Poetic Earth

No one really talks about the ugly side of weight loss. We see the before-and-after photos, the transformation stories, the glowing captions—but the real journey? It’s messy, lonely, and often overwhelming.

Barriers show up in every shape and form: an unpredictable work schedule, unsupportive family dynamics, mental health struggles, and that internal tug-of-war between willpower and burnout. And the worst part? Everyone’s battle looks different, so finding someone who truly gets it can feel nearly impossible.

I want to open up about the parts of this journey that don’t make it to Instagram. The parts that feel heavy, hidden, and maybe even a little shameful. Maybe, if I say them out loud, someone else will say, “Me too.”

The Struggles

Some of the most common barriers in a weight loss journey aren’t just about food or fitness—they’re everything around them. Things like resisting temptation when you’re surrounded by your favorite snacks. Or juggling family dynamics that don’t always support your goals. Work schedules that leave you drained and out of time. Personal responsibilities—like your kids’ games, school pickups, doctor’s appointments—that make carving out even twenty minutes feel impossible.

Then there’s the inner stuff: self-esteem, mental health, medications that affect your body, frustrating plateaus, or the gut-punch of not losing weight “fast enough.” Comparing your progress to someone else’s, feeling like you’ve failed when you skip a workout or deviate from your eating plan. And that’s just scratching the surface.

The Struggles We Don’t Talk About

Not every struggle in a weight loss journey comes from a bad diet or missed workout. Some come out of nowhere—and no one really prepares you for them. A minor surgery or injury can completely derail your routine. You can be mentally ready but physically forced to slow down. And that kind of setback? It’s not just physical—it can crush your spirit a little, too.

Then there’s the stuff that feels even more personal: not hitting your goals at work, financial stress that makes buying fresh produce feel like a luxury, or not being able to afford new clothes after dropping 20 pounds. That moment where you should be celebrating, but instead you’re stuck wearing stretched-out jeans and feeling disconnected from your body—that’s real.

And then, let’s talk about the weird stuff that no one warns you about. Hemorrhoids. Hormonal shifts. Ovarian cysts. Weird digestion. Hair thinning. All these physical red flags that suddenly make you pause and think, Am I doing this wrong? Is this even healthy for me?

These aren’t just “minor bumps in the road.” They’re the invisible weight you carry on top of trying to lose physical weight. And sometimes, those are the things that really make you want to give up.

You Are Not Alone

I’m here to tell you—you are NOT alone.

Keep showing up for yourself. There’s an ugly side to everything in life—yin and yang, light and dark. And while this journey isn’t always pretty, we’ve got this. We keep going. We keep doing what we need to do, one day at a time.

Here are a few things that have helped me stay grounded and positive—even when it’s hard (and trust me, it is hard):

• Buying one new piece of clothing at a time, instead of stressing over replacing my whole wardrobe all at once.
• Letting myself rest and doing my routines at a slower, more intentional pace.
• Paying more attention to nutrients—especially fiber—and how I’m fueling my body.
• Respecting my past injuries by modifying workouts instead of pushing through pain.
• Staying firm in my boundaries, even when my partner offers ice cream or snacks I know won’t serve me in the moment.
• And always, always returning to my why—a life rooted in wellness and holistic practices.

Whatever your goals are, remind yourself of them often. Keep them close. You can reach them. One day, you’ll look back at all the ugly moments, the setbacks, the doubt—and you’ll smile. Because you made it through every single one.

If you ever find yourself needing a little extra guidance—whether it’s virtual support, spiritual advice, coaching, or just someone to talk to about your wellness journey—I’m here. You can book a session with me at pe-ff.square.site to get personalized support, strategies, and encouragement. Sometimes, all it takes is a little one-on-one time to reset, refocus, and remember that you’re not walking this road alone.