Me First

We can all say that the year 2020 took a toll on many things. One of them for me is my health. I started my own business in February! Oh boy was I excited! I became a licensed massage therapist in October of 2019, and I knew for sure that I did not want to work for someone else. I live in a small town, so if you wanted a massage, you would have to drive at least 30 minutes to get to the nearest spa. I decided to advertise on my local online Buy/sell/trade site to see if anyone had a place I could rent. Almost immediately I got an offer at a salon on our town square! I met with the owners and signed a contract that day. I opened on February 4th 2020. I had clients right away that I wasn't quite prepared for. My body wasn't trained to do so much, but I knew over time it would get better. My business was booming! I had no problem paying rent and for the supplies I needed. Then, the shutdowns happened. I was now unemployed. Not only was I not making money anymore, but I was still expected to pay my room rent. I practically begged the owners to cut me a break, and they did. They let me pay half of what I normally pay. Thankfully, my now husband payed it for me. I was really scared during this time. I wasn't sure if or when I would be able to get back to work, and once I was, would I even get my clients back.

During the shutdown, I became depressed. I ate when no one was looking so they wouldn't judge me. I would eat when my husband left for work at nights and pick up fast food in the mornings after I dropped the kids at school (once schools opened back up). I would finish eating in the car and throw the evidence away in the dumpster so that no one would know. I would buy candy and snacks and hide them where we don't normally keep food. I'm sure it goes without being said, but I wasn't physically active either. Needless to say, I put on about 30 pounds. We were supposed to be getting married October of 2020, and the wedding dress I picked out was busting at the buttons. I had to lose at least 10 pounds to fit in it. So I started working out. I did cardio mostly, but I also did yoga a couple days a week. I didn't lose the 10 pounds in time though. I lost maybe 5. Despite this, though, my dress fit perfectly! After the wedding, I stopped exercising completely, and my eating habits never changed. Not only did I gain the pounds I lost back, but I also put on a couple more. I felt exhausted, but couldn't sleep. I had no energy to even leave the house. Especially after I lost my grandpa and a very close friend near the end of 2020. I don't think I left the house for 2 weeks.

The changes I am making weren't really decided upon until after the new year. So it wasn't really a new years resolution. The changes had to be made though. I started a diet with my husband (he could do with using a few pounds as well). We signed up for a diet program that a family member was on so we would have the accountability. It involves supplements, fasting, and a very strict eating regimen. The supplements help with cravings, sleep and fat burning. Already we are experiencing results! On top of this regimen, I hired a friend of mine to be my personal trainer. I start February 1st! I will be training 3 days a week for 3 or 4 months. My diet will change once I start working out because I am not eating carbs, and you need carbs for energy while on a workout routine. I have very high hopes because I have already lost 4 pounds in 8 days. My goal is 10 pounds a month (maybe). I plan on continuing my workout plan on my own after the 4 months with the trainer. I just need the accountability and coaching in the beginning to get me going. I have never done anything like this. I am so excited to see what the future holds! Wish me luck!