From a young age, I noticed something different about myself. My metabolism didn’t seem to work the same as other kids', and by fourth grade, I was already watching what I ate.

Throughout my teens and early twenties, I went on a roller coaster of short-term fixes for my weight and physical health that left me feeling exhausted, ashamed, and unhappy.
I constantly struggled to find a balance and felt trapped in a cycle of self-doubt and insecurity.

As I entered adulthood, this struggle continued. I juggled multiple responsibilities, always prioritizing saying “yes” to others while neglecting my own needs. Whether it was partying, maintaining unhealthy relationships, or overextending myself at work, I was prioritizing everything and everyone else over myself.

Deep down, I knew something needed to change, but I didn't know how to break free from the cycle.

Then, the pandemic hit. I remember waking up on March 18, 2020, the day my company mandated our first day of the work-from-home order. That morning, I felt a major shift inside me. With my social life turned upside down and my daily routine disrupted, I finally had the time and space to turn inward. My priorities became clearer, and for the first time in my adult life, I had the opportunity to fully focus on my self-care, physical health, and career.

The sudden change forced me to confront hard truths: I hadn’t been taking the best care of myself. I realized that constantly saying "yes" to others, actually meant saying "no" to myself. Reflecting on my childhood struggles, I saw a connection. Back then, I felt alone and overwhelmed, but in 2020, I felt empowered to prioritize myself and build a lifestyle that truly worked for me.

I saw the shutdown as an opportunity to flip things on their head. Instead of continuing with quick fixes, I decided to implement long-term habits that felt good and could eventually transform into a healthy lifestyle tailored specifically for me.

I began creating a morning routine that I looked forward to each night. I went to bed earlier, started cooking nearly all my meals at home, and significantly cut down on alcohol. Slowly but surely, I incorporated new healthy habits until they became an integral part of my lifestyle.
I leaned into what felt good for me, rather than just following generic advice or what I had seen recommended online.

As I embraced these changes, my life became fuller, and I achieved my long-term goals at a quicker and more easeful pace. My relationships deepened, I felt more energized, and my confidence soared. I enrolled in an MBA program, took a mini sabbatical to reflect on my life, and landed a new job in tech that doubled my salary. Most importantly, I created a sustainable, healthy lifestyle that is perfect for me.

Today, this lifestyle has led me to coaching, where I help other women create sustainable, healthy lifestyles personalized to them. It’s the most fulfilling role for me, and it all stemmed from the decision to prioritize my own wellbeing. And I’d love to support you in doing the same.