I did it.

I've debated writing a post like this (about my weight loss) for about 6 months now. It's a pretty vulnerable thing to do but I've decided to do it now. On the last day of the year when I'm looking back and pretty darn proud of myself for what I've accomplished this year. I was the QUEEN of excuses. If I can do this...anyone can. If you have any questions you can leave a comment and I will reply or email me at lindsayrosewoods@gmail.com. I'm by no means an expert but I know what has worked for me and I'm happy to share.

New Year's resolutions. Last year I did really good with them. I don't remember if I ever blogged what they were and I'm too tired right now to go and look, but I remember what they were. Because I only made 2 and I kept them both. I don't think I've ever done that.

My first resolution for 2014 was to lose weight. And I think my 70 pound weight loss (although I've gained a few over the holidays but that's okay) would say that I did that one pretty well.

How did I lose 70 pounds? Hard work. I got my butt to the gym nearly every single day and I ate less. I kept track of my calories on My Fitness Pal and moved more. Plain and simple but it works.

This is one of the first selfies I took this year. I was leaving for a birthday party for a friend and a few out of town friends asked to see what I was wearing. I was SO SELF-CONSCIOUS. I was not comfortable. I was about 2 or 3 weeks into my journey and down maybe 5 pounds? I can't remember. 

I was also sucking in and doing everything I could to make it look like I was way smaller than I was. 

This was the first comparison picture I did. The left was Emma's first birthday (October 2013) and the right was in April. I was down around 30 pounds and feeling so good.

Same timing as the pictures above but just a face shot. On the right was April also but at my brother's wedding.

I did anything and everything to motivate myself. I often had things on the kitchen chalkboard to keep me on track.

A few months ago I was looking for pictures of John and I and there was a few years where there were very few. This year we have so many and I am cherishing them. I hated HATED to have a picture taken of me.

My first big goal was to lose 50 pounds by my birthday on June 10. I accomplished that!

This is me on my birthday. haha! 

And that evening out celebrating my birthday. I loved (love) this dress. I was so happy to be able to fit into it.

This quote was constantly going through my head. And still does.

Anyone with significant weight to lose knows what a milestone this is...when I finally started to see my collarbones! 

This next picture of me is at my lowest weight this year. I had just lost 70 pounds. I was on top of the world and feeling so good.

That morning at the gym my sister sent me the sweetest video which made me cry. At the gym. 

Emma's 2nd birthday....we both changed a lot in a year.

So many things about this journey have been so exciting. One of them has been leggings and boots.

I got these boots for Christmas last year. They didn't fit over my calves. I was too embarrassed to say that so I said I couldn't wear them because they had a (very slight) wedge which hurt my ankles. I had sprained both of them a couple months before. I was so ashamed.

It's been an amazing journey. But I'm not done. :)

My second resolution was silly but something I wanted to do. I wanted to keep my nails painted every day. I can count on 1 hand how many days I have not had my nails painted this year. It's 4. And 3 of those are from a couple weeks ago. I thought my nails needed some breathing. ha! But I guess this one fell into the category of taking care of myself and making sure I looked nice. Plus it became relaxing to do in the evenings. There were many MANY days during nap time that I would paint my nails just to keep from snacking. Lame but it works.

I'm happy with where I am and who I've become this year. Next year I have the same resolutions plus a couple more.

1. This year I will reach my goal weight. Once I'm there I'm not sure what my next step will be. I have a few ideas but I have no idea what I'll want once I'm there.

2. Keep my nails painted every day. I loved this one. Going to do it again.

3. Read 2 books a month.

4. Run a 5K and 10K. I want to put a half marathon on this list but I'm too scared to. I know that sounds lame but I'm not ready to make that a goal yet. It may happen this year but I'm not sure yet. :)

Here's to 2015. I am so excited for the new year. I have no regrets this year. I'm healthier, smaller, stronger, and happier than I was a year ago. I'm proud of myself.