Jordan Jumpstart

2014 to 2020. On the left, a recently separated Holly, fresh off at least a year of eating all my feelings. On the right, me on a work trip just before COVID. I’m proud of the 30 lb difference between these photos.

But I’m more proud of the less obvious details in these photos. Anyone who knows me can see my smile in the before photo is forced. I remember taking that selfie as a “prove the separation isn’t killing me” / “winning the breakup” Facebook post (which came up on my Memories today). My confidence and self-worth was gone, and it took a long time and a lot of effort to get them back.

Working out makes you fit, but self-care and self-investment makes you well. Invest in yourself. Prove your demons wrong.

The second photo? October 2021, attending my (dream) job’s annual gala. That smile threatened to break my jaw from the joy.