As we bid farewell to the year, it’s the perfect time to reflect on my journey toward wellness. This year has been filled with winding roads—ups, downs, unexpected turns, roadblocks, and detours—but I’ve come out stronger and more self-aware with each step. Each challenge forced me to pause, pivot, and learn, shaping not just my progress but also my perspective.
The Bumpy Start: Challenges and Revelations Along the Way
The year began with lingering health issues from the previous year. Hormonal imbalances seemed to be contributing to some weight gain, and nocturnal panic attacks became a troubling part of my days, making it difficult to parent and focus on work. While the root cause remains elusive, my healthcare team and I continue down the road of discovery in search of answers.
Physically, the winding roads brought their own challenges. A problem with my calf spiraled into foot issues and eventually led to surgery. While I’m considered recovered, I still face some limitations: I can only wear running shoes for now, and even spending the day barefoot at home can lead to foot pain.. After about 2.5 miles of walking, I experience discomfort, though I’m hopeful to eventually get back doing 5Ks and being able to wearing dress shoes without pain.
Working with a personal trainer and going through physical therapy after surgery has not only supported my recovery but also taught me to better understand my body, respect its limits, and appreciate its resilience.
Navigating the Ups and Downs of Weight Loss
Looking back at my weight loss journey in 2024, it’s clear the path was anything but straight. It was filled with twists, turns, plateaus, and even moments of backtracking. Yet through every curve and detour, my commitment to prioritizing my health remained steadfast, guiding me forward no matter how challenging the road became.
The first six months were marked by weight gain and frustration. After a DUTCH test in the spring, I was diagnosed with PCOS—a revelation that explained many of the symptoms I was facing. The diagnosis brought mixed emotions: relief at having an explanation but frustration at the restrictions it placed on my diet, especially as I continued managing gluten-free eating.
This December marked 10 years since my mom’s cancer diagnosis. I still grieve her loss deeply, remembering how she was hospitalized in complete kidney failure and passed away just a few weeks later. Instead of fully working through that grief and giving it to God, I’ve continued to turn to food for comfort.
From June to August, I was able to turn things around, recommitting to healthier habits and starting to see progress. Between June 3rd and now, I’ve lost 12.6 pounds and 57.69 inches (though I’ll admit, my husband’s measurements might be slightly off!). However, the journey wasn’t smooth from there. Old habits crept back in, and I struggled with my mindset. From September to December, emotional eating became a recurring challenge, testing my resolve.
Despite these setbacks, the biggest takeaway for me is that the number on the scale isn’t the ultimate destination. While I still weigh myself daily—more out of habit than necessity—I’ve shifted my focus to how I feel and how my body responds to the foods I eat. This has been freeing and empowering, helping me navigate the winding roads of weight loss with greater self-compassion.
Embracing Balance: A Journey Towards Self-Acceptance
Have you ever stumbled upon a book that completely shifts your perspective? That’s exactly what Made to Crave by Jennie Allen has done for me. Only a few chapters in, and it’s already opening my eyes to the deeper layers of my wellness journey.
I’ve realized that my relationship with food had taken precedence over my relationship with God, and I’ve been turning to food for comfort in times of joy, sorrow, and stress. But what should I truly be craving? God! The path to wellness isn’t just about weight loss; it’s about aligning my body, soul, and faith. One of the key lessons from the book so far is that God’s love is so immense that He doesn’t want us to stay stuck in feelings of defeat.
True health isn’t about simply shedding pounds or focusing solely on myself; it’s about realigning my soul’s desires with God’s purpose. It’s about making changes that honor who I am and the journey He has set before me.
The past six months have been a wake-up call for me. Exercise has become so much more than a tool for weight loss; it’s essential for my mental well-being. Despite low motivation and concerns about injury, I’ve come to recognize how deeply I depend on physical activity to maintain my emotional and mental health. It’s been a time of reflection, showing me just how much exercise fuels my overall sense of balance.
Along the way, I’ve had to confront my body image issues head-on. Let me share a pivotal moment from a family vacation over Easter. There I was, in a swimsuit I’ve had since 2016, when I saw myself in a new light. The harsh comments about my weight from years past came to mind, but I quickly remembered the three beautiful children my body has carried. My family sees me for so much more than my physical appearance. This moment was a reminder to love my body for all it has given me, rather than focusing on how I look.
Yet even after that breakthrough, I’m still struggling with body image issues. I constantly worry about what others think of how I look—whether they’ll assume I’m pregnant or judge me for not fitting the mold of what social media portrays as a health coach. As an integrative health coach, I fear people might discredit me because I don’t have the “perfect” image. It’s a battle I’m still working through, reminding myself that my value lies in the knowledge, experience, and support I bring to others—not in how I appear.
The Journey is the Destination
This year has been a lesson in resilience. Despite setbacks and struggles, I’ve found strength in adversity. The winding roads of weight loss have reiterated that the journey to physical health is not a linear one. There were moments of frustration and emotional eating, but in those struggles, I found resilience—and a deeper understanding of myself.
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is the importance of balance. I’ve realized that I can enjoy life and still make progress toward my wellness goals. It’s not about perfection; it’s about consistency and making intentional, balanced choices. The journey itself, with all its highs and lows, is where true growth happens.
This process has also taught me that the scale isn’t the ultimate destination. While I may have a goal weight in mind, I’ve learned to focus more on how I feel—both physically and emotionally. Weight loss isn’t a one-time accomplishment; it’s part of a lifelong commitment to wellness. The number on the scale might fluctuate, but the habits I build and the lessons I learn will stay with me forever.
In embracing this mindset, I’ve come to see the journey not as a series of failures and successes but as an evolving story—one where each day is an opportunity to grow stronger, healthier, and more self-compassionate.
Looking Forward: Celebrating Progress, Not Perfection
As I step into the new year, I’m filled with hope and resolve to build on the progress I’ve made. From January 1, 2024, to January 1, 2025, I’ve lost 9.0 pounds and 6.73 inches—a testament that even small, consistent steps can yield remarkable results.
My goals for 2025 are clear and focused. I plan to follow the 75 Soft Christian Edition program as a way to prioritize both my physical and spiritual health. This includes starting and ending my day in God’s word instead of mindlessly scrolling through social media, leaning into God more than ever, and giving all areas of my life to Him. I want to spend quality time with God daily, complete the various Bible studies I’ve started, and finally read the accompanying books that have been waiting on my shelf.
For personal growth, I aim to read more personal development books to continue evolving and also carve out time to read purely for fun. Treating my business like an actual job rather than a hobby is another priority, as is nurturing my relationships. I want to be more present with my husband and kids, start new friendships, and invest in my current ones.
On the fitness front, I am determined to reintroduce workouts into my routine and compete in Lola’s 5K and the Stiftungsfest 5K with the goal of achieving a new personal record. I also aim to reach my goal weight by mid-October—balancing this with my overall focus on health and self-care.
2025 is about growing in faith, strengthening my relationships, achieving my goals, and embracing the journey.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”
Proverbs 3:5-6
