As we wave goodbye to January and say hello to February, let’s take a moment to reflect on my wellness journey so far this year. The progress may not have been as expected, but personal growth has a sneaky habit of surprising us, doesn’t it?
Let’s start with the stats. I’ve managed to lose 0.2 lb. this year – not exactly a weight loss revolution, but it’s not all about the numbers. I’ve had a bit of a struggle with food tracking consistency, but becoming aware of this is already a win. As we move into February, I’m recommitting to more mindful tracking because I know it works.
Creating solid morning and night routines have been a bit tricky, but we’re navigating through it, aren’t we? Workouts have been another challenge. With everything going on, I haven’t been able to figure out a good routine – do I wake up early and get it done before the boys get up or do I stay up late and do it after they go to bed? I want to prioritize movement, not as a punishment but as a way to cherish our bodies and minds through movement. A step in the right direction? Registering for Lola’s 5K in May. It’s thrilling to have a tangible goal to aim for!
One of the biggest revelations this month has been around my relationship with food and stress. I haven’t regularly consumed alcohol in about 14 years(a fews or a drink or two 1-2 times a year if any), but until now, I didn’t realize that I have replaced alcohol with coffee. I’ve also come to see that I still use food like a drug, turning to it for comfort instead of seeking solace in God. It’s not an easy truth to admit, but acknowledging it is the first step toward meaningful change. This is something I will be working on intentionally in the coming months.
Another powerful realization this month has been about my evolving “why” for losing weight. I always believed my boys were my primary motivation, and while they continue to inspire me, I now realize that my initial goal was fulfilled between my first and second pregnancies when I set out to lose 50 lbs before getting pregnant again—and exceeded that goal. But as I reflect now, I see that my purpose has shifted. My journey is no longer just about me; it’s about those who follow my story, my past and present clients, and even those who may work with me in the future. It’s for those who have doubted me, for those who criticized me for gaining weight, and for those who need to see that overcoming struggles is possible. Most importantly, it’s about prioritizing my health, having the energy to fully engage in life, and being an inspiration to others who are on this same journey. Recognizing this shift has given me a fresh and deeper sense of purpose.
January wasn’t perfect, but it was full of valuable lessons. One major factor in my internal progress has been the book Made to Crave by Lysa TerKeurst. Writing down key highlights and thoughtfully answering the reflection questions has helped me recognize just how much I rely on food and coffee for comfort rather than turning to God. This realization has pushed me to be more intentional about praying for strength, especially when cravings hit hard.
While I don’t have all my routines figured out yet, and consistency is still a challenge, I’m learning and growing. As I step into February, my focus is on creating a solid morning and night routine, limiting added sugar, and gradually decreasing my caffeine intake until I’m only drinking decaf coffee. Progress isn’t about perfection—it’s about small, intentional steps forward.
Before I could finish editing this post, the stomach bug made its way through our house—including me—so this is being posted a little later than planned. But setbacks like these are just part of the journey, right?
How was your January? What small wins or lessons did you experience this month?