If there’s one thing my body transformation journey taught me, it’s that the phrase “body transformation” doesn’t even do it justice. Spoiler alert: Yes, my body changed dramatically, and now I look and feel a million times better than I ever have. But what I experienced through learning to love fitness was a life transformation, and nothing short of it.

So, let’s go back to the start. I was a new mom who had gained over 40 pounds with each of my pregnancies. Not an extraordinary amount, but enough, considering I was unable to shed it each time I had my two daughters.

I took on my new role as Mom very seriously. For some reason (Society, reflecting back and appearing as my own beliefs?), I thought to be a good mom, you had to always put your family first, most definitely before yourself. So I no longer made taking care of myself a priority. In fact, self-care wasn’t even on my to-do list.

But that got old, and I soon came to terms with the fact that I wasn’t comfortable in my own skin, and my energy levels were extremely low—in fact, I was exhausted all the time. So, I did what so many women do, with the best of intentions. I tried allll the diets and programs, desperate to find a simple solution, so I could build a body I felt good about.

Shocker: they didn’t work. I was on the diet hamster wheel like so many other women out there, and I didn’t have a clue how to disembark. I eventually chalked it all up to the idea that this was my new normal and how my body was meant to look post-childbearing. But I got tired of feeling this way, and I knew I needed to make a permanent, lasting change in my life. I wanted to make my health and fitness a priority, so I could be the best person I could. I wanted to be an example for my two young girls of what a strong woman looked and acted like.

I’d heard about a coach I really wanted to work with, but truth be told I was very hesitant to invest in one. So, I wasted a few months pondering the idea before I finally went all in. It was the best thing I’ve ever done for myself. I hired a body transformation coach who ultimately helped me completely overhaul my lifestyle to change my body through strength training and a balanced nutrition program.

I was able to lose 50 pounds and completely change my body composition. I put on a ton of muscle and lost bodyfat. To say I was and am thrilled at the way my body and my outlook on life have changed is an understatement. Quite simply, fitness changed me forever. It instilled in me a newfound confidence that resonates into every single aspect of my life.

I have become a better mom, wife, daughter, employee, businesswoman, and friend because I built not just confidence but also courage, grit, determination, a positive mindset, and perhaps most importantly, a new respect for myself and my body—and what I’m capable of.

I believe in karma. In paying things forward. So, now I coach along with my team other women 1:1 on how to change their bodies. Or, more accurately, their lives. I teach them how to respect themselves and their bodies by fueling them with great nutrition, and I empower them by teaching them how to lift. Today, I help women get into the best shape of their lives without restrictive dieting or hours of cardio. Because these things just never work long term.

Instead, I use my RESTORE, LEAN OUT, and SUSTAIN Hourglass body transformation method.

If you’re waiting for a sign to change your life, let this story be it. Life is short.

Enjoy it in the body that will allow you to live your fullest, most joyful life. I am, and I’ll never look back.