At the beginning of this year, I found myself in a place I never thought I’d be. Weighing close to 200 pounds, battling depression, and feeling like nothing I tried was making a difference, I felt stuck. The idea of transformation—both physical and mental—felt overwhelming and out of reach. Posting a “before” picture? I’m not quite there yet. But this journey has proven to be about so much more than just weight loss. It’s been about resilience, balance, and discovering what truly works for me.

For a time, I leaned on semaglutide as part of my journey. Those months were tough—dealing with side effects like nausea and fatigue while navigating life was no small feat. But I eventually realized that no quick fix could replace the lasting impact of consistent, intentional effort. The turning point came when I embraced the power of small steps, choosing to focus on progress over perfection.

Here are some of the changes that have truly transformed not just my body, but my mindset:

• Showing Up, Even on the Hard Days

Some days, the motivation just wasn’t there. But I learned that consistency doesn’t mean giving 100% every single time—it means showing up, even when I didn’t feel like it. Some days that looked like a full workout, and others, it was just a 20-minute stretch. Every effort mattered.

• Giving Myself Grace

Letting go of all-or-nothing thinking was a game-changer. I used to feel guilty if I didn’t have the energy for a long workout or if I indulged in a treat. Now, I remind myself that even small actions add up. If all I could manage was a quick walk or a bit of stretching, that was enough.

• Prioritizing Recovery

Recovery became a non-negotiable part of my routine. Stretching, mobility work, and rest days are no longer something I “fit in” when I have time—they’re essential. This shift not only helped my body feel better but also made my workouts more effective.

• Breaking Free from Fad Diets

Food used to be a source of stress. I tried countless diets, only to end up frustrated and burned out. Now, I embrace balance. If I want a donut or ice cream, I enjoy it without guilt because I’ve realized that one treat doesn’t derail progress—it’s about the bigger picture.

• Creating Calm Mornings

Saying goodbye to coffee was a tough but transformative choice. I didn’t realize how much my morning routine was contributing to my anxiety. Swapping caffeine for calm, mindful mornings has made a huge difference in how I feel throughout the day.

• Setting Boundaries and Practicing Moderation

Another important step was reevaluating my relationship with alcohol. I now limit myself to two drinks on a night out and skip drinking altogether during the week. These boundaries have given me clarity and helped me stay on track with my goals.

• Finding Joy in Movement

This was the most important lesson of all: fitness doesn’t have to be trendy—it just has to be enjoyable. Whether it’s running, jumping rope, dancing, or even a casual walk, I’ve learned to celebrate all forms of movement. It’s not about what burns the most calories; it’s about what makes me feel good.

This journey has been far from easy, but it’s shown me that progress doesn’t have to be perfect. It’s not about hitting every goal flawlessly—it’s about creating a lifestyle that feels sustainable and fulfilling. Every day is an opportunity to grow stronger, both mentally and physically.

If you’re reading this and feeling stuck, I want you to know: small steps matter. Change doesn’t happen overnight, but it does happen when you commit to showing up for yourself, one day at a time. You are so much stronger than you think.