Growth Beyond Obstacles

The things people don’t often see.

Life is a journey, and every person’s path is unique. Some journeys are relatively smooth, while others feel like an endless series of challenges. I often think of these challenges as storms—sometimes we feel like we’re right in the eye of it, waiting for peace to finally come. But within each storm, each trial, there’s a chance for growth. That’s something it took me years to truly understand.

Growing up, I had a good childhood with parents who did everything they could to support my sister and me. Like many families, there were ups and downs, and as a kid, I didn’t always understand what my parents were going through. But what I do remember clearly were the names and the bullying. From elementary school through high school, I was taunted with names like “Tubby” and “Pigtail Weenie” and other names I’d rather not repeat. The teasing left scars, and although I had good friends, I always felt like the odd one out. My struggles with weight didn’t help my confidence, and often, it felt like the more insecure I became, the more people took advantage of me. I was the “easy target,” and I absorbed that idea over time.

One of my worst bullies, a boy I’ll call Adam, was relentless. Adam and I crossed paths when I transferred to a new school in sixth grade. In seventh grade, he injured my knee by hitting me with a stack of books after school. Over the years, he found more ways to tear me down, spreading rumors and causing trouble, even egging my car in high school.

Those years left a mark on my self-esteem, but I thought leaving high school behind would be a chance to reinvent myself. In college, I attended community college close to home before transferring to a Bible college in Virginia. Music was my passion, and the flute was my instrument of choice. My aunt gave me her old flute before I later got a new one in high school. Music offered an outlet, but I was still struggling inside. My insecurities were still there, and they worsened as I gained weight without knowing why. No matter what I did, it felt like I could never win—whether it was with my health, my studies, or my relationships. Eventually, I began smoking and, later, vaping as a way to cope.

When I got to Bible college in Virginia, I saw it as a chance to start fresh. I even shortened my name to “Kale,” hoping to become the person I thought I was supposed to be: confident, known, and respected. But I quickly found out that changing my name didn’t change my struggles. People assumed I was making up stories about my life back home, including the health battles my family was facing. My own health challenges—like PCOS, endometriosis, thyroid issues, and even a liver lesion—were misunderstood, and I was told I was exaggerating for attention. One of the school’s leaders even said, “You don’t need to exaggerate your life, Kaylee.” That one statement crushed me, leaving me feeling more isolated than ever.

There were even rumors about my friendships, with people claiming I was romantically interested in younger guys on campus simply because I was friends with them. In reality, I was 24, and these guys were just 18 or 19. It was exhausting. I felt pushed to become someone I wasn’t just to fit in, and it cost me meaningful friendships. At that point, I was ready to give in to what people wanted me to be, believing that would make everything easier.

Fast-forward to today, and here I am in November 2024, stronger and more aware of who I am. My boyfriend and I have faced some of our toughest moments over the past two years, enduring trials in our relationship, work, health, and family. Each challenge has shown me who truly supports me and who doesn’t. I’ve learned that sometimes, the people we surround ourselves with can be as damaging as our own self-doubts. But through all of it, I found something important: my own voice. For years, I let others dictate how I should feel and who I should be, but I’ve finally come to a place where I know my worth.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned in my twenties is that it’s never too late to start living with purpose. Now, I’m embracing my life and stepping into a journey I’m excited to share—my lifestyle and weight loss journey. On Monday, November 11, 2024, I’m starting a half-liquid diet to prepare for my upcoming weight loss surgery. This diet includes cutting out sugar, aiming to walk 15,000 steps a day, and replacing two meals with protein shakes. It’s a strict regimen, but I know I’m ready for it. Here’s what I’m using for meal replacements is Atkins Protein Shakes (15 gm protein version). Below are the recommend replacement shakes that are required for the program though the Cleveland Clinic:

• Slim Fast Advanced Nutrition
• Light Start Carnation Breakfast Essentials with 1% or skim milk
• Atkins Protein Shakes (15 gm protein version)
• Glucose Controlled Boost
• Original OWYN (180 cal., 20 gm protein version)

I’m also working on a daily fitness routine through a program called Desire to Inspire, using an app to track my progress. My goal is to be consistent and accountable, even though life will always have its interruptions. I want to be as dedicated as I can be and will check off each item on my list every day to stay on track.

Along with my lifestyle journey, I’ll be documenting everything here on this blog, posting updates twice a week. Mondays will cover the weekend, and Thursdays will focus on the weekdays. I want to share the highs, the lows, the wins, and the setbacks because that’s real life. I’ve learned that being open and authentic about what I’m going through can be a source of encouragement for others.

For anyone reading this who feels trapped by their circumstances or weighed down by others’ expectations, know that you’re not alone. It’s easy to feel lost, especially when it seems like life is only throwing challenges your way. But every step forward, no matter how small, is a victory. The journey toward growth and healing isn’t easy, and there will be times when it feels impossible. But keep going. You have a purpose, and there’s a light at the end of every dark tunnel.

My journey is far from over, and I have so much to learn. But if there’s one thing I’ve discovered, it’s that I don’t have to change who I am to fit into someone else’s world. Instead, I’m working to become the best version of me. If sharing my story can inspire even one person to stand strong and embrace their unique path, it’s worth it.

So stay tuned, friends. My story, like yours, is unfolding one day at a time. I’m choosing to grow, to change, and to live with intention. Thank you for being here with me on this journey. Remember, you’re stronger than you know, and growth is possible, no matter the struggle.

– Kaylee