Jamie Otis Instagram – A year ago today I was depressed & didn’t wanna get outta bed. If you would’ve told me a year later I’d be going to the gym consistently & actually *enjoying* it, forget it! I would’ve laughed at ya!😂 But here I am!🙏🏼❤️ For a while there I stopped working out and taking care of myself. I wanted to embrace my “mom bod” and accept my softer, squishier belly after having babies.💯 I rebelled against diet culture bc I was so sick of the narrative that women had to bounce back after pregnancy or else they were just fat, lazy, and unattractive.🙄 I wanted to prove to them that just because I didn’t go back to my size 6 body after having my second child, it didn’t mean I was any less worthy or beautiful. …or maybe I just wanted to prove it to myself after years of thinking I’d be unattractive and unwanted if I gained weight. I spent my whole life trying to diet and exercise and lose weight and look good. I just wanted to STOP. 🛑 And stop I did. I didn’t go to the gym or work out at all. I ate all the cookies and ice cream I wanted.😋 It felt so good and so FREEING to just stop worrying about calories and fat consumption and my Jean size!👏🙏🏼 I’m so glad I learned how to love my cellulite, fat, and MYSELF … but in the process I became so unhealthy. My cholesterol went through the roof.😬 My depression and anxiety got worst.🤦🏼‍♀️ My energy levels were at an all time low.😑 The kicker for me was that I was diagnosed with “unexplained” secondary infertility.😭 I knew I needed to change my lifestyle so I sloooowly began incorporating healthier food options and moving my body again. Gosh, I really missed those endorphins that come right after a good work out sesh!💪 I’m on a journey to get my mind and body as healthy and strong as possible…to work out for strength and health rather than my appearance. I’m finally at a place where I’m able to go to the gym and ENJOY IT bc it isn’t just punishment for eating too much. I’ve always wanted to support women. We really do need to champion each other! If you struggle feeling enough as you are, I hope this encourages you to love yourself right where you’re at.❤️