Next Chapter: Stronger

A true life work in progress

     Who Do I Want to Be?

I’m turning 59 in a few months. Sixty is knocking on the door, and I don’t want to enter that next chapter unhealthy.

So now there’s a big question I’ve been asking myself:
Who do I want to be?

For a long time, I would have said, “I want to be the correct weight.” But lately, that’s changed. My mindset has shifted. The more I read, listen to, and learn, the more I realize:

I want to be healthy.


Why I’m Writing This Blog

I’m starting this blog to hold myself accountable. When I know I’m putting things out there, I’m more likely to stay committed and do my best. It’s like when the spotlight is on—you may not want all the attention, but you also want to look like you’re showing up for yourself.

And I don’t mean how I look physically. I mean I want to be someone who is doing the work.


My Background

Hi, I’m Louise.

I’ve been a teacher for 35 years. I retired—but then I came back and now teach online. Teaching from home gives me flexibility. I have time to take walks, do some weightlifting, read, and listen to content that helps me grow. The options are there—I just need to make sure I use them.

As I learn, I’ll be sharing my journey with you, including what I discover and where I find it. I want this blog to be a place for real progress, not perfection.


What I’ve Tried (And What I’ve Learned)

My weight has always gone up and down, depending on the program I was following. I’ve tried keto. It worked—until it didn’t. I’ve done the shots (Wegovy), but after digging into more research—especially from a Mel Robbins podcast—I learned that what I took wasn’t the full version and wasn’t prescribed by a physician.

Still, I’ve lost over 25 pounds.
That’s not “nothing”—that’s something.
But according to the doctor’s chart, I’m still considered obese.
That word hits hard.

As of this morning, I weigh 221 pounds. I’m 5’6″. So yes, the charts still label me—but I’m not just focused on that anymore. I want to move forward with a healthier mindset.


The Mindset Shift

A lot of this work I’m doing now is tied to a program called Biceps After Babies. I’m currently taking a course through it, and it’s been incredibly helpful. While I won’t share her full program—because that’s her livelihood—I will say that it’s a great blend of practical health tools and powerful mindset work.

And that’s where the inspiration for this blog title came from.

Mel Robbins interviewed an elite athlete coach who said something that stuck with me:

“You need to ask yourself—who do I want to be?”

And I want to be healthy. Strong. Balanced.
Not just for the scale—but for my life.


What I’ll Share With You

Each week, I’ll update this blog with:

I was planning to share my measurements today, but I need to buy a new tape measure (because of course I can’t find the old one). I’ll have those in my next update.

I’ll also be keeping a food journal, and I’ll share some of what I’m eating—not as a “follow this exactly” plan, but to show what’s working for me (or not).

One powerful thing I’ve learned from Biceps After Babies and other resources:

The scale is just data.

It doesn’t define you.

If it goes up—ask yourself what changed. If it goes down—great! But more importantly, how are your clothes fitting? That’s what I use as a guide. Are they looser? Tighter? Do I feel stronger? That tells me more than the number.


Why This Matters

I want to lose weight, yes—but more than that, I want to feel strong again.
I want to be:

And I know I won’t get there by hoping.

It’s going to take backbone, not wishbone.


For Women Like Me

If you’re around my age, you already know—we can’t do what we did in our 20s, 30s, or even 40s and expect the same results. Our bodies are different now.

We have to work differently. We have to give ourselves grace.

And I’m learning to do just that.

I hope you’ll walk this journey with me. Let’s learn and grow together. We’ve got this.


Until next time, stay strong.
—Louise

P.S. Also give me grace with the blog as I figure out Wordpress! 🙂