There’s something that I’ve found to be absolutely crucial to this entire thing that I’m doing. Something that helps it be easier. Something that helps keep me going. It’s rather simply and it’s the secret to my so far success.

Is it a pill? Is it a special food?

No. It’s a Support system. That’s right. In order for me to keep motivated and to stay on this never ending journey it’s that strong support system I have behind me. It’s my husband. My kids. My family. My friends. Having someone behind me saying “YOU GOT THIS!” When I feel like falling over dead, it helps keep me going.

There have been so many days when I’m sitting in my car out in the parking lot in front of the gym thinking about going home. Just going back to bed. Just forgetting about everything. Then I’ll get that text from my husband asking if I’m working out. Or my mom calls and asks if I’m at the gym yet.

But it’s not just at the gym. It’s eating too. I have a tendency to eat. I LOVE FOOD. Seriously. I just love it. It’s the greatest thing ever. All the different foods. The different textures. The tastes. It’s just all so amazing.

That’s where my problems started. My eating. My lack of exercise. My sedentary job. Having twins. My lack of motivation. It all compounded and after 32 years of this I hit my heaviest weight ever. I hate myself for letting my body go. But that’s where the support system comes in. They don’t let you quit.

My biggest cheerleader is my husband. He encourages me to go. He buys me workout shit all the time. A compression tank to help sweating and me keeping my gut sucked in while I work. New workout pants. New workout tops. Super cool undies that don’t absorb sweat. (I love those things!) A new gym bag. Everything I would need to be set up for success.

And I have been succeeding. As I get further and further into it, it’s getting somewhat easier. I’m still sore and tired, but that support system keeps pushing me.

I’ve come to realize that your success does depend on who is behind you. If you want to quit and just stop, what’s stopping you? Why don’t you just sit on the couch eating potato chips and dip? Or eating a king sized Hershey’s bar? Or that gallon of ice cream? What’s stopping you from quitting the gym? Nothing. Unless you have that support.

That person to yell at you when you grab a can of soda rather than refill your bottle of water. Who will take that bag of chips away that you’ve eaten 3/4 of already. Or will stop you from taking the entire container of ice cream out of the freezer. The person who helps you make smart food choices.

That support is needed. That support is vital.

There are some out there who can motivate themselves. Some out there are able to keep themselves motivated and not stop. I am not one of those people. I need my support. I need that person to lean on. I’m thankful I have someone who is awesome with it. I’m thankful I have someone who supports me losing weight.

So if you know someone is going through the journey, tell them good job. If you see them posting just small milestones that don’t seem like much to you, tell them that they’re doing awesome. If you see someone who appears to be struggling in their journey, tell them that they can do it.

Sometimes all you need is a kind word. Someone to be there for you, even if it’s for a moment. Sometimes it’s just that moment that you’re needed or your words can help.

Which I’m down 22 lbs in 2 months. So go me!