Exercise was never a big part of my life growing up. I viewed running as a punishment and sore muscles as torture. I hated sports, PE, or anything that had anything to do with physical activity. I thought people that chose to exercise were absolutely nuts or did it because they hate themselves.

I have learned over the past few months that people care about their fitness and health when they love themselves. You have to truly care about yourself to take on any kind of physical routine. Over the past few months I have set goals and actually met them, I have tried new things, I have created healthier habits, and I've learned to love taking care of myself.

I have started a routine and actually stuck with it. I weigh nearly 30 pounds less than the day I graduated high school and 50 pounds less than my heaviest weight. I am down FOUR sizes in jeans.

The weight loss and change in clothing sizes has been great- but the "non-scale victories" have been even better. I can do things now that I could never do and I'm happier than I have ever been. Also, the impact that exercise has made in my battle with anxiety and depression is nothing short of amazing.

Here are some of my favorite quotes that have made a huge difference in my life and helped me in my new journey with fitness.

1. Stop hating yourself for everything you aren't and start loving yourself for everything you already are.

There will always be people you wish you could be more like or look more like. It's human to wish to be someone else. But your life will truly change when you teach yourself to love yourself for who you are.

2. Your mind is a powerful thing. When you fill it with positive thoughts, your life will start to change.

This is so true. When you tell yourself you can't do something, you're right. When you tell yourself you CAN do something, you can. Make a habit of looking at the bright side of things and believing in yourself, you are capable of more than you can imagine.

3. When you feel like quitting, think about why you started.

Many days, the last thing I want to do is go for a jog or lift weights- but I force myself to because i refuse to quit. I have a little girl that is looking up to me; I can't let her down. I want to be the best version of myself, for her. She is my reason for starting and my reason for not quitting. Think about why you started or want to start.

4. You only fail when you stop trying.

As long as you are trying, you are progressing.

5. You didn't come this far to only come this far.

I love this quote. Always keep pushing: push harder, farther, faster. You are just getting started!

6. Don't limit your challenges; challenge your limits.

You can do much much more than you think you can. Never stop challenging yourself.

7. Success doesn't just come out and find you, you have to go and get it.

Obviously. It is hard work to make true progress.

8. If not now, then when?

Stop procrastinating! Start today and stop making excuses.

9. Yesterday you said tomorrow. -Nike

I am the queen of putting things off until later... My life really started to change when I began to do things now.

10. There are no shortcuts to any place worth going.

It is a slow and difficult journey but it is SO worth it.

11. Strive for progress, not perfection.

Take one step at a time and be proud of every single step.

12. Fall in love with taking care of yourself:

Mind. Body. Spirit.

All of these quotes have been found on a variety of websites or heard from many sources,by unknown authors.