fading normally.

I make my bed because I need something to believe in. I need something to remind me that one day, I can look back and say – through it all, I found a shred of normal. I was there, buried beneath the throw pillows and blankets and the colours of my room where I went to find even a shred of normal from a life we used to know.

self-care isn’t selfish.

Take the nap. And the selfie. And extra time when you run through the next drive-thru for a coffee just for you. Use a bathbomb, and read a book, and make time for just yourself. And while you’re at, you’ll find yourself asking: where have I been all my life?

the truth about tummies.

I hope you remember that they call it a journey for a reason. Stay focused on your course. Don’t compare yourself to anyone else. Being authentically you is sexiest of all. Pooch, no pooch, flat, pierced, rock hard or jiggly. You are lovely. And so is your tummy.

The Subtle Art of Parenting Teenagers

I read once that our words become their inner voice. Language counts. When they stare at the mirror and question everything they thought they knew, who will they hear looking back at them? Make sure it’s your voice reminding them that you love them, that you’re proud of them, and that they only thing you expect from them is that they respect themselves.

the empath life chose me

You have to remember that you are capable of being both – awesome, and not awesome. You can be terrific and terrible. But you must be able to accept both, be humbled by either, and aware of each.

Help. I need somebody. HELP! (The Beatles were probably on to something.)

Part of knowing when to seek help hasn’t strictly been about being sad. What sadness can masquerade around as is more like agitation, aggravation. Quickly snapping, or feeling anxious. Jumping to quick conclusion, dissolving into tears. Unable to “take a joke”, or even instruction that become misconstrued as “lecturing”. Before you know it, you’re sitting in the front seat of the cab of your truck, bawling your brains out to your husband in a parking lot – unable to tear yourself away from the outpouring of grief, shouting – I just want someone to care!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It was alright. Actually, it was Egg-cellent.

Today was an extraordinary day. Today, I stepped up on the scale and was welcomed by a new milestone. I have surpassed 56lbs lost, and taken off more than 15″ off my waist. To witness a new goal crushed – well, it’s just compelling me to keep working towards the finish line.

The One With All The Pictures (and one plateau)

On weeks where I plateau, I try to focus on the silver lining – and that’s that I’m still more than 14″ inches off my waist since this journey began last summer. That’s more than a large sub sandwich, and looking at how much my work-out tank can now fit like a micro mini, I’d say I don’t miss them.