Flash back to March 2010. I'm a 6-foot tall married mother of one running a home daycare who's just turned 30. Flash forward to present time. I'm still 6 feet, still married, still a mom to one and continue to work from home. I am not, however, 30 but 31 and now 70lbs lighter.

I had looked at my thirtieth birthday party pictures and was incredibly disappointed at how overweight I had become. I made a decision right then not to be that person anymore. I started eating better and just generally being more active. After a long haul and many, many bumps in the road I emerged a much slimmer version of myself. But I had a wardrobe of someone I'm not anymore. That left me with the hard part. Shopping.

For someone who loathed shopping because nothing ever fit, the thought of being faced with the fact that my weight was out of control was always frightening. I used to joke that the non-plus-size stores were for “small people” to cover up the fact I was so overweight. So when the tables were turned and I could finally fit into “small people” clothes, I was faced with an even harder task. “How do I shop?”

I never had to worry when I was heavy, or so I thought. Who would look at me? But now I needed to learn to love me again. Learning to love yourself after so many years of hating what you've become is tough. I had to face my fears head on. I needed to be happy with the person in the mirror and proud of my accomplishments. It was time to shop. And shop I did. I made up for years of feeling inadequate. I tried everything on just because I could. I felt vindicated and somehow even lighter. I was no longer carrying those 70lbs and an even heavier weight on my shoulders about my body. I not only found my style again, I found me.

Now when I go shopping I remember to not pressure myself. If it doesn't work or doesn't fit I move on. I relax and enjoy it. Remember that shirt can't call you names. Don't be scared of it. And if you've lost nothing at all or 100lbs, be proud. I guess after losing all that weight I had to gain something. I just didn't think it would be my confidence.

Image Credit: digitalart / FreeDigitalPhotos.net"