Amanda from Inside the Swole Fam writes,

Pham just wanted to share that I'm at 160 pounds, down from 198 pounds at 5 foot 5 inches tall.

My lowest weight in my adult life was 162 pounds.

I'm so close to my first goal of 150 pounds. I've had that number in my head since I was in

the sixth grade. I was 150 pounds in sixth grade, the fat girl. I felt rejected and abnormal

since then. Everyone in school gave me pity, and I didn't want their pity. I'd rather someone

grow a pair and tell me they didn't like me.

It made it really hard to see who genuinely did like me. My mother asked me at this age if I had a

baby in my belly. I've also always compared myself to my younger, thinner sister. She's always

been tiny no matter what she eats. I've always envied her body.

As I lose weight, I start to see more of her in me. She's 5 foot 4 inches tall and 132 pounds.

I'm really getting some perspective on my size. My old size 16 jeans no longer stay up even with

a belt. I keep having to adjust the seat in my car,

and an outfit never seems to fit the same twice. Exercise is becoming habitual, as well as home-cooked

meals. I'm so excited to take on this winter season. Fuck your resolutions. I've been grinding since May May and I'm ready to crush it this fall,

this winter, and beyond. That's from Amanda inside the Swal Fam. I want to reach out to her and to all

of you and say congratulations for overcoming those obstacles in your youth. Obviously, you weren't

getting a lot of support from your mother, those snide remarks. You grew up comparing yourself

to your sister and you grew up with bullying in school as so many people do. And this is an important

time of year to remember that your community is number one.

Your community, your environment that you fortify for yourself, the people you surround yourself

with, what podcasts you listen to.

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