A Letter to my future fit self.

Dear Fit and Healthy me,

Your body will never be perfect, and will never "look like" someone else's. Know this. LOVE your body for what it is: YOURS. You were blessed with a perfectly functioning body with two arms and two legs and the ability to use all of them to their fullest potential. Use your body. Keep it moving for as long as possible.

Please don't compare yourself to other fit people. I know it's hard with Pinterest and Facebook and Instagram bombarding you with photos daily, but the only comparison you should make is with the old you, the person who wrote this letter - seeking the confidence you should now have, and another 20 pounds gone. Be proud of what you've accomplished, and try to maintain this accomplishment before setting new goals.

Muscles are sexy. Being skin-and-bones is NOT sexy. Being healthy will always be sexy. Remember, skinny girls look good in clothes, fit girls look good naked. ;)

Don't sweat the small stuff. If you have a bad day, or eat horribly, or skip a workout, don't give up. Keep moving forward and be better tomorrow. Giving up never gets you anywhere except back to square one.

The only bad workout is the one that didn't happen.

Sleep more, party less. You're getting to that age where partying is a thing of the past and taking care of yourself is a vital part of your future. Say no more often.

Fun doesn't need to be defined by food. Just because you can't have that cheeseburger or that plate of nachos doesn't mean you can't hang out with your friends. The food isn't why you go to events, it may have been the reason in the past, but from now on you go for social reasons. You can take care of the food portion of it elsewhere. Fun is defined by who you're with and what you're doing – not what you're eating.

Listen to your body. There are a lot of fads out there, false information and people saying things without any evidence. Do this.... eat that..... Listen to your body and know what it needs and doesn't need - regardless of what anyone else says. They don't have your body - you do.

Always remember where you came from. It's damn near impossible to see yourself as perfect, and I know you probably never will. But please, if anything, pay attention to your progress and know how far you've come. Even as I write this now I am proud of losing those first 15 pounds... even though I have another 20 to go. I am happier now than I was 15 pounds ago... always remember that.

Sincerely,

Me (20 or so pounds ago)

:)