Growth Beyond Obstacles

“Trust the process and keep pushing forward.” – Unknown

When I began this journey on April 1, 2023, I had no idea the number of setbacks I would face. I’ve always believed that progress isn’t linear, but the challenges I’ve faced over the past year have tested that belief more than I could have imagined. I’m sharing this story not to dwell on the difficulties, but to celebrate how far I’ve come, both physically and mentally. By tracking this journey, I can look back on my accomplishments, remind myself of my resilience, and hopefully inspire others who are on their own challenging paths.

My Setbacks

The journey to better health started with good intentions, but I soon encountered more roadblocks than I anticipated. The first major setback came on June 19, 2023, when I was placed in a boot for a foot injury that would keep me sidelined for 12 weeks, followed by a brace and physical therapy until mid-September. Just as I was gaining momentum, October 9, 2023, brought a concussion that took me out for six more weeks, sidelining my workouts and daily routines again.

And the setbacks didn’t stop there. In December 2023, I started getting sick without knowing why. By April 27, 2024, after multiple emergency department (ED) visits and an eventual medical overdose from diabetic medication, I was out of commission for two weeks. My fight with hypoglycemia led to several more ED visits and hospital stays in July 2024, further pushing my progress back.

Then, on July 11, 2024, I underwent gallbladder surgery, followed by complications that resulted in another ED visit and a colonoscopy at the end of August, a terrifying experience where I almost lost my life. Add to that more testing in September, nine doctor appointments, and a barrage of medical follow-ups, and it felt like every time I tried to push forward, something held me back.

Why I Didn’t Quit

With over a year of setbacks, it would have been easy to quit. The struggles felt overwhelming at times, and I could have easily fallen back into old habits. I could have dropped out of school or slipped into depression and isolation. But instead, I chose to get back up. I chose to keep moving forward.

This journey has shown me that setbacks aren’t failures; they are simply part of the process. Each challenge has taught me something about myself, from learning to listen to my body to understanding the importance of patience and resilience.

The key to my persistence? My support system. My family, friends, and boyfriend have been my rock throughout the worst year of my life. They reminded me why I started this journey in the first place, and knowing I had people in my corner gave me the strength to keep pushing, even when it felt impossible.

Celebrating Accomplishments

Amid the chaos of medical setbacks, I’ve also achieved some major victories. I’ve quit nicotine for 1.5 years, an enormous milestone in my journey to better health. Despite everything, I’m still thriving academically, finishing my spring semester of 2024 with straight A’s.

On top of that, I’ve lost 90 pounds since starting this journey. My fear of walking into a gym is a thing of the past, and I’m proud to say I’ve developed a regular fitness routine. The most exciting news? I’ve stopped taking all of my diabetic medications, a huge step toward long-term health. I’ve also been accepted into a master’s program, and I’ve learned to set boundaries that allow me to prioritize my own well-being.

I’ve also come to understand that taking care of myself is critical. If I don’t take care of myself, I can’t be there for the people I love or help others. This realization has helped me develop healthier relationships and has encouraged me to return to therapy, which has been instrumental in my healing.

Looking Ahead

With all that I’ve been through, I’m more committed than ever to documenting my journey. It’s not just about tracking numbers or milestones; it’s about seeing the progress I’ve made, no matter how small. I want to be able to look back on the hard work I’ve put in, the lessons I’ve learned, and the strength I’ve found within myself. I’ve started taking photos—even though it’s uncomfortable—because I want to visually capture this transformation and remind myself that I’m stronger than the challenges I face.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis have made this journey even more challenging. Every day is a battle with fatigue, low energy, and emotional strain, but every day I get back up. The unknown is frightening—especially when every new test reveals more complications—but I’m learning to trust the process and take it one step at a time.

Finding Strength in Community

One of the most significant turning points in my journey was reaching out for support. I connected with Freddy Ritenauer and Dylan Thacker through their Desire To Inspire Program (DTI). They helped me start small—just 2,000 steps a day—and now, I’m on my way to achieving so much more. Their support has been invaluable, and they’ll tell you I did all the hard work, but I couldn’t have started this journey without them. It is hard to make that first point of contact to ask for help and guidance especially since I went to High School with Freddy.

I’m moving toward another milestone: weight-loss surgery. While some might see this as an “easy way out,” I know that it’s just one more tool in my toolbox. I’ve worked hard to lose 90 pounds, and this surgery will help me keep the weight off while managing my autoimmune and hormonal conditions. This is not the end of my journey, but another step toward long-term health and wellness.

Conclusion

Tracking my journey has given me a way to celebrate my accomplishments, process my setbacks, and, hopefully, inspire others who are walking similar paths. If you’re struggling, remember that every setback is an opportunity for a comeback. Healing and growth take time, but with the right mindset and support, anything is possible. Let’s keep pushing forward, one step at a time.