Transforming Pain into Power: My Journey from Obesity to Empowerment.

redefine6
Sep 14
4 min read

Updated: Oct 8

Hello, everyone! I’m Odette, and I am excited to welcome you to my blog. As the founder of OM Conditioning, I want to share my journey with you. This journey transformed my life from being an overweight, unhappy and unhealthy woman into a passionate fitness and lifestyle coach.

When I chose the name OM Conditioning, it wasn't just about reference to the physical of strength and conditioning; it's also a reference to the conditioning of our minds. Every day, we make choices that shape who we are. If we can condition ourselves into bad habits, bad habits that may literally be killing us, why can we not condition ourselves to choose better and do better? The answer is, we can!

We, each of us, are high-powered, high achieving beings, capable of anything we put our minds to, sometimes we just need a little help along the way. Sometimes we need a reset, sometimes we need instruction, or direction. I've decided to start this blog to share with you some of the mistakes I have made along the way. I was obese, a heavy smoker and a heavy drinker. I've flicked between diets, starving myself and countless new training programmes, nothing worked, until now.

The Beginning of My Journey

My journey began in a place that many of you might find familiar. I struggled with obesity, was a heavy smoker, and relied on alcohol to cope. I felt trapped in a cycle of unhealthy habits—one that seemed impossible to break. I tried countless diets, starved myself, and made endless promises to work out, but nothing worked for long.

At my heaviest, I weighed over 200lbs, or 15 stone, and I felt hopeless for a very long time. It seemed like weight loss was just a dream.

The Turning Point.

The turning point in my life came when I realised I needed to reassess my approach to health. I began to understand that losing weight was only part of the solution; I needed to condition my mind to make better choices.

I focused on nutrition and discovered that a balanced lifestyle was crucial. For example, I learned how to read nutritional labels and make better food choices. I started with small changes, like replacing sugary drinks with water and incorporating more colorful fruits and vegetables into my meals. I sought guidance from trainers and lifestyle coaches, which showed me the importance of having support along the way.

The Power of Mindset.

One of the most significant lessons I learned was the power of mindset. I understood that my beliefs shaped my reality. For instance, when I believed I was destined to be unhealthy, I remained stuck. But by shifting my mindset to one of positivity and empowerment, I began to see change. I deserved better, and so I was determined to do better and be better.

Building Healthy Habits

Listening to my body became crucial. I learned that fueling myself with nutritious foods and staying active made me feel vibrant and alive. Reports indicate that people who make gradual lifestyle changes like these are 70% more likely to stick with them long term.

The Role of Community.

I was totally alone when I stared my journey, but you don't have to be. My goal is to build an online community of people who support, encourage and empower each other. Having gone through my transformation alone, I now understand the power of community more than ever before.

Sharing My Mistakes

As I reflect on my journey, I want to share some mistakes I made along the way. By highlighting these, I hope you can sidestep similar pitfalls.

Fad Diets: I fell for quick fixes that promised rapid weight loss but left me feeling deprived and frustrated. These strategies are often not sustainable.
Neglecting Mental Health: I was focused on physical changes and neglected my mental well-being. Addressing my emotional health was a key to thriving.
Comparing Myself to Others: I often measured my worth against others, leading to feelings of inadequacy. I learned that everyone's journey is unique and it’s essential to focus on my progress.
Not Celebrating Small Wins: I was so focused on my end goal that I forgot to acknowledge small victories. Each step forward deserves recognition! To lose 10 lbs, or 10 kg, you first need to lose one.

Embracing Empowerment.

Today, I proudly share my story as a testament to transformation. For me, I really needed to understand how I ended up so overweight, stuck and unhappy in the first place. If I didn't start at the bottom, and build some good, solid foundations, nothing I built after that would ever last. Once I did this I lost weight, quit smoking, and fully embraced a healthier lifestyle. More importantly, I found purpose in helping others stuck in the same cycle I once was. I know exactly how debilitating and lonely it can be.

I want to empower you to take control of your health and well-being. You are capable of achieving your goals, and I am here to support you every step of the way.

Join Me on This Journey

I invite you to join me on this transformational journey. Together, we can build a strong online community of people who uplift and support each other. I plan to share regular blog posts filled with tips, insights, and inspiration to aid you on your path to wellness.

If my story resonates with you, I would love to hear from you. Your experiences matter, and together, we can create a space for learning and growth.

A Lasting Message

Remember, you are not alone in your struggles. I’ve walked this path, and I understand how you feel. Believe me, change is possible.

Let’s condition ourselves for success—not just in physical health, but in mental and emotional well-being too. Together, we can turn pain into power and create lives filled with joy, health, and empowerment.

Thank you for being here. I’m excited to share more of my journey with you!