I am a 22-year-old college student. I started working out here and there during my freshmen year of high school. But I really got more into it during the summer after my sophomore year was over. This was one of my most transformative time periods as far as physical appearance. I worked my ass off, and maybe it was because I was so young, but I lost about 40 pounds within about three months. I know that seems like a lot in just a short amount of time, but I assure you that I did not starve myself, I did not do any crazy diets. I simply ate better and drank more water. Massive water consumption has been my habit ever since.

Fast forward to freshman year of college. I kept the weight off for the majority of that year. But oh boy, I made a decision that I regret to this day! As a young woman, my menstrual cycle has always been irregular. So, I talked to an on-campus health advisor and they prescribed me with birth control to help regulate it. HUGE MISTAKE. Looking back on it, I should've just allowed my body to what it wanted. My health wasn't at risk, and I wasn't experiencing any major complications. Honestly, periods are annoying so, if anything I was in heaven but I didn't appreciate it.

LET ME TELL YOU! I gained so much weight in such a short amount of time. It snuck up on me. One day I was my normal size, then seemingly the next week or two I could barely fit into certain clothing items. I always felt bloated and just...bleh. After about two months, I decided to stop cold turkey! I couldn't take it any longer. The side effects still remained for a long while though, a VERY LONG WHILE.

That was in 2016, three years ago.

Since then, I've had a major on-and-off relationship with exercise. I would do it for a few days, weeks, then fall off. Same with eating "healthy" as well. Some days I would eat lean and clean, other days I would eat complete garbage. It was a constant back and forth game. But THIS time, I have a lot of things I want to do, and just like my mental health, I would love for my physical health to be in tip-top shape!

I am in the process of brainstorming vacations, meetings, and photoshoots. I want to feel and look my very best! I am not falling off this time, it is not an option. For me, it is all about my mind. Once I have that in check, nothing or no one can stop me. The other day I went to the gym TWICE! Talk about an evolution! I have never done that before. It felt great. many more days like that to come. I have reached a point of no return, all I can think of how great I will feel at a photo shoot or on a beach.

THAT image in my head has given me a special drive that I have not felt in so long. I am excited to see my results.

For anyone who is struggling with getting more fit or eating better, I encourage you to honestly talk to someone.

Research fitness classes you can join (you do not have to do this on your own). Believe it or not, there are plenty of YouTubers who have testimonies that we all can relate to. Look those up! Everyday people have those same testimonies — I encourage everyone to start off slow and steady, take one day at a time. YOU CAN DO IT. But you have to be consistent. You will not get what you want overnight unless it's magical or the universe somehow wanted to just get it over with. Work hard guys, be better to your mental and physical health, your body will thank you later.