A bit of weight loss. A lot of confidence.

So this is me last year. I was about 50 pounds overweight and in an emotionally and mentally abusive relationship. He was very controlling and jealous and even told me what to wear and who to talk to.

It's weird looking back on these because I look so happy but I was constantly scared and insecure. He made me feel helpless, like I wouldn't be able to live if I lost him.

The relationship definitely was a factor in my weight. We were constantly eating fast food and junk. I'm about 210 pounds in these pictures.

6 months ago I finally gained the courage to end the relationship. I had been dating him for a year and a half. It's like a switch went off inside of me and I knew I needed to get out. Since doing so, I have gained so much more confidence in myself and have lost about 30 pounds.

(left) My friends have been a huge influence. They really gave me the final push to end things and have been very supportive. We go to the gym as a group and cook dinners together.

(right) They encourage me to get active and to wear what I want. I no longer have a controlling asshole telling me that I can't wear low-cut shirts or leggings. I am my own person and it's been so freeing.

(middle) For the first time in almost two years I feel sexy and confident and no guy will ever be able to take that away from me again. I still have more to lose but I'm finally happy in my own skin.

Dog tax! This is Maya and I'm her dog aunt.

Plus cat tax! This is Khaleesi and she is first of her name, the unburnt, Queen of Meereen, Queen of the Andals, the Rhoynar and the First Men, Khaleesi of the Great Grass Sea, Breaker of Chains, and Mother of Dragons.

Holy shit I made front page! Thank y'all so much for the support! I'm getting a lot of "go packers" and "you're from Wisconsin" comments so I feel the need to clear some things up. My ex was from Wisconsin, not me, so I was only visiting for Summerfest in Milwaukee. Ironically enough, I've actually been raised as a Vikings fan. I'm actually from North Carolina and I go to the University of South Carolina so I'm a southern girl (minus the accent). Again, thank you all so much for the support! It means the world. Send me sloth pictures!