There’s More to Life Than a Flat Stomach

As I type this title, I can't help but laugh at myself. Reflecting on much of my life, I realise I've stressed over my appearance for a long time. I’ve always longed for a little more meat on my thighs and behind, of course. While I’ve adored my flat tummy—and still do—I didn’t appreciate being underweight or the comments urging me to “eat up.” For a long time, I struggled with my relationship with food, only starting to improve after I turned 25. I didn’t like food; I forgot to eat, and I’d wonder why I always had a headache or felt lightheaded. Real talk: it’s not about food when it comes to weight; it’s about genes.

Now that I’m older and care about more than just a skincare regimen, I’ve become more mindful of what I put into my body. I’ve also accepted that I am petite and not unattractive. My 20s have afforded me a better lens into the window of life. I’ve recently discovered that high-waisted jeans are not for everyone, just as boyfriend jeans aren’t. A key to appreciating one’s body is to wear clothes that suit your shape. This is a great starting point for living happily ever after. 😌

Throw back to my first year of work 😌

It’s time for a mantra shift to:  

“If you don’t plan for it, forget about it.”  

I love a good life and am intentional about creating one for myself. I’m a simple girl, and by “good,” I mean that while my skin is no longer flaring (thanks to Eucerin soothing balm), I need to catch up with a healthier diet. I’ve dealt with seborrheic dermatitis for a long time, only discovering its name about a year or two ago. I’ve tried various remedies; from cutting my hair, as it seemed to trigger my scalp flares, to using African black soap and trying different skincare ranges. I even applied and over-applied Vaseline on the sides of my nose during winter to minimize flaking. Finally, Eucerin has worked wonders. I’m delighted with my skin's appearance now; my face looks alive! For my scalp, I’ve been using Selsun 2.5 shampoo; it’s very effective for any scalp issues under all crowns. Next, I need to learn which foods are beneficial for my body. I thought it was about eating more natural foods and cutting down on processed foods, but I feel somewhat overwhelmed, especially after watching a video discussing “good” and “bad” veggies and fruits. Who would have thought? Some plants are alkaline, while others are acidic. I don’t understand the difference yet, but I’m committed to researching it.

My body has always supported me, even as I’ve fluctuated between diets. The exhaustion—no, actually, the fatigue has been a constant battle due to Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA), which I’ve struggled with since 2010. This fatigue often delays my progress, especially since I have to prepare my meals. My plan is to write down a menu, starting with quick and simple options to build my stamina, and eventually, I’ll grow into it.

My butt is being kicked daily by this chronic illness. I am actively fighting off confusion; in one moment, I am leaning on tools to help me live a happy life, while in another, I am struggling physically, leading to feelings of sadness. I just don’t know, hey. Aluta continua. I am fighting for a good life.

I believe wellness and feeling good stem from every aspect of ourselves. Our lives are evident, right? Balancing everything is nearly impossible, but having a plan in place gives us a fighting chance. When life happens, it won’t be my doing. Life is good because we choose to see it that way not just when significant events occur, but in the everyday moments.

There’s more to life than a flat tummy: maintaining the vision you have for your life, making good decisions for yourself, taking action, giving your best in everything, fighting for your fairytale, and trying again and again. Everything about life is a process, just like working on your mental health or striving to be and remain a kind person.

My thoughts about life are: it’s challenging, and our role is to fight to not have a change of heart.

Trying is the it, hey! 🧡