I was physically weak my entire childhood, teenhood, and early adulthood. Basically, I was weak almost my whole life.

I would get sick every time I was touched by the rain, no matter how slightly. The cold would last for weeks since I’m allergic to cold medicines. I also have skin allergies and would get a rash even from sweating.

I was a big kid and have always been conscious about my figure. I’m Asian and people around me are mostly smaller than me. I was always described as overweight. I tried many crash diets, lost weight, but never sustained it.

After college, I started to look after myself. My mom has type two diabetes, and my dad suffers from high blood pressure. I don’t want any of those things. But like many people starting to exercise for the first time, I injured my knees. Despite that I never gave up and tried to take good care of myself. I watched what I eat and exercised regularly.

Until I was clinically anxious and needed medication. I didn’t want to do anything. I was on medication which made me hungry all the time, and we were in the middle of the pandemic. I neglected myself and put on weight.

My focus changed from my wellbeing to my work. I hated what I saw in the mirror. I don’t want to take pictures of myself. I turned to food for emotional support. Then I felt bad about eating too much. It was a vicious cycle.

Then around this time last year, I decided to get back on track. I started to cook and exercise. I also seek for help from the professionals. Little by little, I learned to look after myself again.

I changed my lifestyle, and it changed my life.

I look at my work as one aspect of my life. Having a down moment in my creativity is not the end of the world anymore. I put my focus on the satisfaction of creating art and the process of it, not the outcome.

I appreciate my life more as it is. Your life is unique and should not be compared to other people’s lives. We all have different conditions and different goals.

What you can do, though, is take care of yourself as you are.

I workout five times a week now and cook for myself most days. I still hangout with friends and eat outside often as I love to socialize. I move more during the day and have more energy than ever. My mental health is getting better and better.

I’m feeling more content with my life.

Whatever you are dealing with right now, the first thing you need to take care of is yourself. Don’t forget that your body and your mind always comes first.

I was in the rain the other day getting my dogs from the yard and I was fine. I still have never had Covid. I love my body and enjoy dressing up more. All these happened because I took care of myself.