PEACE, LOVE, AND SPARKLES.

In a world filled with uncertainties, one thing I've always strived to uphold is the mantra of "controlling the controllable." It sounds simple in theory, yet putting it into practice is a whole different ball game. But recently, I've embarked on a journey that's given me a tangible example of what it truly means to take charge of my life, and I couldn't be more excited to share it with you.

Enter Body Confidence Medical Spa and their transformative 8-week physician-led weight loss program, spearheaded by the incredible Dr. Stucki. When I first learned about this program, I was immediately drawn to its promise of not just quick fixes, but real, sustainable change. I didn't want a temporary solution that would leave me feeling dependent or defeated in the long run. I craved something that would empower me to make manageable, simple, and truly life-altering choices.

Now, one week into the program, I can already feel the winds of change blowing in my favor. But let me be real with you—this journey hasn't been all rainbows and sunshine. Keto, for one, is tough. The infamous keto flu hit me like a ton of bricks, leaving me feeling drained and depleted. But as they say, the darkest hour is just before dawn. And boy, did that dawn break gloriously.

Despite the initial hurdles, I've started experiencing a surge of energy that I haven't felt in years. Gone are the days of constant fatigue and midday naps. Instead, I find myself bounding through life with a newfound vitality that's nothing short of exhilarating.

Of course, it's not all smooth sailing. Adapting to a new exercise routine has its challenges, and my body has definitely been feeling the strain. But here's the thing—I'm a realist. I know that lasting change doesn't happen overnight, and I'm willing to put in the work, no matter how tough it gets.

With 75 pounds to shed, I understand that this journey is more of a marathon than a sprint. But that's okay. In fact, it's more than okay—it's healthy. I'm not just looking for quick results; I'm committed to making lifestyle changes that will stick with me for the long haul.

And the best part? This isn't just about fitting into a smaller dress size or reaching a number on the scale. It's about reclaiming my health and vitality, about being there for my loved ones, and about rewriting the narrative of my own life.

Starting Weight 219.6

Starting BMI 35.5 

I can't believe I just put that out there. 😬 🫣 But I promise to be open and honest throughout this journey.

My goals:

Provide weekly progress updates during the program, transitioning to monthly updates upon completion, to track and share my journey effectively.

Foster open conversations and serve as a valuable resource for others by creating opportunities for dialogue and support.

Achieve my target weight loss of -75lbs within a year, recognizing that the timeline may need adjustment as I progress, and refining the goal accordingly.

So, if you're curious about embarking on your own journey to wellness, consider this your invitation. Let's be partners in progress, supporting each other every step of the way. Because while the road ahead may be challenging, I have unwavering faith in the power of resilience, determination, and the human spirit. And together, we can achieve anything.

XOXO, 

Megs

Can you believe it has been 2.5 years since my last post? YIKES. So many posts have been drafted and have yet to make it out of the draft phrase. 

Welcome to a new year. (I am aware we are 3 months in. Haters, please move along.) I don't subscribe to the "new you" mentality, but I can subscribe to an "improved you" mentality. And as we can tell from the latency of this post, I also don't follow the timeline of a new year to make those continual improvements. 

This comes back to my core values of always striving to learn. Knowledge is powerful in any avenue you pursue. Enhancing knowledge about something you already know or starting from scratch and being humble enough to learn something new! Either way, you are improving. 

While many formative experiences help create who we are, there is also the opportunity for each of us to explore and grow more organically. Like a pressure cooker, those forced experiences taught us that we also need the slow cooker option, letting things sit, ruminate, and come to fruition. 

When it comes to getting out of a slump (winter blues, anyone?) or capitalizing on a positive momentum you've gained, how do you set your personal goals? Do you have a process? Do you have accountability partners? Share it all with me, please! 

As we all set goals, let us be open to the opportunities on the table; whether we are brought into a situation or create the situation, be open to learning and improving ourselves.

“The experience I have had is that once you start talking about [experiencing a mental health struggle], you realize that actually you’re part of quite a big club.”  — Prince Harry

The irony of this post is not lost on me. Many know I am a former Social Media Specialist and spent years in that world. That leads to today where I am very much an ANTI-Social Media person. It is so easy for social media to overshadow our lives. If you are wanting more control of your life like I was, read on for some of my tips and tricks to distance yourself from the addiction of social media.

What were my final straws?

Suddenly I am 30! I am a lover of birthdays and celebrating the people I love! I believe birthdays are an incredible checkpoint for each of us to evaluate. Maybe that is why I am not big on New Year's resolutions. I like to set my expectations for the next year on my birthday. It’s a good time to recognize the great things and show gratitude. It’s a good time to call out some shortcomings and work on them. It’s a great time to determine what to work towards and focus on. And it’s the best time to acknowledge the people in your corner and supporting you the whole time.

Well, it's no secret that our world is a little wonky. I wasn't going to let my birthday be ruined because of COVID. Lucky for me, it is my season and the outdoors are fair game! 

Camping off the grid it was! Zach planned our adventure and a couple friends joined us in Stolle Meadows Just outside of Cascade, ID. Zach and I hooked up our toy hauler (best purchase ever!) and headed out to the land of no service and beautiful views. We spent the weekend hiking, riding our ATV, star gazing, eating good food, and being far away from all the people! 

We were camping over a long weekend Thursday evening until Sunday afternoon. Today, we kept my birthday lowkey and with the people, I love most in this world, my husband, and my family! We slept in, had sushi lunch at the park by the water (yes, it was 100 degrees that is how much my family loves me!) Our evening was walking around a store and going out to dinner with just me and Zach. I couldn't have asked for a better birthday in this chaotic world!

One week of being married ☑️

It's been a long time since I have written and MY oh MY how things have changed since. Life is an incredible journey that can teach us so much. When I look back now at the last year of my life, I can tell you, I am a completely different person. I was pushed and forced to grow and learn. I have never been so grateful to do just that!

I am usually a pretty open book- some might say too open. 😂 This past year I kept things closer to my chest and truly focused on me, on us, on the essential stuff. This is something I would encourage everyone to do. A little refocus can be life-changing! And sometimes we have to fall to become stronger as we pick ourselves back up again. Allowing myself to ignore the comparisons, the fear of judgment, and even other people's opinions propelled me to a new level and sense of who I am and what I need.

As I took this step back, I found several things in my life that I needed to change! I wasn't happy and there was no reason I shouldn't have been happy. During this time, I changed little things and a few big things in my life. I was not alone on this journey. I was lifted, supported, and loved.

All of those changes brought us to this extraordinary time in my life! No words can express the completeness and joy in my heart.

When we look around the world today, it can be overwhelming. I have found a strange calm and peace during this time because I had Zach by my side. There seemed like no better time than NOW to get married. And it will be a memorable moment for us beyond any 'normal' wedding.

A Zoom wedding is definitely one for the books. I never could seem to do things the way everyone else did. 😜 We had a monitor right beside us so we could see our virtual guests during the ceremony, and it was pretty magical! Although not all guests are pictured, they are all loved and appreciated! With a limited amount of friends and family with us in the room and more connected to us, virtually, we got MARRIED!