Growth Beyond Obstacles

Early Morning Choices

On the morning of July 4th, my alarm jolted me awake at exactly 5:36 a.m. It wasn’t gentle. It was harsh, especially after working late into the night, clocking out at 12:30 a.m., and finally settling into bed well past one. As I lay there, battling fatigue, my mind filled with reasons to stay in bed. But deep inside, a quieter, more persistent voice reminded me of the commitment I’d made to myself. Today wasn’t about comfort—it was about growth. It was about the woman I promised myself I’d become.

The Drive: Podcast Reflections

As I made the solitary drive to Port Clinton for the Star Spangled Squirt Gun Run 5K, the roads were quiet, matching my contemplative mood. To break the silence, I turned to one of my favorite podcasts, Aware & Aggravated by Leo Skepi. Episode 45, titled “Signs I Always Get Before Life Levels UP,” resonated deeply with my current life season. Leo spoke about entering a “trust fall season,” a period where you must release control and trust the unknown. His words echoed within me, validating the shifts I’d been feeling—both internally and externally. I realized this race symbolized more than physical fitness—it was a trust fall, a leap of faith in my own strength and resilience.

Standing at the Start Line

Arriving at the race site, the humid, 85-degree morning wrapped around me like a thick blanket. The sun was already intense, a reminder of the challenge ahead. Gathering with other participants, each person carried their own story, their own reason for being there. Mine was a testament to the powerful transformation I’ve undergone since my vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG) surgery. Standing among strangers, I felt a quiet solidarity. My journey wasn’t isolated; it was deeply human and incredibly personal.

The Power Walk: Every Step Counts

When the race began, I didn’t run. Instead, I power-walked—steady, purposeful, deliberate. Each step represented a triumph, a deliberate decision to continue moving forward despite the heat, fatigue, and past insecurities. The physical challenge was intense. Sweat poured, breathing became labored, and my body felt the strain. Yet, I continued, one foot in front of the other, finding a rhythm that kept me grounded and moving forward.

Realizations Mid-Race

Around halfway through the race, exhaustion crept in, and doubts whispered at the edge of my consciousness. Leo’s podcast episode resurfaced in my mind, reminding me of the signs signaling life leveling up—discomfort, uncertainty, and unexpected shifts. These feelings were not signs of weakness; they were indicators of growth. Embracing this realization, I leaned further into the discomfort, trusting the process fully.

Crossing the Finish Line

Completing the 5K in exactly 51 minutes, I felt immense pride—not from the race time itself, but from the deeper victory it symbolized. This race wasn’t about speed. It was about perseverance, about showing up despite difficult circumstances, and about the countless internal battles I’d won to get here. Crossing the finish line, drenched in sweat but radiant with joy, marked another chapter closed in my ongoing story of transformation.

Recognition from Others

Later that weekend, the transformations I’ve experienced became more tangible through interactions with friends and family. Several people mentioned not recognizing me from behind. Initially taken aback, I soon realized it was a profound acknowledgment of my physical and emotional transformation. Their words affirmed the visible evidence of my journey, reflecting not just physical changes but a renewed spirit and energy.

Embracing New Confidence

At a family gathering, I made a decision that would have previously felt impossible—I wore a two-piece bikini. Despite still identifying as plus-size and navigating the reality of loose skin, I felt a newfound freedom and confidence. Instead of hiding, I embraced my body openly, recognizing that each scar and stretch mark is a testament to my resilience and growth. The joy and comfort I felt in that moment were transformative.

Capturing Peace: My First Selfie

Over the holiday weekend, I took my first genuine selfie in a very long time, sharing it openly on social media. Instead of feeling anxiety or self-doubt, I felt peace. A friend’s comment resonated deeply: “I can finally see the peace in your eyes.” This observation encapsulated my internal transformation more than words ever could. The peace visible in my eyes reflected months of emotional healing, self-acceptance, and genuine happiness.

Podcast Reflections: The Trust Fall Season

Revisiting Leo Skepi’s podcast, I deeply connected with his concept of the trust fall season. It perfectly described my current life chapter—letting go of old patterns, embracing uncertainty, and trusting the process. Leo emphasized that discomfort and change often precede significant growth. This validation gave me the courage to fully embrace my own trust fall, confident that each challenging step was moving me toward something greater.

Lessons Learned from Leo

Leo highlighted the importance of becoming unavailable to anything that doesn’t support personal growth, a lesson I’ve taken to heart. I’ve learned to set boundaries, to release relationships and habits no longer serving my highest good, and to prioritize my well-being unapologetically. His insights reminded me that transformation isn’t just about physical changes; it’s a holistic shift involving emotional, mental, and spiritual evolution.

Moving Forward

Looking ahead, my commitment to personal growth remains steadfast. Each day, I consciously choose to honor myself—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Upcoming races, personal milestones, and everyday choices become opportunities to reaffirm this commitment. While uncertainty still exists, my trust fall season empowers me to face the unknown with confidence and hope, knowing that every experience shapes me into a stronger, more authentic version of myself.

Invitation to You

If you’re reading this, know that your own trust fall season awaits. Embrace it. Lean into discomfort, trust your intuition, and prioritize self-growth. Recognize that every step, no matter how small, moves you toward profound transformation. And when you find yourself unrecognizable in the best possible way, celebrate it—it’s evidence of your strength, resilience, and the beautiful journey you’re undertaking.

Until next time,

Kaylee Ann