Growth Beyond Obstacles

As I sit down to reflect on how life has changed so much in such a short time, I can’t help but feel overwhelmed with gratitude. It’s been a whirlwind couple of weeks, full of growth, healing, and major milestones. From my Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy (VSG) surgery to finally earning my degree and moving into our first home, this is one of the most transformative periods of my life.

Post-Surgery Progress – 17 Days In

It’s officially been 17 days since my VSG surgery on December 19th, and I’m thrilled to share that I’m down 24 pounds since my surgery date! I’ve worked incredibly hard to get to this point, starting my liquid diet back on November 7th. The journey hasn’t been easy, but every day brings new victories, and I’m feeling better with each passing day.

Tomorrow, I have my post-op appointment with my surgeon, and I’m excited to (hopefully) start transitioning to the puréed diet. This phase will last 3-5 months, and while I’m still healing, I can’t wait to have something besides liquids. I’ve already found some great puréed food recipes on TikTok, and the thought of tasting real food again is making me so happy.

The liquid diet has taught me patience and self-discipline in ways I never imagined. Though it’s been challenging, it has also made me realize how much I used to take food for granted. I now approach eating with a whole new perspective and a greater appreciation for the nourishment my body needs.

Starting DTI50

Another exciting development is that today I’m kicking off the DTI50 program! This program, created by Desire To Inspire, is designed to help push both physical and mental limits while staying disciplined. Here’s what it entails:

• 10k steps daily

• Workout 3x per week

• Meditation/Visualization/Cold shower 3x a week

• Follow a clean food diet

• One cheat meal every two weeks

• No alcohol

• Journal daily

• Half gallon+ of water daily

Since I’m only 2.5 weeks post-op, I’m modifying the program to fit my current capabilities. My VSG guide recommends walking 2-4 times daily and avoiding any lifting until I’m further along in my recovery. Walking has become a crucial part of my routine, not just because it helps with healing, but also because it gives me a sense of accomplishment. I’ll aim for 64 ounces of fluid daily, sticking closely to my surgeon’s guidelines while gently easing into the DTI50 framework.

The best part about starting this program is knowing that it aligns with my personal goals of staying active, journaling, and taking time to reflect every day. It’s another tool to keep me accountable and engaged in my own progress.

Academic Achievement – Bachelor’s Degree Complete

One of the biggest moments of my life happened recently—I finally earned my Bachelor of Science in Leadership! This accomplishment feels even sweeter because of the long and winding road it took to get here. Nine years. That’s how long it took me to finish, but through all the obstacles, challenges, and curveballs life threw at me, I never gave up.

There were countless moments when I thought about quitting. From health setbacks to personal struggles, it often felt like the odds were stacked against me. But as I look back now, I realize those moments of doubt only made this achievement more meaningful. Earning my degree wasn’t just about the academics; it was a testament to perseverance and resilience.

I can’t wait to travel to Virginia in May to walk across that stage and celebrate this hard-earned milestone. It will be a moment I’ll treasure forever. As someone once said:

“It doesn’t matter how long it takes you to reach your goals; what matters is that you never stop working toward them.”

In other exciting events I’ll be starting my Master’s Degree in Business Administration, with a focus on healthcare. My passion for healthcare stems from my own experiences and a desire to make a lasting impact in the industry. I want to help shape a future where healthcare is more compassionate, efficient, and accessible for all.

Reading & Journaling – A New Beginning

One of my personal goals for this year is to read more and journal daily. I’ve always found writing to be therapeutic, and after everything I’ve been through, it feels like the perfect time to start documenting my thoughts and feelings again.

To kick off the year, I’ve started reading “Trust and Inspire” by Stephen M.R. Cook. The first chapter explores the idea of moving away from traditional, command-and-control leadership models toward a more inspiring and trust-building approach. One of the key takeaways I’ve gained is that great leaders don’t just manage tasks—they inspire people to become their best selves. This resonates with me deeply, especially as I begin my MBA journey. I want to cultivate these qualities not just in my professional life, but in my personal relationships as well.

Our First Home – A Dream Come True

Perhaps the most exciting update of all is that Robbie and I have officially moved into our first home together! We closed on December 31st and received the keys on January 2nd. Over the weekend, with the help of family and friends, we moved in and began settling into this new space.

Since I’m still under a strict no-lifting rule (no more than 8 pounds), I couldn’t do as much as I would have liked during the move. Honestly, there were moments when I felt a little useless. But seeing everyone come together to help us was heartwarming, and it reminded me of how fortunate we are to have such a supportive community.

By the end of the day, we had the living room, dining room, bedrooms, and most importantly, the kitchen set up. Robbie and I had already taken care of organizing the bathroom and overseeing the appliance delivery beforehand, so things went smoothly.

Moving into this house feels like the start of a new era—one filled with love, growth, and endless possibilities. This isn’t just a house; it’s the culmination of years of hard work, sacrifice, and lessons learned. It’s where we’ll build our future, create memories, and continue growing together.

Looking Ahead

As I move forward, my focus is on healing, growing, and embracing all the new beginnings life has presented. I’ve learned that progress isn’t always linear, and that’s okay. What matters is that we keep showing up for ourselves, even on the hardest days.

Whether it’s staying committed to my post-op recovery, diving into my MBA studies, or simply taking time to reflect and be present, I’m ready for this next chapter. It’s been a long road, but I wouldn’t trade a single moment because every step has brought me here.

Here’s to a year of healing, new beginnings, and endless possibilities.