Over the past 14 months, I have embarked on a personal journey to reclaim my health. However, the journey took me so much further than I would have ever imagined.  

Spoiler alert- I’m down 40 pounds. I have more energy. I’m happier. I’m more active. And I’m at peace. 

While I lost 40 pounds, I gained insight into how I was able to get out of my feelings and into a dress that I thought would never fit me again.

What I Learned

It’s Your Journey. Go at Your Own Pace. 

The thing that I loathe about New Year’s resolutions is that there is pressure to create them and there is a time clock on your goals. It’s a recipe for failure. In fact, I cannot recall a single resolution that I have ever sustained for more than a month. Whether it was my desire to beat resolutions at their own game or something from within, I knew it was time to begin my journey towards a healthier lifestyle. In fact, I quietly embarked on this journey for a month before even mentioning it to my husband. And I started in November to get a jumpstart on the pressures that January can bring. 

Make Yourself a Priority.

Two years ago, my mental health took a hit, and my waistline was a casualty. The summer of 2020 was hard on most of us. In my true fashion, I put on a smile and faked my way to euphoria in order to focus on the needs of others. I poured my heart into my family, friends, community, and career. At the end of each day, I poured myself a large glass of wine. Every day. And I ate my feelings (usually in the form of homemade bread)–all while building a new home and building the company that I was leading.  

For a year, it appeared to be working. I could not solve the problems of social unrest, political division, or a global pandemic, but my house was built and decorated impeccably; the kids were thriving and participating in enriching extracurricular activities; my organization was growing and succeeding; and my husband continued to tolerate my mania.  

But I was becoming a shell of myself and losing my drive and identity.  

In October 2021, I had the worst month of sleep. I couldn’t get comfortable, my stomach constantly hurt, and I had pains that I have never experienced before. My year of rot had caught up with me. The solution was so much more than losing weight. I had to make myself a priority. 

Identify Obstacles and Set Realistic Goals.

Once I decided that I wanted to improve myself, I had to identify my current obstacles. I took multiple steps to remove the “harm” in my life that prevented me from achieving my goals. This included eliminating alcohol. (I still enjoy a cocktail every now and then, but it is not a daily nor weekly occurrence.) I also focused on people who make me a better person and make me feel good about myself.  

My original intent a year ago was to feel better. I had to define what that meant for me. I did not say, “I’m going to lose 40 pounds in a year.” Instead, I said, “I’m going to walk today.” Once I realized that I had 10 minutes to spare for a walk, I increased that to 20 minutes and carved out three days in the week I could do that. Over two months, I was able to plan a realistic exercise plan based on my lifestyle and schedule. Once I lost 15 pounds and understood what it took to achieve that, I was able to create a realistic plan to reach my goal weight.   

Diets Can’t Be Temporary.

A diet should be seen as a noun—the food you regularly consume—and you must understand which foods consume you. If you view the term “diet” as a verb, it will likely be temporary and not sustainable. While I knew that weight loss and a healthy lifestyle work together, I did not understand the balance. Most people can’t expect results through overindulging and not exercising or exercising and eliminating food. I chose to take a holistic approach to my health by making improvements to the foods that I consumed (while still enjoying a donut every now and then) and moving more.

Wellness Apps and Activity Trackers Work! 

If you use them consistently and properly, activity trackers and wellness apps really do work-it’s just a matter of finding what works for you! It took me several attempts to find what worked for my lifestyle and needs, but when I found what worked, I immediately saw results. 

The most important thing to remember is that apps will not lose weight for you. Apps cannot magically create meal plans and prepare those meals for you. Sure, there are programs that will deliver food to you based on your palette, but there is still some responsibility on your end.   

Reclaim Yourself

My hope is that this post sparks something within you to reclaim yourself. Know your “Why.” Whether you desire to get healthier, spend more time with your family, spend more time on yourself, or read more, the most important thing to remember is that it’s your journey and you control the pace.  

Thank you Erica L., Stephanie M., Jennifer R., and Robbie G. for motivating me to embark on my journey through your own journeys. You saved me from myself.