Whew, can we just talk about this journey for a minute? Because let me tell you, it’s been a ride. If you’ve been following along, you know I’m in a full-blown battle for the new me, working tirelessly to build her up while gently, but firmly, releasing the old. And honestly? It’s a whole lot. It feels like I’m juggling flaming torches, chainsaws, and maybe a live badger sometimes. But in the midst of the chaos, there’s so much good happening.

The Scale Saga and Shifting Mindset

Let’s address the elephant in the room, or rather, the numbers on the scale. Goodness, this thing has been a rollercoaster. One minute I’m celebrating a loss, the next it’s creeping back up. It’s frustrating, right? You put in the work, you make the choices, and then your body decides to hold onto those last few pounds like it’s guarding national treasure. My emotions are all over the place – there’s disappointment, for sure, because who doesn’t want instant gratification? I’m impatient, I want to see those results now.

But here’s the kicker: beneath that impatience is a deep, unwavering commitment. I’m learning to be realistic, to understand that my body’s going to do its thing, especially when it comes to significant changes. This isn’t a quick fix; it’s a profound transformation, and that takes time. The bigger picture? I am making real, tangible progress on weight loss. So far, I’ve officially lost 25 pounds on this journey, and let me tell you, it’s finally starting to show! Clothes are fitting differently, I’m feeling lighter, and that’s an incredible feeling.

Building the New Me: Routines, Systems, and Small Victories

This “new me” isn’t just happening by magic. It’s a deliberate, conscious effort to implement routines and systems that support my goals. And while it’s a lot to keep track of, I’m choosing these changes for myself, knowing they’ll lead to a healthier, happier life.

So, what’s been working? My daily routine now includes drinking collagen, Miralax, and fiber – getting that digestive system happy! I’m committed to getting in a walk at least three out of five workdays a week, and hitting at least 40 ounces of water during my workday. And my Apple Watch rings? I’m aiming to close those five out of seven days a week, pushing myself to move more.

Beyond that, I’m focusing on my overall health. Hydrating my skin, taking Geritol multivitamins for iron and other needs, and adding liquid Vitamin D3/K2 (especially crucial for us melanated folks!) are non-negotiables. And speaking of moving, I invested in two new pairs of Brooks shoes to support my wide feet, and wow, what a difference they’ve made! I’m walking further and more comfortably than ever before.

Even my sleep is getting an upgrade! I recently got a new CPAP machine, and while it’s a learning curve, using it seven times in the last three weeks has already made my days feel so much better. The energy boost is real.

Tools of the Trade: My Support System

I couldn’t do this without my little army of apps and tools. My Stelo biosensor has been a game-changer, giving me real-time insights into my glucose levels and helping me understand my body’s responses to food. It’s truly amazing what you can track these days!

I’m also leaning on Shotsy (for tracking those weekly injections, which, by the way, have been smooth sailing!), Happy Scale for a more forgiving view of the numbers, and the Renpho weight scale. My Apple Health app is like the central hub, sending all that vital information to my other apps and keeping everything in one place.

But perhaps the biggest change is the shift in my eating habits. I’m more mindful, more conscious of what I’m putting into my body. Now, when I crave Chipotle, I’m ordering a kid’s meal. Instead of a full hibachi plate and sushi, I’m choosing just sushi. And that mini sub or sub-in-a-bowl from Jersey Mike’s? Those are my new go-tos. These aren’t just small swaps; they’re monumental shifts in how I approach food.

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Looking Forward: Birthday Reflections and New Horizons

As my upcoming birthday approaches, it brings with it a wave of appreciation for life, but also a stark reminder: tomorrow isn’t promised. There’s so much more I want to do, so many experiences to have, and this journey is about creating the best possible version of myself to live it all.

Speaking of new horizons, I’m excited to share that I’m also working on a video update! I’m hoping to have that done by the end of May, just in time for my birthday month. It’ll be another way to share this evolving story with you all.

This fight for the new me isn’t always pretty, and it’s definitely not linear, but I am here for it. Every step, every choice, every small victory is moving me closer to the woman I’m becoming. And that, my friends, is worth all the juggling in the world.

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Ready to Embrace Your Own “New You”?

What aspect of building your “new self” resonates most with you right now? Share your own journey in the comments below – I’d love to hear how you’re navigating your own transformation!