My goodness where has this week, wait…where has this YEAR gone? Can you guys believe there are only a little over 12 weeks left until 2018?!
I’ve been busy finishing the final edits of my new book, Simply Keto, as well as working on a redesign for this blog (coming VERY soon…), and of course my most important job, raising my beautiful little girl.
Yesterday I had bit of a rough (emotional) day. My daughter’s school had their first field trip, and it was the first time that all of the parents were together for an extended period of time. Although I love to meet new people, I was nervous and full of anxiety. I had this overwhelming feeling that I didn’t fit in, or that I wasn’t good enough, or as “put together” as the other parents.
You see, I always thought that losing weight would make those feelings go away, but the truth is that this is an ongoing battle, with plenty of past hurt and self-doubt to repair. I spent a lot of years walking with my head down, and honestly, for many years I assumed that some people wouldn’t want to get to know me, or would pass judgement on me simply because I was morbidly obese. I’ve come to realize that this is a twofold problem; of course, with half of the problem being me.
While the world can be cruel and some people may pass judgement, my self-doubt and anxiety held me back yesterday just as much as it did when I was obese. Do people treat me differently now, yes…but in some ways, that’s because on most days I’m more outgoing, more present, and I let people in…well let’s just scratch yesterday on that front because well, it doesn’t always work out perfectly.
My point is that losing weight doesn’t solve everything, it’s not the answer to everything you’ve been looking for or feeling…the truth is that you hold the key to the happiness you deserve as you are right now. Self-love is always a work in progress, so don’t put of loving yourself until you reach your “goal” weight. I was sad and disappointed with myself yesterday, but today I’m processing it all and learning from it. Life isn’t always as pretty and put together as it all seem, but you know what…scars and wounds of the past teach us compassion, they have a way of showing us the things in life that truly matter, and reveal an inner beauty that is rarely found in someone who hasn’t faced their fair share of struggles. Use your pain to make you better, not bitter.
Lots of love,
Suzanne
46 Comments
Stephanie
October 5, 2017 at 7:51 pmYou’re such an eloquent writer.
It must be strange to wake up one day and realize the your self doubt and shame is not contingent on the one thing you always thought it was.
It’s also funny how our self-perception can differ so drastically from how others see us. You may have felt “not put together” yesterday, but to me you seem elegant, confident and definitely somebody I would want to be friends with!
Suzanne
October 5, 2017 at 8:21 pmThank you so much, Stephanie! Your words brought a smile to my face, and I really appreciate you taking the time to write such a thoughtful reply!
Alison Rieth
October 22, 2017 at 4:06 pmGod Bless You for sharing your journey with all of us ????
Clyde
October 6, 2017 at 5:07 pmJust ordered your book and can’t wait for it to be delivered. I have been following your IG for a while and take inspiration from your journey ,and before and after photos. I am down 45 pounds, with about 20 pounds to go. I lost 20 pounds the first month I was on keto. I still find it difficult to stay on keto when traveling. I will get better at that. Thank you!
Suzanne
October 6, 2017 at 5:26 pmThank you so much! Congratulations on your weight loss, I’m so proud of you! Traveling can be tough, but luckily each day there are more and more keto friendly options for on the go! Keep in touch, and thank you for reaching out!
Whitley
October 8, 2017 at 7:31 pmI really like what you have got here, certainly like what you’re stating and the way in which through which you are saying it. You make it entertaining and you still care for to stay it smart. I can’t wait to read much more from you. This is actually a tremendous website.
Amanda-Jane Danbury
October 9, 2017 at 8:16 pmI love this, I find you so inspiring & i am extremely excited about your book.
AJ x
Suzanne
October 9, 2017 at 8:16 pmThank you so much!
Katie Bone
October 10, 2017 at 9:31 amThanks for this lovely reminder! I started Keto after finding you on YouTube. You’re so encouraging! I’ve lost almost 30 lbs in total and can’t wait to continue this journey. Thank you for your inspiration!
Amanda Garland
October 10, 2017 at 9:32 amI’m so excited I’ve found your blog 🙂 I love to read about and get tips from those that have succeeded with Keto. I have lost 105 pounds these last 30 sure are slow to come off. But I’m loving this lifestyle.
Suzanne
October 10, 2017 at 4:43 pmWow, I’m so proud of you. I can totally relate, the last 20-30 really like to make you work for it! You’ll get there!
Jana
October 10, 2017 at 10:24 amYou’re beautiful inside and out and such an inspiration to so many of us! Looking forward to your new book.
Thank you!!
Erica Blogna-sansavera
October 10, 2017 at 10:37 amI find this to be so true. I think being overweight makes me very judgmental sometimes and I need to just concentrate on myself and my goals. Thank you for putting in words what I couldn’t.
Suzanne
October 10, 2017 at 4:41 pmYou’re so welcome! Sending you lots of love!
Ashlie Robinson
October 10, 2017 at 12:58 pmThank you for this. I first found you on IG but loved your videos on YouTube. You are inspiring. I am beginning a journey to lose weight ( ideally trying to lose 80 pounds but setting small goals at a time). I’ve already lost 25 pounds this year simply by cutting soda from my life. My husband and I are super excited about your book, we make your Tuscan keto Chicken recipe at least once a week, it is amazing ????. Love all that you are doing, congratulations on all of your success.
Suzanne
October 10, 2017 at 4:38 pmAw, thank you so much! I really appreciate you reaching out!
Megan von Borstel
October 10, 2017 at 1:40 pmThank you for being and inspiration and helping me stay on track on my journey to a better me.
Ashley Miller
October 10, 2017 at 1:40 pmSuzanne,
I know you probably hear this a lot, but you are and have truly been an inspiration to me. I am nine months in to my Keto journey and down 60 lbs. I would not have made the leap or stuck with it without your story. I first found your page on accident and instantly thought, “she is just like me- a young working mom- I can do this!” I will be forever grateful to you for sharing your story with the world.
Suzanne
October 10, 2017 at 4:37 pmThank you so much, Ashley! Your kind words totally made my day!
Erika B.
October 10, 2017 at 2:29 pmI can absolutely relate to this, especially as I have just come off a months-long nosedive into carbtown. Losing weight didn’take my stress eating disappear. Today is my first day back feeling like I can tackle this again, so thank you for the inspiring words!
Suzanne
October 10, 2017 at 4:36 pmYou’ve got this! So proud of you for getting back on track!
Sara G.
October 10, 2017 at 3:12 pmI struggle with these same feelings and have let my extra weight hold me back from so much in life, even as a teenager. Feelings of not fitting in, being inadequate, not pretty or sexy enough, etc. now that I’m 40 I’m finally taking charge and no longer feeling sorry for myself or letting my inner voice hold me back from what I want. Losing weight is just one small part, it also involves lots of self discovery, taking chances, and pushing myself outside my comfort zone. As someone who also lives in the Bay Area, I also understand the struggle with trying not to compare myself with others, some of the moms can be tough! ???? Recognizing our weaknesses and having the desire to work on them is the first step to becoming a better version of ourselves. Great post!
Jeni Jaynes
October 10, 2017 at 3:47 pmCan’t wait to get your new cookbook. I follow you everyday.
Suzanne
October 10, 2017 at 3:49 pmThank you so much, Jeni!
Eric
October 10, 2017 at 5:38 pmThanks for the inspiration! Look forward to what is next.
Kisha
October 10, 2017 at 6:20 pmThank you for being such an inspiration. Your journey has made mine more fun!!!
Stacy
October 11, 2017 at 12:06 amThis is so true! Thank you for always being so honest and being such an amazing inspiration to so many people! I struggle with self-love even after losing weight. It is definitely a work in progress. I can’t wait for your book!
Suzanne
October 11, 2017 at 4:26 amThank you! I think a lot of us do, and it’s so good to know that we are alone! Sending you lots of love!
Joyce Ledbetter
October 11, 2017 at 2:52 amExcited for the book!! Thanks for all you do ????
Lisa Whitcomb
October 11, 2017 at 4:42 amSuzanne, Thank you for sharing your journey! I found you on you tube and enjoy your videos. You are so real and genuine and honest. I especially appreciated this post, because I have felt this so much in my life. I have let my weight inhibit me and stop me from sharing experiences with my friends. Thank you for the reminder to love ourselves no matter what! You are Awesome!
Suzanne
October 11, 2017 at 6:20 amThank you so much! Self-love is such a battle sometimes…thank you for reaching out!
Jessica valdes
October 12, 2017 at 1:41 pmLove this! Totally agree! Thank you for posting.
Felicia Adams
October 13, 2017 at 4:31 pmYou are so inspirational!! I have been watching your videos for a while contemplating on diving into the Keto lifestyle… I plunged in September and Ive lost 29.9 lbs. (yes even those little ounces help toward motivation :)) Even tho you are maintaining I love how you keep going on updating us and keeping up with your website with recipes and such…
Suzanne
October 13, 2017 at 5:25 pmThank you so much, and congratulations on your weight loss! I plan to start filming again soon!
Maria87
October 15, 2017 at 12:55 pmI’ve been loving seeing your posts, you are so inspirational I look forward to continue reading your posts.!!
Ann
October 16, 2017 at 1:38 amI love your message of self love. You are right losing the weight, doesn’t automatically solve your problems. I keep struggling with the gaining and losing the same 20lbs. Thank you for being such an inspiration and providing great recipes! I can’t wait til your book comes out!
Jordan Thomas
October 19, 2017 at 9:42 pmLove the blog. You were my inspiration to start my keto journey and I’ve lost 40lbs!
Susan Orban
October 20, 2017 at 2:43 amThanks for writing this. I think we all grab onto what we can in this journey and self doubt etc. Is easy to do. I’ve lost 20 pounds so far on Keto and I was in a group pic last weekend that it posted on FB and I was horrified. It’s going to be a long journey to love myself. I’m 61. I hope I can achieve this.
Bridget
October 21, 2017 at 8:27 pmI love your blog and thank you for your insightful words. Myself, I find it very difficult to express my own feelings and reading your words help me do just that as I sometimes feel exactly the same. I reminded myself what Corrie Ten Boom said, ” Happiness isn’t something that depends on our surroundings ..it is something we make inside ourselves. ” and losing weight isn’t a guarantee of happiness. .
Angela P.
October 22, 2017 at 12:32 amThis is good for me to read today. I went somewhere new tonight and found myself avoiding looking at people because I’m insecure about how I look. Keto was great for me until I stopped. I’d love your new book to jumpstart my journey!
Jill
October 22, 2017 at 3:45 pmI love this so much! You are such an inspiration.
Lolly Swenson
October 22, 2017 at 3:46 pmThank you for this post. Things like this are never easy to post about. You are changing so many lives!
Ranel Ferguson
October 22, 2017 at 4:02 pmI love watching you videos on YouTube. You are very inspiring. Your husband too. Nice to see the family working together to make healthier life choices.
Jessica
October 22, 2017 at 5:00 pmVery inspiring ♥️
Beth
October 22, 2017 at 9:56 pmThis is SO very true. The emotional journey of weight loss is so hard to express – even when you are living through it. Thank you for your vulnerability.
Lee Ann
October 23, 2017 at 1:56 amI have been following the keto diet for several months now and have lost 50 pounds with another 50 to go. I have good days and not so good days but I remind myself of how far I’ve come and even the not so good days aren’t so bad. A work in progress.