Well friends…here we are.
Today I’m starting something I probably should’ve started 20 years ago- but better late than never, right?
I’m 45 years old.
I’m 5’4″.
I weigh 310 pounds.
There. I said it. Deep breath.
For years, I’ve taken care of everyone else. I raised my kids alone (which deserves a trophy, a parade, and maybe a lifetime supply of coffee). I worked. I cleaned. I cooked. I handled the bills. I handled the breakdowns. I handled everything.
Except myself.
Somewhere between packing lunches, working long hours, and collapsing into bed exhausted, I forgot that I mattered too.
But guess what?
This is the season where Donna matters.
Motivation in a cup (obviously)
If you know me, you know coffee is basically my life coach. It whispers, “you can do hard things,” every morning at 8 a.m. And sometimes at 10 a.m. And again at 2 p.m.
Is it possible I drink too much coffee?
We’re not here to judge.
Coffee is my motivation in a cup – but I’ve realized something lately: coffee can’t carry my health for me.
So now I’m pairing my coffee with something new…
Effort.
The Plan (pray for me)
I’m committing to 4 strength/cardio workouts a week.
Now before you picture me flipping tires and training for the Olympics – calm down. I’m starting realistic.
Think more “determined power walk” and less “fitness influencer.”
With my chronic low back pain, I’ve learned I can’t just jump into anything wild. My back already acts like it’s 87 years old. So I’m going to be smart about this.
Low impact. Strength building. Protect the back. Keep the sass.
How did I get here?
Life happened.
Working all the time happened.
Stress happened.
Fast food because I was too tired to cook happened.
“I’ll start Monday” happened.
And suddenly Monday turned into years.
But here’s the thing: I don’t feel shame. I feel ready.
I spent decades being strong for everyone else. Now I’m going to be strong for me.
What this journey is really about
Yes, I want to lose weight.
But more than that:
- I want less back pain.
- I want more energy.
- I want to walk into 50 feeling powerful.
- I want to prove to myself that it’s not too late.
I’m not chasing skinny.
I’m chasing healthy.
And maybe jeans that don’t argue with me.
Real Talk
This wont be perfect.
There will be days I don’t want to workout.
There will be days I stare at a donut like it personally offended me.
There will be weeks the scale don’t move.
But I’m not quitting on myself anymore.
For years I showed up for everyone else. I can show up for me 4 times a week.
So here’s what I’m thinking…
I want to start sharing updates with you. The wins. The struggles. The “why did I think lunges were a good idea?” moments.
Do you think I should post updates weekly or every two weeks?
I’d love to hear what you think – and if any of you are starting your own journey, maybe we can stumble through it together.
Because if there’s one thing I know, it’s this:
Laughter is the best medicine.
Coffee is a close second.
And it’s never too late to choose yourself.
Here’s to day 1.
☕️ 💪
– Donna
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