Jessa, Invoice Data Specialist

My anxiety, depression and weight started to spiral out of control as the pandemic took hold and there seemed no way out - literally. Too much time indoors, not really knowing what’s going on outside, is a sure-fire way to comfort eating. You think it’s going to make you feel better, but you only end up feeling worse about yourself. I felt so heavy, had frequent headaches and back pain and was easily tired. Being a single Mom (of a darling eight year old daughter whom I had at a very young age) also comes with it’s fair share of challenges. 

I live with my Mom who’s also a single mother and it was the photos taken at her birthday party last year that were a turning point for me. I love taking selfies - but not when I’m so big my image covers the whole of my phone! This - and looking at myself in the mirror - was shocking. I knew I was really unhealthy and needed to do something about it. The Keto diet has revolutionized my life. I stopped eating rice - and cut down on carbs and sugar significantly - and have lost 12 kgs as a result. And you know what? It's not a diet (where when you stop you’ll simply put all the weight you lost straight back on) - it’s a lifestyle. I am still following this eating plan and have never looked or felt better! I also do online Zumba classes two or three times a week with my little girl and we have so much fun together! Now when I post my photos on social media I love how my success motivates and inspires other people - everyone wants to know what my secret to looking so good again is! I enjoy this new way of eating and feel so much lighter, healthier and happier as a result.

Achieving my goal weight motivated me into finding something productive and worthwhile to do with my time. I’ve always read - accounting books in college - and more recently fiction of all kinds - however I needed something more challenging and thought-provoking. In response to my frequent anger and stress, my boyfriend mentioned Mark Manson to me one day. Finding ‘The Subtle Art Of Not Giving A F*ck’ has changed my life. Choosing what I really care about - rather than getting uptight about endless small things - is truly liberating. I was so inspired that personal empowerment is my thing now. ‘Secrets of the Millionaire Mind’ (which explores the difference between rich and poor people’s mindsets) has shown me how our subconscious mind and way of thinking determines our reality. ‘Atomic Habits’ is showing me how to break bad habits and create good ones - it’s about taking your power back and creating the life you want and deserve.

This pandemic has shown me that you don’t find a happy life, you make it. And that our lives reflect our choices - all of which we have the power to change for the better at any time. I’ve let go of feeling bad about myself and endlessly sweating the small stuff. Losing weight and finding my reading passion rescued me from a dark and unhappy place. I’m grateful for all my blessings - and I know that the universe recognises this gratitude - and will keep giving me more. Life is short - have you found what’s going to make it happy and fulfilling for you?