worth it. Please, every one of you who has doubt in yourself; every one of you who is worried that you're not able to make it; stick with it and keep going. Get fit. Get healthy. No slice of cheesecake, no dish of ice cream, nothing in this world leaves you satisfied like knowing you are progressing towards and achieving your goals. Nothing feels as good as living in a body that can do what you ask of it. And the most beautiful thing of the entire experience? I'm still not where I want to be yet... it's only going to get better from here.

Long story short: never, ever give up. Each and every one of you can do it. No matter how discouraged you get, no matter how bad you want to quit - make the decision to keep putting one foot in front of the other. You really, truly owe it to yourself. I have faith in you. Peace.