My weight gain started when I was in Secondary 2, the time when junk food, carbonated drinks, sweets and chocolates were my ‘best friends’ and they never left my sight. It became worse when I was 23 because my double chin decided to join in the fun and she became my best friend as well.

About 1.5 years ago, after completing my part-time degree, I finally had the chance and time to get rid of these ‘best friends’. That was when I signed up for memberships at a gym and with a Muay Thai school. Honestly and obviously, the main purpose was to slim down and look good.

I thought I could handle it and started ‘chionging’ for gym classes and Muay Thai trainings. It was a wrong decision. Not long after, I felt like I’m constantly pushing and forcing myself to keep going. I did lose some weight but I also ended up losing the passion to carry on due to fatigue and also the lack of time for myself (to relax and do something I enjoy). I then took a short break from exercising to focus on something else.

During the short break, I realised that even without pushing myself to exercise, I felt good with my body and even had the confidence to wear something that I couldn’t for years. That’s when I realised having a positive mindset and embracing my own body in a positive way are things that are way more important than just trying to look good. When we respect and love our body, that’s when true beauty begins.

Since then, I resumed my gym sessions and Muay Thai trainings again, but I paced myself so that these remain as genuine interests and not feel like chores to me.