Over the last few years, I’ve picked up some new habits that have truly transformed my life. From basic self-care to being more mindful about what I eat, these changes haven’t just helped me lose weight—they’ve completely reshaped how I see the world. Every small adjustment feels like laying down another brick on the path to a better me, proving just how crucial it is to stay the course, no matter what.

Recently, Joel and I took our very first week-long getaway—just the two of us. This trip was special because it was all about us exploring new places together. I’ll dive into the trip details later, but for now, I want to share something unexpected I realized: I’m a whole new person when I travel now.

I was more conscious about my eating choices, but I still allowed myself to enjoy the experience. And you know what? I felt amazing! One of the highlights was visiting Wilmington, NC, a city full of filming spots from one of my favorite shows, ‘One Tree Hill’. We even stopped by a store that was the record shop in the show, and Joel asked if I wanted a shirt. Without hesitation, I said, “Yes!” For the first time in years, I bought a shirt and sweatshirt, confidently knowing they’d fit perfectly.

This might seem like a small thing, but for me, it’s huge. In the past, I had to buy shirts in size 2X or 3X, and even then, they didn’t always fit right or make me feel good. Now, I can wear something comfortably and proudly, without the anxiety that used to come with shopping.

Looking back, it’s both humbling and heart-wrenching to remember the almost 300-pound version of myself who thought she was living her best life while being morbidly obese. I feel sad for that mom who missed out on so much with her kids because of the weight. But I also realize that I’m still me—constantly working to become a better version of myself. And let me tell you, my kids have been my biggest cheerleaders through it all!

This trip really made me reflect on my growth—not just physically, but emotionally and mentally, too. It’s these small moments of joy and self-realization that keep driving me forward, and I’m grateful for every single one. Stay tuned for more about our adventures and how I’m embracing and celebrating these changes.

With love,

Mindy