Dear Self,

I'm so happy you decided to take this journey. You deserve this and all the rewards it comes with. Not only do you deserve it but your family does too, they want to see you live a long and happy life and we both know this is the only way.

Just a little update: As of right now, you're working out about three times a week. You just scored an amazing new job and you have more time to prepare meals and work out in the evening. You're not really losing weight yet but you are feeling more rejuvenated in the mornings which is a huge change! You also aren't having as many issues with your asthma. You're biggest downfalls are sweets and midnight snacks.

Your Goal: Lose 40 pounds by your birthday! (July 6, 2017)

Although this is going to be one of the hardest things you ever do I hope you stick with it. You're already a few weeks into it and I'm so proud of you. You're pushing yourself to go to the gym and even on the days you cheat you go right back to it the next day. We both know you've struggled with your weight for the past two years. You've tried countless weight-loss supplements, fad diets, and just about any online tips you've seen. You've given your best shot at the easy way out and now it's time to put in the work.

In your moments of weakness, I hope you eat that candy bar. I hope you skip abs on occasion. I hope you snooze your alarm sometimes when it's time to go running. However, I also hope you run your behind off after that spurge. I hope you go ten times harder on legs the next day. I hope you decide every day that you're worth the effort it takes to be the healthiest you possible. You're the only one who can make the changes necessary.

I bet you look great right now and I hope you've rewarded yourself for all that hard work. I hope you know past you is cheering you on, praying you give it you're all each and every day. You're loved by so many and now it's time to love yourself.

Keep striving every day to meet that goal. You've got this!

With Love,

Ashley (February 2017)