Forever planning my next adventure. Dangerously optimistic. Excellent single mom. Living life on wobbly nerve damaged legs. Falling in love with myself!
The Muslim community in Durban and the rest of SA has been absolutely INCREDIBLE. There is always so much negativity around Muslim people, I want it to be known that they have stepped up in the biggest way! Distributing free bread and milk to anyone in need. Thank you!
I got a little promotion.
For a girl who hasn’t worked for 12 years and is only 2 months into a new job, who was told she was stupid, incapable, unreliable, and all around useless, I’m damn proud of myself. And yes I am shamelessly celebrating myself because I deserve to!
South Africa is backwards in SO MANY WAYS. But one thing we’ve done well on is an individuals rights to their own body. Abortion, gender identity, what we wear, who we love, who we marry, what we call ourselves - we may not have electricity but we do have power. That’s huge!
@AmberSmelson
Two very good friends planned a baby shower for me. A week afterwards, they emailed me the bill. For my own baby shower. Which they planned.
Today I signed my very own lease.
At the age of 38 years old, I will have my own home where I get to raise my girls (yes, all three) and my name is the only one on the paperwork. The terror and pressure of making those payments is overwhelming. But dammit I’m going to do it!
My friends late 30’s husband who doesn’t drink or smoke, goes to gym regularly, is healthy and strong, had a stroke a week ago. Today they’re switching off his life support. Leaving behind 2 young boys. Life is short.
Don’t waste a single day without saying I love you.
My whole life changed when I realized I could WhatsApp myself. I’ve pinned my chat with myself so it’s always the first message I see when I open the app, and so my reminder messages to myself constantly remind me what I need to do! Sharing in case you didn’t know this ✅
Just found out that one of my water polo coaches from 2002 has been suspended for inappropriate conduct. I spoke up against him back then, was benched for most of my top SA tournament, and was shamed and criticized as a trouble maker by my team mates. Why has it taken 19 years?
@FlorioGina
These comments are unacceptable and so so unkind. She is a stranger on the internet. What she eats has ZERO impact on you, your life, your health, your day. I don’t know why she posted this (no caption or context given) but honestly, people just need to leave her be.
I’ve officially lost 60kg’s!!!
My BMI has gone from 43.9 to 23.9.
17 months after gastric bypass journey and I’ve reached the end (I believe) of my fat loss journey. I’m so proud of my fight to get here, and so excited for what lies ahead. I love the woman I’m becoming 💛
Sometimes I’ll put two photos together and shock even my own self at my transformation. I look totally different. But what I love the most, is the sparkle in my eyes now. That comes from a deep inner happiness and truly loving who I am!
Did I land in Cape Town yesterday morning? Yes.
Was I already up Table Mountain yesterday afternoon? Also yes.
I love being a tourist!
Thanks for the warm welcome so far CT.
You’re very pretty 💗
It’s been exactly 2 years, 730 days, since my last binge eating episode. I can’t tell you the peace I feel now. 65kg down. Chronic obesity related comorbidities gone. Healthy, happy, free!
Just waiting for the Black Friday email from Discovery, my landlord, my local petrol station and school…
I mean, a discount on rent, medical aid, fuel and school fees is what we all really want isn’t it??
One year.
Bariatric surgery saved my life.
Obese class 3 ❌
Insulin resistance ❌
Sleep apnoea ❌
Chronic sinusitis ❌
Fatty liver disease ❌
Low self esteem, low self confidence, tolerating far less than I deserved, not trusting myself, cancelling my dreams. ❌
Never again. ✅
Realized I’ve failed my 4 year old in the religious education department when I heard her praying today:
“In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holiday Spirit”.
A moment for this moment.
A moment for this woman.
A moment for the work I’ve done and continue to do.
A moment to celebrate my external AND my internal transformation. That dimple on my cheek was hidden for so long. As was I. But we’re back!
@RachAlberts
In Zambia we get residents specials almost everywhere! Its encouraged us to explore Zambia so much more than we might have. It’s the only way for locals to experience their own countries.
Today I deadlifted 50kg. A year ago I couldn’t walk. 3 months ago I couldn’t get up off the toilet unassisted. Patience. Persistence. Positivity. Showing up every week to get it done has got me this far. My goal is to deadlift 100kg even once by 31/12/23. Think I can do it? I do.
Today I got dressed into real clothes and went to a real mall and sat at a restaurant to enjoy a meal with my now 18 year old bonus daughter and husband. The first time I’ve done this in 4 months. I got a lot of sympathetic eyes as I hobbled along with my walker, but I DID IT!
After 21 days in hospital, I am home 💗💗💗 My rehab journey continues at home and as an outpatient. I’m nervous, but just so very happy to be at home with my family again!
I’m 39 today. I’m in one of the toughest seasons I’ve ever been in. But I still hold on to hope and love with both hands. Nothing and no one will make me cruel. May my heart always be a home to kindness,
my soul, a garden of dreams,
and my life a symphony of joy.
Be blessed! 💫
Looking back with gratitude at the gifts my marriage brought me. But I’m gently and kindly closing that chapter.
Now I’m looking forward to what life has in store for me as I begin a new story.
#yesthisisadivorceannouncement
#everyoneisfine
I have lost 44kg. The weight of these three gorgeous children! I’m so proud of myself and so excited to be less than 10kg away from my estimated goal weight. I’m eating beautifully and loving the healing from my binge eating disorder. I feel empowered and love myself so much!
If you have capacity or inclination, a prayer for the three of us today would be very appreciated. Divorce is hard. Today is an emotional, scary, overwhelming day for us at the family advocate office. Everything is for them. Always. 💗💗
I’ve kicked my walker out the photo and upgraded to a quadripod!! I’m still shocked to see this girl in the mirror, and am still figuring out so much about what my body is able to do. But I’m damn proud of how far I’ve come over the past 4 months.
#patsselfonback
Got rid of over 35cm of hair today. My hair is so thick and there so much of it that I managed to get two full pony tails to donate to
@CANSA
. I really don’t need that much hair, but someone else does.
This is the shortest my hair has been in my adult life!!
@ZamakonkeK
Men. Sexually assaulted me.
While I was a student on their ambulance, supposed to be learning from them. Supposed to be safe. Supposed to be helping the community. Supposed to be protected by my dept and HOD and Dean and the DOH and was let down by all of them. All men.
Today I did something that scared me so much I sat in my car for 10 mins and cried before I was able to get up and do it. One day I’ll share what I did and why it paralyzed me. But for now let me tell you: your children will give you the courage to do ANYTHING. Any. Thing.
I am 5️⃣0️⃣ days binge eating free today.
This may seem like a tiny, unimportant milestone to many. And certainly one that’s misunderstood. But I can assure you, it’s not been easy. After 25 years of binge eating, to have managed this feels monumental!
Spent last week brainstorming business ideas, ways to earn money AND be a single mom who is still available to two young children. And I had an amazing idea which I’m starting on today, which will *hopefully* bring in some passive income once it’s up and running! Wish me luck!
Reading comments on articles about King Goodwill Zwelithini today taught me that:
When a Zulu monarch or person of importance passes away, it’s disrespectful to say they “died”. Instead we should say “The King falls” or has passed on/passed away.
Sharing in case you didn’t know!
Oh, look it’s me! A FAT girl swimming, cycling and running her way to becoming the South African and African paratriathlon champ. Perfectly clean bill of health, no diabetes, no hypertension. A fat sportswoman who achieved more than many skinny women could ever dream of! 👊🏻
Tanya Gold: 'The new mannequin is obese, and she is not readying herself for a run in her shiny Nike gear. She cannot run. She is, more likely, pre-diabetic and on her way to a hip replacement. What terrible cynicism is this on the part of
#Nike
?'
@mgreiler
Absolutely unacceptable in that the baby looks small enough for mom to still be on maternity leave recovering from birth. But if she has chosen to return to work then I don’t see why the infant should be away from her. Babies need their mothers more than bosses need staff.
Our beautiful daughter Jessi Joy was born yesterday 💗💗💗 The most wonderful birth experience with an all female medical team, laughs, fun, and celebrations in theatre!
50kg/110lb
An ocean of tears
Months in hospital
Hours of rehab
Countless prayers
Lost friendships
New relationships
And a deeper, honest, unconditional love of myself lies between these photos. I was always worthy and deserving, now, I step fully into the belief of that love!
Look at me, walking with the parallel bars at physio today!!! My hard work at home is paying off and my body is slowly figuring itself out. A long way to go, but I’m getting there. Bit by bit a little becomes a lot 💪🏻
Trying on dresses in Woolies this week, I had to send my husband out twice to get me a smaller size. I have dropped 4 dress sizes this year! It’s been THE toughest year of my life. But reclaiming my health slowly, steadily and lovingly, has been so flipping wonderful!
@Tlou_regi
@maryjaneexplore
Mid 90’s. Her dad took us to sweets from heaven, gave us each a little bucket, and said “fill it with whatever you want”. Then took us to a movie. And Wimpy. (They really are VERY rich. But for me at that age, that was equivalent to buying me a diamond ring now 🤣)
You know that feeling when you see a photo of yourself and you actually love it? Not just don’t hate it. Not indifferent. But actually stop in your tracks and think “Wow. Look at me!” It’s taken 38 years and 8 months and today I felt that. I wish this for everyone!!
I’ve been too obese to ride a horse for many, many years. Today, after promising my children that I would, I celebrated the fact that I’m light enough not to hurt the horse, or too scared that I’d embarrass myself in some way as the “fat girl”, and I got on the horse and rode!
My husband brought my little girls to visit me in hospital today. The nurses ooh’d and aah’d all over them and let me tell you now, I’ll never get tired of hearing people telling me how lovely my daughters are. Ever.
“Hi fellow Durbanites, we love you and want to help you. You can come buy a loaf of brown bread for R80. Nappies for R200 more than usual and formula for triple the normal price.”
This. Is. Not. Community!
Please explain to me why almost all jobs advertised do not include a salary? Or at the least, a minimum, or “negotiable from” kind of vibe? I understand co’s having a range to offer based on qualifications/exp, but surely they realize they’re wasting everyone’s time without it?
What a difference a year makes ❤️
(And no, before you ask, there is no secret. I saw a doctor. Started meds for my insulin resistance. Consulted a dietician. Haven’t cut out any food groups. Don’t exercise because the gym is still closed. And don’t deprive myself.)
Last week I put myself out there and for the very first time ever, approached a brand to colab with on something I’ve been dying to do, and which I believe will be so useful to other women. Well, today they got back to me and said YES! They’d love to work with me. I’m so excited!
Can we please not make a fuss about all the parents very proudly sharing first day back at school photos today? Yes, your social media is going to be full of them. Let parents have their moment, ok? Better yet, celebrate with them. Be happy. Be kind.
Today I bought a dress that’s 3 sizes smaller than anything I wore 8 weeks ago. I’ve lost 21kg since I had my baby 7 months ago. I’m eating well & am not deprived or punishing myself with exercise. I’m falling more in love with myself every day. And I’m very bloody proud of that!
My sister and her family arrive from London today. It’s the first time she will meet my almost 2 year old. And the first time we will meet her 2 month old. Our family will be together for Christmas and my heart is just so, so very happy!!
Last week I reached a huge milestone in my weight loss journey. I have officially lost 100lbs. One hundred pounds! This is such a learning journey. There is no before and after, only before and now. I’m so excited for what is still to come ❤️
@laurencohen
@KauaiSA
It’s not just about saying anything to her, it’s the fact that you thought of her has a “fat person” in such a negative way. The fact that you felt you had the right to judge or criticize her for her choices. She can have as many calories as she wants!
@Tshele_Kobane
Sex means whatever it means to the people partaking in it. Spritual. Physical. Love. Lust. As long as it’s of legal age and between consenting individuals than who are you to give instruction?
Put myself out there and submitted a proposal for a big (huge for me) campaign trade exchange and was approved. I got a wonderful yes! Tomorrow we will travel to the Berg to review a gorgeous hotel and I am so excited. (And proud of myself for being brave enough to ask!)
We’re in The Berg.
Hiked with my babies to a waterfall. Their first hike. Their first waterfall.
It was one of those parenting experiences I’ll remember forever.
The squeals. The gasps. The excitement. The joy. And I had the privilege to share it all with them. 🩷🩷
I bumped into an old school friends mom the other day. “What do you do?”
“I’m a stay at home mom”.
“Oh, what a shame. Such a waste of that brilliant mind of yours!”
I was so livid I could barely talk. Feminism is having the right to CHOOSE to do what makes us happy, right?
I’m so proud of my husband. He’s making such a difference to people who can’t or don’t want to go to their doctor or hospital due to extra risks.
Durban friends, please share!
Day 3 in hospital, day 9 in total (3rd admission in 5 weeks) Ironic to be being fed via TPN, as my body literally starved. Praying for answers. Clarity. Solutions. HEALING! Got a spare prayer this weekend? I’d love it if you sent it my way please 🙏🏻
If only people knew what went on in private, behind closed doors. If people knew what others were dealing with which they aren’t able to talk about out loud. I bet we would all be so much kinder.
Nothing in life matters more to me than this. Than them. Than us. I do it all, alone, and you know what? I’m damn good at it. Happy Mother’s Day to me!
Today is the one year anniversary of my bariatric surgery. I have lost almost 60kg. But the things I’ve GAINED. I don’t have words to describe the vitality, energy, peace, and happiness I live with every damn day. I did it. 🥺🌟🎉
14 months post bariatric surgery.
The mental work has been far harder than the eating part. But I’m doing my work. And I’m loving where my life is heading. Bariatric surgery saves lives. It’s saved mine, and I’ll be forever grateful for a second chance.
A month ago I consulted with a dietician who flipped everything I had been doing (LCHF with NO results) upside down. I started more of a Mediterranean style of eating, went on Metformin for my Insulin Resistance, and lost 9kg, and 11cm off my belly in 4 weeks. Game changer!
Yesterday marked 365 days binge eating free. I can’t tell you what a huge milestone this is for me. I NEVER could have imagined it was even possible for me. And yet here I am! Proud of me!
Saying goodbye to 2023 and looking ahead to 2024. Praying for peace. For joy. For love. And for more moments like this, my girls in my arms, my heart overflowing, happy. This will forever be what matters most. ❤️
@msdanifernandez
Our pit bull guarding our 6 week old. He was rescued from dog fighting, neglect and abuse. So gentle and affectionate. Never a moment of aggression, ever! We lost him to kidney failure a year ago. Dogs are just the best! (And pit bulls are my fave!)
My Zara has a massive brain tumour, spread all over. Tomorrow we say goodbye. I had to tell my children today and it will be their first experience of death. This is a part of motherhood I don’t think I could ever prepare for. My heart broke all over again as I broke theirs. 💔😭
I just found out that my bonus daughter was the TOP scoring student in KZN in the history Olympiad. I’m beaming and bursting with pride for her. What a wonderful confidence boost as she prepares for her matric trial exams!!
Look at my daughters amazing artwork? Her first submission since starting art at her new school. And it’s extra special because it’s her baby sisters little shoes. I can’t wait to frame it. What a perfect keepsake for us 🥰🥰🥰
My husband can’t understand social media friends. How can they be friends if you’ve never met? He only says this because he’s not online. Lockdown has proven to me just how valuable, supportive, and important online friendships are! Do you love your SM friends too?
Inverter broke.
Dishwasher broke (can’t be repaired.)
Washing machine broke. (Is being repaired but not cheap.)
Water on and off. Mostly off.
First major divorce court day.
Constant job app rejections.
Someone damaged my car.
Kids sick.
And now I’m sick.
Hashtag blessed!😵💫
Today is 6 months since my bariatric surgery.
After months of heartache, fear and complications, I feel like I’m finally able to start enjoying the Gaelyn I’ve grown into this year. She’s braver, wiser, kinder and more determined than ever 🥰
Some really shitty things have been happening in my life lately. (REALLY shitty.) But today, three wonderful things happened. Two exciting online campaigns, one invitation to be a guest speaker at an event, and one wonderful and perfectly timed compliment on my mothering 🙏🏻💟
Today I was diagnosed with Guillain–Barré syndrome. I can’t walk, use the bathroom or wash myself alone. I am terrified. Furious. And you know what? Life can be so flipping cruel and unfair. Treatment starts at 6am tomorrow. Please keep me in prayer!
We live here now 🥰
Hello Durbs! Please sort out the ghastly weather. We’re finally in a house with a great pool but you’re chilly and windy and that’s not gonna work for us. K thanks bye.
My 4yo is having surgery this week. She spent a month in hospital as a toddler and was extremely sick. I spent months in hospital this year, extremely sick. I’m not ready to be brave and calm and strong for her but God knows I’ll find it in me on the day. Because, Motherhood.
Hospitals should have baths. Super sanitized between patients, but a deep, warm bath for someone sick and miserable is surely better than some drugs! And someone to wash our hair for us. A foot massage would be a treat too.
In case you didn’t know, it’s possible to LOVE South Africa, and admit that you don’t have a future there. Financially, it’s just not possible for some people. Leaving isn’t always because you hate a place. Sometimes it’s because you have no other way to provide for your family.
If you don’t have this in your kitchen, I’m here to tell you to go out and buy it. It’s particularly delish on smashed avo with a soft poached egg on sourdough. Thank me later.
@WOOLWORTHS_SA
Today I’m doing something terrifying. I feel sick to my stomach. My heart is racing. It will require ALL the brave I possess. It’s almost 2 decades in the making. But it’s time. And I have one chance to do it, and that’s today. Please send me all the good energy and luck! 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Sending extra love and hugs to those hurting this Mother’s Day. 🌸 Whether you’ve lost your mom, are estranged or never had a mom. To those who want desperately to be a mom, have lost a child, or are missing their children today. And all the women mothering without the title. ❤️
A belly this majestic deserves to be shared. Pregnancy is not my favourite time, but damn I can’t look at this and not marvel at what my body is doing!
#shamelessbragpost
#whytfnot
One of the most unfortunate things about divorce is that you have to go through it so alone. You can’t share openly. You can’t easily find out information on the process. You can’t find people who’ve walked the same path before you, because it’s not spoken about.