I am currently a full time nursing student who has gained almost 65 pounds since being in school for the last two years. I want to be at a healthy weight when I graduate in December 2017, so I can be a positive role model for my future patients!

I am nervous, excited, and hopeful about this challenge. But I don't even know why. How many times have I laid in bed the night before the day that I was going to "get my shit together and lose weight?" Too many to even count. Which leaves me nervous, because I don't want to let myself down again. Which leaves me excited, because I have never done a challenge like this before. Which leaves me hopeful, because I know deep, deep down, that I will never give up on myself.
I have made a million excuses; every single one in the book. I know what I need to do. I know that if I do it, I will be happy. I want to see the old Ashley. The one who would woke up in the morning with a smile on her face. I want my confidence back. And I know it sounds stupid, but I want my boyfriend to look at me the way he used to. Of course, he still tells me that I am beautiful and that he loves me, but I can't feel his love if I don't love myself. I want to wear my favorite clothes and not feel ashamed. I want energy! But more important than anything else, I NEED to do this for my health. You are nothing without your health. I know this, and I learn about it every single day.

Don't give up on yourself, Ashley. Please.