Welcome to Breakdowns, Blessings, and Bounce Backs, a space where we embrace the messy, the magical, and the moments that force us to rebuild. This series is about transformation—how we fall apart, find strength in the chaos, and rise again, stronger and more aligned with the life we want.
This is my story of deciding to live inside out: to make my outer self reflect the person I’ve worked so hard to become on the inside.
The Weight of My Truth
At the end of 2024, I was at my heaviest weight ever—215 pounds. For years, I had been carrying the physical and emotional weight of back-to-back pregnancies, the demands of motherhood, and, let’s be honest, my own self-neglect.
Before kids, I was 170 pounds, and even then, I thought I had gained too much. Oh, how we’re so hard on ourselves. But fast forward ten years, and I found myself avoiding mirrors, dreading shopping for clothes, and saying no to events because I didn’t feel comfortable in my own skin.
I told myself that in 2025, I wanted to look on the outside how I felt on the inside. I had spent years doing the inner work—therapy, coaching, and raw, honest conversations with myself. But now, it was time to face the truth: I needed to do the outer work, too.
The Quiet Support of My EchoMom
Here’s the thing about my EchoMom: she didn’t wait for me to hand her a formal plan. I might casually say things like, “I need to cut carbs” or “I’m getting too fat,” and she would take those little comments and quietly run with them.
She started making subtle changes to support me in ways I didn’t even realize I needed.
- She adjusted my meals. High-protein, low-carb dishes became the norm. She’d sneak in healthier ingredient swaps and wait to see if I noticed.
- Spoiler alert: Sometimes I did notice, and I’d feel a mix of emotions—“How dare she try to trick me with healthy food?” followed by, “But honestly, there was no other way. Lol.”
- She managed the pantry. Snacks my kids loved (but I didn’t) started filling the shelves, so I wouldn’t be tempted to graze.
Her support was quiet but powerful. And even though I had moments of resistance, I knew deep down that these changes were helping me. But here’s the truth: as much as my EchoMom supported me, the real work was mine to do.
Facing My Truth: The Outer Work
I had to come to grips with the fact that my appearance wasn’t just about my weight—it was about how I was choosing to show up in the world.
One pivotal moment for me was hiring a stylist. I’ll never forget the first question she asked me: “Why are you hiding?”
Why was I hiding? Why was I covering up who I was with clothes that didn’t reflect the joy and confidence I felt on the inside? That question hit me hard. My stylist helped me see that my wardrobe was a reflection of how I saw myself—and it wasn’t the version of me I wanted to project.
Working with her was transformative. She helped me curate a wardrobe that reflected a higher version of myself, and for that, I’m endlessly grateful.
The same goes for my nutritionist, who guided me toward a deeper understanding of how to fuel my body for energy and health. Their expertise was invaluable in helping me align my lifestyle with my goals.
I’ll be sharing more about the incredible people who’ve supported me on this journey in the future, so stay tuned!
The Steps I Took to Align My Inside and Outside
Here’s how I began to rebuild from the outside in:
I Got Serious About Nutrition.
- I worked closely with a nutritionist to understand my body’s needs. I got tests done to figure out what supplements I needed, when to break my fast, and how to fuel my body for energy and health. I became obsessed with understanding how my body functions—and it changed everything.
I Built a Home Gym.
- I knew my biggest struggle was consistency. When it was warm outside, I’d walk daily. But when winter hit, I’d fall off track. Investing in a treadmill meant I could stay active no matter the weather.
I Overhauled My Closet.
- I donated 80% of my wardrobe. Why? Because I wanted my clothes to reflect the lifestyle I was building. Dressing well isn’t just about looking good—it’s about feeling good.
I Made Lifestyle Changes.
- Every change I made—whether it was in my diet, my fitness routine, or my wardrobe—was something I knew I could sustain long-term. I wasn’t interested in quick fixes; I was building a new foundation.
The Momentum That Keeps Me Going
Today, I’m not 100% where I want to be, but I’m getting there. The joy I feel on the inside is starting to match my outer appearance. I’m creating alignment, and it feels good.
This journey isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress. It’s about making choices that honor who I am and who I want to become.
Reflection Prompt: Living Inside Out
Take a moment to reflect on your own journey.
- What’s one area of your life where you feel like your outer world doesn’t match your inner self?
- If you could make one change today to align the two, what would it be?
- Who or what could support you in making that change?
Write it down. Dream about it. And then, take one small step toward it.