The Adventures of Julie and Bella 2025

Five years ago, I was at my lowest weight ever—a milestone I worked incredibly hard to achieve. I had lost over 100 pounds and felt a sense of pride and accomplishment I hadn’t experienced before. But life, as it often does, threw curveballs that challenged my resolve.

The COVID-19 pandemic changed so much for all of us. For me, it marked the beginning of a slow but steady weight gain. At first, I justified it—comfort food during quarantine, the upheaval of routine. But over the last five years, the weight crept back. And with it came a sense of frustration and self-doubt.

Stress has always been my Achilles’ heel. My job is demanding, and as much as I love teaching, it’s no secret that it can take a toll. I’ve also faced emotional stress, like losing my best friend—someone I trusted deeply but who ended up hurting me in ways I never expected. That loss left a void I often tried to fill with food, seeking comfort in the wrong places.

Food became my coping mechanism, my go-to when life felt overwhelming. Stress eating is a habit I’ve battled for years, more like my entire life, and when I’m in the thick of it, it feels like I’m caught in a cycle I can’t break.

Today, though, I had a rare chance to just sit and unwind. No rushing, no to-do lists, just space to think. And think I did. I reflected on where I am and where I want to be—not just with my weight but with my overall well-being. I realized it’s not just about the number on the scale; it’s about how I feel in my body and my life.

I’m sharing this because I know I’m not alone. So many of us struggle with the weight of stress, loss, and life’s challenges. But I also know that I’ve picked myself up before, and I can do it again. It’s going to take work—finding healthier ways to cope, setting boundaries, and being kind to myself when I stumble.

This is my starting point. My reminder to myself that I’m worth the effort. If you’re on a similar journey, know that you’re not alone, and it’s never too late to begin again. Let’s take it one day at a time.

What’s one small step you can take today to care for yourself?