45.4 pounds down

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This week, I did something incredibly brave — I opened up on social media about living with a mental illness. And let me tell you, I feel amazing. I feel empowered, supported, loved, and filled with a new kind of energy — the kind that fuels inspiration and purpose.

This moment has given me a new lens through which I see my platform. My blog and social media are no longer just about Weight Watchers. They’re about something so much bigger.

My channel is now a space for whole health — physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual. Mental health is just as vital as any other form of wellness, and I’ve realized I have so much to share when it comes to living with mental illness and learning how to truly care for yourself.

Don’t worry — I’m still on my journey to lose 100 pounds with Weight Watchers, and I’ll continue documenting every step. But now, you might also see a few posts that touch on mental health challenges. Because honestly, there are no rules here. My blog is my space, and I’ve grown into someone who no longer fits into one single niche — and that’s okay.

For those who are new here: I’m a registered nurse with 10 years of experience in the Fraser Valley. Most of my career has been in cardiac health, and more recently, I was working in Home Health. (I’m currently off due to an injury, with no return date in sight.)

Throughout my career, I’ve developed a strong understanding of mental health, both professionally and personally. Over the years, I’ve learned how to manage my mental illness — one episode at a time. But even with all the knowledge and tools I have, mental illness can still catch me off guard. That’s the nature of it. And it’s okay.

This past weekend was one of those moments. I needed urgent psychiatric support, so I went to the hospital. I didn’t want to be admitted — I just needed a medication review and to speak to someone about what I was going through. I knew it couldn’t wait until Monday.

I ended up in a quiet, controlled space where I spoke with nurses, social workers, and eventually, an ER physician. I explained what I needed, and they truly listened. They scheduled me a psychiatric assessment first thing Monday morning, which gave me an incredible sense of relief.

I got the help I needed. I asked for support — and that in itself is a huge win.

Now, I have a new plan in place to help slow things down and take better care of myself. And honestly, I feel a little stronger every single day.

Thank you for being here, and for walking beside me — through the physical transformations, the mental health check-ins, and everything in between.

This journey is far from over — but I’ve never felt more ready to keep going.

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Now let’s dive into this week’s recipe.

Sometimes the best meals come from a moment of spontaneous creativity—and this recipe is the perfect example. I was standing in the kitchen, scanning the pantry and freezer, determined to make something hearty, wholesome, and satisfying without a special trip to the store. So I trusted my instincts, threw a handful of ingredients into the crockpot, and hoped for the best.

What came out? Pure magic.

Not only did it fill our home with the most delicious aroma, but it was also an instant hit. My stepson practically licked his plate clean (always the true test, right?), and the leftovers were just as incredible the next day—maybe even better. This is one of those feel-good, soul-warming meals that reminds me just how fun and rewarding it can be to get creative in the kitchen.

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Check it out here:

Until next time.