It began when my hubby and I relocated to Florida… We were having such a great time with the entire family at a get-together; it had been a good amount of time since we had all been able to reconnect. It was a fabulous day spent making memories, that’s for sure!

A few days after, scrolling through my FB newsfeed I spotted pictures my cousin posted. I was so embarrassed at the sight of these photos. I had no idea how I really looked and all I had gained over the years. I guess subconsciously I had always tried to avoid having photos taken of me. Seeing these photos of myself, I was completely shocked. 

Years of continually putting my family’s demands ahead of my own clearly took their toll. I never put myself first, and I was always fatigued from chasing after my family and doing everything for them. I would constantly munch on sugary foods to keep me going. It just started piling up over the years.

I felt increasingly horrified about myself the more I glanced in the mirror. It was a never-ending loop of despise for the person I saw in the mirror, followed by soothing myself with cookies and wine in the evening. Obviously, it only worsened the situation.

A few weekends after the family get-together, I joined my husband for a walk on the beach and I was physically gasping for air. I knew deep down that I needed to make a change and regain control of my life.