The Day I Realized My Body Wasn’t the Problem
Shortly after the first picture was taken, I began taking action. (Please excuse my mess in picture 2, I was getting rid of clothes that no longer fit)
The Slow Realization
It wasn’t one big moment that changed everything for me — it was slow, gradual, and deeply emotional.
My awareness began when I was diagnosed with cancer at just 28 years old — and pregnant. That season of my life cracked me open. I started noticing how disconnected I was from my own body and mind.
I was confused, ashamed, and exhausted. I didn’t want to be in photos. I cried when I looked in the mirror. I was constantly overwhelmed — juggling work, school, kids, and a marriage while trying to take care of my mental and physical health.
Fast food was my comfort, and “I don’t have time to work out” was my favorite excuse. I told myself I needed to prove I could do it all — be the perfect mom, wife, daughter, friend, and student. But the truth?
I had no expectations for myself, I was trying to meet everyone else’s.
Chasing Perfection, Losing Myself
For years, I tried everything — diets, apps, programs, even weight-loss medications. Each time I “failed,” I blamed my body.
I believed I was supposed to just accept it — to be grateful and “content” even when I didn’t feel good in it. I thought something was wrong with me.
But when I started Trulicity and lost only 5 pounds in three months, something clicked. My body wasn’t broken — my relationship with it was.
Shifting the Focus Inward
I stopped chasing everyone else’s expectations and started setting my own. I let go of perfection and chose peace.
I stopped numbing my emotions with bad habits. I started learning about my body — its hormones, its cells, its reactions — and realized how fascinatingly intelligent it really is. Both my microbiology and chemistry classes helped me become aware of a lot of chemical reactions that happen inside out bodies at every given second.
As I treated my body with curiosity instead of criticism, everything began to change. My clothes started fitting differently. My mood lifted. My energy returned. My cortisol levels (the stress hormone) probably dropped because I was no longer constantly in fight-or-flight mode.
The Hug That Healed Me
One day, at work, I saw a TikTok where a woman asked:
“If you love yourself, have you ever hugged yourself and said ‘I love you’ out loud?”
At first, I thought it was silly — but that question stayed with me.
Days later, while while taking a shower after four hard days, I tried it.
I wrapped my arms around myself and whispered, “I love you.”
And I cried.
That single moment changed me. It wasn’t about my reflection anymore — it was about reconnection.
Rebuilding with Love
From that day, I decided to show myself love in tangible ways:
I started fasting gently and broke my fast with warm bone broth. I started with my favorite store bought bone broth but I now make my own, easy and minimal ingredients.
I added kefir milk and bee pollen for gut healing.
I bought my first set of affirmations to practice every morning.
I moved my body with short YouTube workouts — just 20 minutes a day.
I learned a new Meditation technique through school, which became a life-changing tool.
I swapped my favorite junk snacks for real, whole food.
I slowly started replacing skin care products I was using to more holistic options.
My digestion improved, my skin started glowing, and my clothes fit right.
The Science Behind the Shift
Neuroscience shows that when cortisol (our stress hormone) is high, our bodies cling to fat — especially around the midsection.
Constant negative thoughts keep the nervous system dysregulated, making true healing nearly impossible.
But when you shift from self-criticism to self-compassion, your biology follows.
Your breath slows, your hormones balance, and your body starts to trust you again.
What Healing Looks Like for Me Now
How I began choosing myself everyday. I start with gentle movement, tea, and self-talk that feels nourishing.
My current routine:
Wake up early
20-minute light YouTube workout
Herbal tea (no sweetener)
Homeschool time with my daughter
Break fast with bone broth
Drink kefir + bee pollen before lunch
Dinner between 6–8 PM
End with chamomile or golden milk (or make your own) before bed
Self care routine once a week at least!
The Confidence I Found Within
As I shifted inward, my confidence bloomed.
I stopped trying to “fix myself” — and started honoring myself.
I set my own standards. I took up space. I laughed again.
I made it my goal to fit into a dress I had bought 6 six years ago that was still sitting in my closet with the price tag still attached to it.
This is the red dress I waited 6 years to wear.
That was my full-circle moment.
What I Wish Every Woman Knew
Your body is not the enemy.
It’s your ally, your messenger, and your most loyal home.
You can speak life into it.
You can support it gently.
And when you do — your body will respond with love, balance, and peace.
Healing doesn’t happen through punishment. It happens through partnership.
It was a long journey but definitely worth it!
Your First Step to Healing
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that transformation begins with one small, loving act.
You don’t need to overhaul your life overnight.
Just start with something simple:
Hug yourself. Say “I love you.” Mean it.
That single act of self-respect changed the entire trajectory of my life.
If you’re ready to start your own journey, my ebook 👉 Heal & Glow: The Gentle Reset is the guide I wish I had when I started. It’s a self-love-based approach to healing, weight loss, and rediscovering your glow — one small step at a time.
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