I've always been lazy and used to be 20~35 pounds overweight.

After a motorcycle accident I couldn't walk for a year total (three surgeries then removing leg plates). I felt depressed, ate poorly and never really exercised again despite being ecstatic to be able to walk again a year and a half ago. I reached 66 pounds of excess weight "living" that way.

I recently started reevaluating myself, studied a lot of self improvement methods - be it on this sub or other parts of the web.

"If you don't take control of your life someone else will." Same applies for choices. This is what resonated the most with me and triggered my shift.

I'm the Captain of my Ship. For too long I've identified as and become the vessel. Simply following a current then another. I had to remember who's in control of my body, my life, my choices. It's me.

I'm steering away from depression and heading straight to fun and happiness. I now love challenging myself to try new things, express my opinions more and don't simply fake being confident. I have become confident, it's my truth.

So I've been on a diet for two weeks, been walking/riding my bicycle - I can't run, I'm still too heavy for my legs - so far I've lost 15 pounds.

Now today I went shopping for exercise shoes/outfits, then I did what my former self would've dreaded: I went to the gym to simply sign up. It wasn't a busy day so I had two coaches for myself. What started as an introduction to the equipment and creating a program for me, then developed in an intense one and a half hour of cardio and lifting.

Those guys were awesome. Really friendly, and more importantly respecting me. Respecting my intent. They were visibly thrilled for me and cheered me on.

I haven't felt that good about myself in years.

I've been reading about positive thoughts and attracting positivity recently and it's my first result. You don't have to get all metaphysical, a mindset is powerful, it shapes you and your actions.

Remember you're not the vessel, you're the Captain. Take control. Start now, today and have fun.

If you have way more weight to loose than me, start today. The harder the battle, the sweeter the victory - though the only hard battle is becoming your true self, and once it's done exercising will feel amazing.