You Choose What You Don’t Change

By Lauren Nester

There comes a moment when you look at your life and realize something has to give. For me, that moment came when I was living in constant pain, battling constant fatigue, and carrying around inflammation and exhaustion like heavy armor. I was tired of feeling unwell. Tired of not putting myself first.

On May 1st, 2025, I made a decision: to choose myself.

The Power of Choice

It didn’t happen overnight. Change rarely does. But every single choice mattered — every step, every meal, every decision to rest instead of push through, every moment I decided to show up for myself instead of putting myself last.

I started making better dietary choices, prioritizing movement, and giving my body the balance it had been craving. I began exercising, rebuilding my strength, and giving myself permission to rest deeply. Slowly, the fog lifted.

Small Wins, Big Shifts

One thing I learned along the way: you have to celebrate even the smallest milestones.

For me, that meant recognizing when I could step up onto a curb without pain — something my SI joint dysfunction used to make impossible. It meant sleeping on my side and realizing my arms no longer went numb because I’d strengthened and stabilized my shoulders.

Each small victory reminded me that my body was healing because I had chosen to care for it.

The Weight I Let Go

Since the start of this journey, I’ve lost 70 pounds — and I can’t describe the difference it’s made. I had a funny, humbling reminder recently when I picked up two 35-pound bags of bird seed.

That was 70 pounds. That was what I used to carry — every single day. No wonder I hurt. No wonder I was exhausted. No wonder I felt stuck.

I’m proud of myself for choosing differently, for showing up, and for proving to myself that I’m worth the effort. I still have 30 to 40 pounds I’d like to release, but now I know: this isn’t just about weight loss. This is about freedom, energy, and truly living.

What About You?

We all reach a point where we’re faced with a choice: stay where we are or become who we want to be. The truth is, you choose what you don’t change.

So, I ask you:

• What pain are you carrying that you no longer want to hold onto?

• What would your life feel like if you chose yourself?

• What small step could you take today toward the version of you that you crave to become?

  
  

Your journey doesn’t have to start perfectly — it just has to start. And if you need guidance, encouragement, or insights from someone who’s walked this path, I’m here.

Because choosing yourself isn’t selfish.

It’s necessary.

And you deserve to feel good in your body.

You deserve to thrive.