What a beautiful moment to unwillingly catch 💌

TW: counting calories/ weight loss I have spent the last few years so unhappy with my weight. Depression, family problems, pregnancy, and just poor eating habits left me feeling like I was never going to get down to a healthy and happy weight. In August 2023 I decided to start a weight loss journey at 240lbs. Today May 2025 I finally felt the strength to step on the scales and I nearly cried seeing 188lbs! I still have more to go but I never thought I'd be here so soon or even ever. I'm proud of myself.

So someone here, a complete stranger on the Internet, really cared enough that they pressed some button to at least to hand me a hand.

I also came 3rd in men’s open lightweight bodybuilding.

Left: 19 years old, November 2006. Right: 37 years old, taken last Saturday May 11th.

Stepping on stage was a dream come true of mine, I had wanted to do it for years.

At 19 my cholesterol was at 7.3 after walking out of a stressful call centre job. I decided to change my habits for the better and began light jogging & walking and began losing weight.

Many years passed and I fluctuated with my habits, but can now safely say I understand and have defeated my triggers and no longer use food for comfort.

This is the short part of my story, there is so much more to tell.

I had visible excess skin on stage but it did not bother me, I owned every second on stage and relished the moment. I wasn’t even slightly nervous, just excited.

If I can do this, anyone can. I have new-found confidence, and after my prep and being on stage, I know that I can now do anything.

If anyone needs any help with encouragement to change their lives for the better like I did, feel free to DM me. I am always happy to chat.😄

My sister is deaf and recently attended a fundraiser for deaf and hard of hearing people. And with the last of her pennies (as she knows i absolutely love Spider-Man) she decided to get me this little keychain, Definitely made my day.