My journey began in middle school, with a light blue Revlon eyeshadow stick in hand. It was the Y2K era, and thankfully, sparkly blue lids were all the rage. My foundation game? Not so much. It was the wrong shade, the wrong undertone, but that didn't matter. I was smitten with makeup. It wasn't just about the colors or the trends; it was a form of expression, a temporary transformation that I could control. Drawing inspiration from glossy magazine pages, I experimented with looks for every school dance and event, despite not being much of a book reader. Instead, I devoured magazines, studying the artistry of makeup and the boldness of fashion, all while envying the models who seemed to embody confidence from every angle.

But there was another side to me. The athlete. From gymnastics and figure skating to volleyball and tennis, I embraced a variety of sports with enthusiasm. Swimming was my forte, earning me trophies and medals, even as I coached in the same town that Taylor Swift calls home. Despite these achievements, I struggled with self-image, unable to reconcile my athletic pursuits with the dissatisfaction I felt towards my body.

College brought a pivotal moment, sparked by a seemingly innocuous Instagram post. It led me down the dark path of an eating disorder, a journey marked by highs and lows, compliments intertwined with depression. It was a struggle I wouldn't wish on anyone, a constant battle that you never truly leave behind.

After graduating early and stepping into the tech world, I met him. The man who would change everything. He was more than just a handsome face; he was my partner in every sense, making life effortlessly joyful. Yet, beneath the surface, I harbored a secret that threatened to undo everything. It wasn't until I confided in him about my eating disorder that I truly began to heal. He introduced me to weight lifting, not as a punishment, but as a form of self-care and empowerment. Despite my initial resistance, I discovered a passion for the strength and confidence it brought me.

This passion evolved into a career as a certified personal trainer, where I could share my journey and support others in their own battles with body image. Nutrition became the next piece of the puzzle, understanding how to fuel my body and mind for the better.

My story is one of transformation, a testament to the multifaceted nature of our identities. It's about embracing every part of ourselves, from the makeup enthusiast to the athlete, from the survivor to the teacher. This is my metamorphosis, a journey of discovery, resilience, and ultimately, self-acceptance.