Weight loss wasn’t a random decision but a choice that I made after enduring all those years of hurtful judgements and bullying. The people’s unkind statements and indifferent looks pushed me to focus on my inner strength and become a new person.
I reflect and realise that life is an intricate web of moments, hardships, and victories, where each thread carries an individual story. One such story is my weight-loss journey, which goes beyond physical change and takes a deep dive into personal growth and emotional healing.
So follow along as I share this life plot with the hope of inspiring you to embark on your own path towards self-love and well-being.
At the age of 18 and weighing 110 kg, I became an easy target for bullies. Everyone made me feel disgusted with my body.
College turned into the place of my worst nightmare. I was stressed, I hated myself, and I was done with my life. I did not know how to respond to such cruelty, and I started to believe that I was actually trapped in an ugly body which did not deserve any love. I became anxious and withdrawn. The more I tried to ignore these feelings, the more overwhelmed I was!
One day, after an incident of a harsh bout of bullying, I was crying, sitting at my rock bottom. It was my breaking point. I realised that this was not how I wanted to live. I want to take charge of my life and my feelings.
I was done being depressed, angry, and hopeless, and it was time to take back control of my life. It was then I decided to seek professional medical help. And it was no time when my therapist became my biggest strength and saviour. She made me believe that I was far better than what people had to say about me. She helped me to shut out the world and work on myself and for myself. I gradually started to learn how to handle stress and anxiety and started practising mindfulness as well.
During this time, I also consulted a doctor to determine if there were underlying medical issues causing my weight gain. After testing, I was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism. This diagnosis was a turning point. I realised it wasn’t me or others behind my increasing weight; it was a health condition. While I couldn’t change what had happened in the past, I decided to make positive changes for my future. And I was happy that this time, the motivation for improving my well-being came from within.
Improving my diet and eliminating junk food were the first few steps. With time, these healthier choices became second nature. I also started with low-impact activities and gradually moved on to more rigorous workouts. Through exercise, I found a sense of joy and relaxation in my body and mind. All this helped in boosting my self-esteem. The progress was not something to be noticed within days, but I was hooked on these efforts, which ultimately led me to achieve a better lifestyle overall. These little wins served as motivation to work harder every day.
Over 18 months of dedication, I achieved results beyond my expectations. I shed 50 kilograms and felt better than ever before, not just physically but emotionally and in every way! I could feel the confidence; I could feel I had changed for the better!
My journey from being bullied to becoming healthier and happier taught me invaluable life lessons. I learned the importance of self-love, determination, and the power of a supportive community. Today, I feel more confident and empowered than ever before. My health journey continues, but I now face it with resilience and optimism.
But it is not the end; good health is a constant journey, and I am trying to balance things out.
If my story can inspire even one person to take charge of their health and well-being, then sharing it is definitely worth it! Remember, you have the strength within you to overcome any challenge. Embrace your journey, stay motivated, and focus on becoming the best version of yourself. Most importantly, always remember -your worth is what you make it!
Your story can inspire others, just as mine has. Let’s empower each other to lead healthier, happier lives. Write to us at info@zealgrit.org.