One Down, Many More to Go – Hopefully
Today, I have the chance to reflect on the past year of my life. I started my health and wellness journey on this very day in 2024. I was fed up with who I had become, no longer recognized the woman staring back at me in the mirror, and felt like I was failing as a mother and spouse.
This past year has been filled with progress, setbacks, and so many lessons. I’m excited to share my journey with you—and to keep sharing as I continue forward.
Why I Decided to Change
That ‘before’ picture face says it all—tired, frustrated, and ready for a change. This was day one of choosing me again. 💪
I was living on the couch, watching my kids grow from the sidelines. I had no energy to play with them, to run around and chase them like they wanted me to. Instead, I supervised, always watching but never fully participating.
Pregnancy and the postpartum period the second time around completely drained me. I struggled with breastfeeding again, which led to stress, frustration, and self-doubt. Thankfully, I had an amazing support system, but once I settled into life with a toddler and a baby, the exhaustion took over.
Leaving the house felt like an impossible task. I was constantly running on fumes, living off whatever scraps my kids left behind, and juggling the demands of parenting while completely neglecting myself. I was at the bottom of my own priority list.
When I looked in the mirror, I saw failure. I saw someone who had lost herself in motherhood, buried so deep in exhaustion and sadness that she couldn’t find her way back.
On top of that, my fibromyalgia and PCOS symptoms were raging. The chronic pain and fatigue made it nearly impossible to get out of bed some mornings. I was getting my kids to school late because I physically couldn’t drag myself up in time. My hair was thinning, yet I was growing more on my chin than I ever wanted (thanks, PCOS 🙃). I was eating whatever was fast and convenient, stuck in survival mode, and watching my weight climb to 275 lbs—the heaviest I had ever been, even during pregnancy.
That was my breaking point.
I knew I needed to change—not just for myself but for my kids. I wanted them to see a mother who took care of herself, who had energy to show up and be present. Most importantly, I wanted to be around for them in the long run. My father passed away from a heart attack at 49. I refuse to let history repeat itself.
How It Started
As someone who had quit more workout programs than I could count, I knew I needed something realistic—something that wouldn’t make me want to throw in the towel within the first week. That’s when I found an incredible beginner-friendly program called For Beginners Only.
It met me where I was. It gave me permission to go at my own pace. And most importantly, it taught me how to give myself grace.
There were plenty of mornings I wanted to sleep in, especially after long nights with my daughter. But I quickly realized that working out made me feel better—physically, mentally, and emotionally. It wasn’t about losing weight; it was about showing up for myself.
And you know what? My doctors were right. Moving my body really did help with my chronic pain and energy levels. But I don’t think they fully understand how hard it is to get started when you’re stuck in survival mode.
Proof that I showed up, even when I didn’t want to. Sweaty, tired, but feeling so much stronger. 💪🔥
It’s Not All Rainbows and Buttercups (Or Whatever That Saying Is)
As I built consistency with workouts, I knew nutrition was the next step. And that’s where I faced my biggest struggle.
I found a program that helped shift my mindset around food, but it also resurfaced some old demons—binge eating, restriction, and the toxic cycle of “on track” vs. “off track.”
I still don’t have all the answers when it comes to nutrition. I’m learning. I want to eat intuitively and find true food freedom, but that’s a journey I have to take one step at a time.
I experimented with different nutrition programs, including one for gut health, which was eye-opening. I learned that gluten and dairy don’t serve my body well, so I eliminated them for a while. But the more I tried to force rigid rules, the more I struggled.
I eventually spiraled back into old habits, using the holidays as an excuse to binge on everything I had restricted. And come January, I was still stuck in that cycle.
That’s when I decided to do a reset (you can read about that experience here). It helped me cut out gluten again, and while dairy crept back in, I’m slowly working on eliminating it for good. I know I feel better without it, and I’m finally allowing myself to go at my pace.
50 lbs down, but the biggest win wasn’t the scale—it was learning what my body truly needed. Gut health, mindset shifts, and so much growth. 🌱✨
This Journey Is a Roller Coaster
Growth isn’t linear. It’s messy.
At my lowest weight, I had lost 50 lbs. As I write this today, I’ve maintained 31 lbs lost. And I’m not beating myself up over it. Because for the first time in my life, I have muscles. 💪
Seriously, I have biceps. Who knew?!
For someone who dreaded gym class growing up, the fact that I now teach PE to homeschool students is kind of hilarious. But it’s also incredibly rewarding. I want kids to learn to love movement from an early age—something I wish I had experienced myself.
Most importantly, I’m proud of myself for not giving up. I’ve stayed consistent. I keep showing up, even when it’s hard.
Some days, I barely make it through a workout. Other days, I give it 110%. But that’s what balance looks like. And if this journey has taught me anything, it’s that progress, not perfection, is what truly matters.
Who knew I had biceps?! 💪🎉 Turns out, consistency pays off! And yes, the mirror is still just as dirty as it was in my gut health pic… some things never change. 😂
Where the Road Leads
Falling in love with health and wellness led me to one of the biggest opportunities of my life—becoming a certified health and wellness coach.
I’m now five weeks into my certification, and there’s no doubt in my mind that this is exactly where I’m meant to be.
I can’t wait to help others find the transformation I’ve experienced. To empower people to be their own biggest cheerleaders. To show them that real change is possible.
And along the way, I’ve met some incredible people—workout buddies, accountability partners, and even a best friend I never would have crossed paths with otherwise. But that’s a story for another blog post later this month. 😉
A year from now, I’ll be back here reflecting on my continued progress, my coaching journey, and everything I’ve learned along the way.
One Last Thing
If you’re feeling lost… if you don’t know where to start… if you feel like giving up on yourself—please know that you are not alone.
The answers are already within you. The power is within you. You might just need some help seeing it.
I believe in you. Even if you don’t believe in yourself yet.
Xoxo,
Jessica