Forgiving Yourself: Why Every Step Counts

We’ve all made mistakes. Some small, some big, some that still make us cringe when we think about them. I know I have. I’ve made choices I regret — and I’ve also made choices I’m proud of.

But here’s what I’ve learned: every decision, good or bad, has shaped who I am today. And more often than not, even the worst moments have eventually pointed me toward something better.

The Stoic philosopher Marcus Aurelius once wrote:
“If you are distressed by anything external, the pain is not due to the thing itself, but to your estimate of it — and this you have the power to revoke at any moment.”

That reminder applies to our past mistakes, too.

The past itself cannot harm us — only the way we keep judging ourselves for it.

Exactly Where You Need to Be

It’s easy to wish we could go back and “fix” the past. But honestly? I don’t think I would. Even when life was messy or painful, those experiences pushed me, taught me, or humbled me in ways I needed.

Epictetus said it well:
“Don’t seek for everything to happen as you wish it would, but rather wish that everything happens as it actually will — then your life will flow well.”

We’re all exactly where we need to be. Not because it’s perfect, but because every step has led us here.

The Hardest Person to Forgive

The truth is, it’s often easier to forgive others than it is to forgive ourselves. We replay our mistakes. We label ourselves by them. We carry guilt long after it stops serving us.

But holding on to shame keeps us stuck. Forgiving yourself doesn’t mean forgetting what happened — it means choosing to move forward anyway.

Seneca put it simply:
“Every new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end.”

Self-forgiveness is that new beginning.

How to Practice Self-Forgiveness

Here are a few practices that help me:

• Acknowledge the lesson. Instead of focusing on what went wrong, ask: What did this teach me?

• Release the judgment. You are not your worst decision. You’re the sum of all your choices — good, bad, and in-between.

• Talk to yourself like a friend. Would you tell a friend she’s worthless because of one mistake? No. Offer yourself the same compassion.

• Keep choosing again. Every day is a new opportunity to make better choices. Or as Marcus Aurelius said: “When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive — to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love.”

The Bottom Line

I don’t know that I would change anything in my past, even the painful parts. Because I’ve seen how they’ve led me here — to a stronger, wiser, and more forgiving version of myself.

So if you’re carrying guilt or regret, here’s your reminder: you don’t have to.
Forgive yourself. Learn from it. And keep going.

Because at the end of the day, the path to health, happiness, and peace always begins with grace — especially the grace you give yourself.

Why Do a 21-Day Metabolic Reboot?

When people hear “21-Day Reboot,” it might sound like another quick-fix diet. But that’s not what this is about. Yes, some people will lose weight — and many want to — but the real goal is much bigger: to teach you how to live and eat in a way that actually supports your health.

Why 21 Days?

Because anyone can commit to something for 21 days. It’s short enough to feel doable, but long enough to start rewiring habits and shifting your mindset.

And here’s the magic: when you learn one small thing each day for 21 days — whether it’s about food, metabolism, movement, or mindset — you walk away with a toolbox of knowledge that sticks with you far beyond those three weeks.

It’s About Health, Not Just Weight

Sure, some people join because they’d like to lose a few pounds. And often they do. But what excites me more is seeing:

• More energy in the mornings

• Better sleep at night

• Fewer sugar crashes and cravings

• Confidence in choosing foods that actually feel good

• Relief from the confusion of “diet noise” on TV and social media

Because when you focus on health first, weight loss often follows naturally — and in a way that lasts.

Cutting Through the Noise

Let’s be honest: the world of nutrition and wellness is confusing. Every day there’s a new “must-try” diet or supplement on social media. It’s overwhelming.

My passion has always been to make things simpler. To strip away the gimmicks and focus on what really matters:

• Real food

• Balanced meals

• Simple, sustainable routines

• Mindset shifts that make health easier

Why This Matters to Me

Health and wellness have always been a passion of mine. And I believe the next 20–30 years can be the best years of your life — if you take care of your body now.

I created the Metabolic Reboot because I wanted to give people a place to learn, to experiment, and to feel supported. To show that it doesn’t have to be overwhelming, complicated, or expensive.

The Bottom Line

The 21-Day Metabolic Reboot isn’t a diet. It’s a fresh start.
It’s a chance to learn, to reset your habits, and to prove to yourself that health doesn’t have to be confusing.

If you’ve ever thought, “I wish someone would just make this simple for me,” then this reboot is for you.

✨ Ready to make your health simple again?
Join me for the 21-Day Metabolic Reboot and take the first step toward energy, confidence, and lasting wellness.

Choosing Health: The Decision You Make Every Day

Last week, I wrote about paradigms — those deep-rooted habits and beliefs that quietly shape our results. This week, one of my clients reminded me how true that really is. She finished my bootcamp feeling incredible… but slipped back into old patterns. And that’s the thing: if we don’t change our paradigm — our daily habits and the way we think about health — we end up right back where we started.

She went through my 21-Day Metabolic Reboot and felt amazing afterward. More energy. Better sleep. Less brain fog. A lighter step in her day-to-day life. She was proof that when you give your body the right fuel and the right support, it responds beautifully.

But here’s the hard truth: after the reboot, she slipped back into old habits. Fast food instead of meal prep. Skipping the simple routines that had been working so well. And now? Her latest bloodwork came back with high cholesterol.

This isn’t about her story alone — it’s about a pattern most of us have experienced at some point.

Health is not a one-time choice. It’s a daily choice.

The Trap of “I’ll Get Back on Track Later”

It’s easy to think, “I’ll be better next week.” Or, “One drive-thru meal won’t hurt.” But the truth is, those small slips add up quickly. Before you know it, you’re right back in the old groove — the one that never made you feel good in the first place.

The Power of Preparation

The key to avoiding the trap isn’t perfection — it’s preparation.

When you’ve got healthy meals ready, you’re not as tempted to grab whatever’s convenient. It’s not about spending hours in the kitchen, either. It’s about simple steps that save you later:

• Cook extra protein at dinner to use for lunch the next day.

• Keep cut veggies or fruit washed and ready in the fridge.

• Have quick, nutrient-dense snacks on hand (think boiled eggs, cheese, jerky, nuts).

When you’re prepared, choosing health becomes easier — almost automatic.

Why This Matters

Choosing health daily isn’t just about avoiding cholesterol meds or a doctor’s warning. It’s about quality of life:

• Waking up with energy.

• Moving through your day without the mid-afternoon crash.

• Feeling confident in your own skin.

• Knowing you’re investing in a body that will carry you through the next 20, 30, even 40 years.

The Bottom Line

Every day, you get two choices: the easy way now (fast food, skipping workouts, ignoring stress) that makes life harder later…
Or the intentional choice now (real food, movement, rest, and preparation) that makes life better later.

Health is a daily decision. And it’s one worth making.

Ready to stop starting over?
My 21-Day Metabolic Reboot is designed to help you practice these daily choices until they feel second nature. Not a diet. Not a quick fix. Just simple steps that work in real life.

Why Most Diets Fail — And What You Actually Need to Change to Succeed

Let’s be honest — you probably already know how to lose weight or improve your health.
Eat better. Move more. Sleep. Hydrate.
The “rules” aren’t the problem.

So why do so many attempts at better health fizzle out after a few weeks?

It’s not because you’re lazy.
It’s not because you have “no willpower.”
And it’s definitely not because you’re too old.

It’s because you’re trying to change your results without changing your paradigm.

What’s a Paradigm — And Why Should You Care?

Bob Proctor was one of the most influential voices in personal development — a speaker, author, and mentor who spent over 60 years teaching people how to break limiting beliefs, shift their mindset, and create the life they truly want. He believed that if you change your paradigm — the way you think and see the world — you can completely change your results.

Your paradigm is the lens you see life through. It shapes:

• What you believe is possible.

• How you react to challenges.

• The habits you stick to (or don’t).

If your current paradigm is wired for “start strong, fizzle out,” then no matter how many diet plans you try, you’ll keep getting the same result.

Why Diets Fail Without a Paradigm Shift

Most diets focus on behavior change — eat this, don’t eat that, do this workout.
But they don’t address the thinking patterns driving those behaviors.

If your paradigm still says:

• “I’m an emotional eater.”

• “Healthy food is boring.”

• “I never stick to things.”

• “It’s harder for me because I’m older.”

…then no meal plan or exercise routine will stick long-term.

Because your subconscious program will eventually pull you back to the comfort zone it knows best — even if it’s not the one you actually want.

How to Change Your Paradigm for Good

Changing your paradigm isn’t about willpower — it’s about rewiring the way you think, so your new habits feel natural instead of forced.

Here’s how to start:

1. Get crystal clear on your “why.”
   Your goal has to be about more than a number on the scale. Tie it to energy, longevity, confidence, or the life you want to live.

2. Identify your current beliefs.
   Write down the thoughts you have about food, health, and yourself. Notice any that sound like excuses or limitations — those are part of your old paradigm.

3. Replace the Script

   For every limiting belief, write a new one that supports your goal.

• “Healthy food is boring” → “I love finding delicious, simple meals that fuel my body and taste amazing.”

• “I can never give up sweets” → “I enjoy sweets occasionally, but I don’t need them to feel satisfied.”

• “I hate cooking” → “I’m learning quick, healthy recipes that make me feel good.”

• “My family will never give up processed foods” → “I can make healthier versions of our favorite meals that my family actually enjoys.”

• “I don’t have time to cook healthy meals” → “I make time for meals that give me more energy for everything else I have to do.”

• “Eating healthy is too expensive” → “I’m learning to shop smart and invest in food that supports my long-term health.”

These simple reframes may feel awkward at first — but the more you repeat them, the more they start to shape your paradigm (and eventually your habits).

4. Act as if.
Act and feel as if you are the person who already has the health you want. This shifts your self-image, and your habits will follow.

5.Repeat until it’s automatic.
Paradigm change isn’t instant — it’s daily repetition until the new way becomes the only way.

The Bottom Line

If you want new results, you can’t just change your food — you have to change your thinking.
Your paradigm sets the ceiling for your success.
Raise the ceiling, and your health goals become so much easier to reach (and keep).

This is exactly why my 21-Day Metabolic Reboot focuses on mindset and habits, not just what’s on your plate. When you change the way you think about food, movement, and yourself, you change your results — for good.

A Simple Lifestyle Change I Swear By: Walking After a Meal

Let’s talk about one of my favorite biohacks — and no, it doesn’t involve ice baths, expensive gadgets, or anything that requires a second mortgage.

It’s walking.

Yep. Good old-fashioned get-up-and-move-your-legs walking — specifically, after a meal.

Now, you’ve probably heard this tip before: “Walk after eating to help lower your blood sugar!” And yes, it absolutely helps with that. In fact, there’s solid science showing that a short stroll after meals can:

• Help balance blood sugar so you avoid that post-dinner crash.

• Improve insulin sensitivity (which supports easier fat loss and better energy).

• Aid digestion, reducing bloating and that “ugh, I ate too much” feeling.

• Lower evening stress levels so your body can ease into rest.

• Support better sleep by calming the nervous system.

That alone is a win in my wellness playbook.

But here’s the thing — that’s not the only reason I love it.

I love it because it’s functional. It’s enjoyable. And it weaves beautifully into everyday life.

You eat a good meal, and then instead of plopping on the couch or diving into the dishes, you head outside. You grab your spouse, your friend, your dog — or just your own thoughts — and you walk. You finish the conversation. You breathe. You digest not just the food, but the moment.

It’s not just about glucose or metabolism. It’s about quality of life. About slowing down, reconnecting, and moving your body in a way that feels good.

To me, that’s what real wellness looks like. It’s not robotic. It’s not rigid. It’s not another thing you “have” to do on your to-do list.

It’s human. It’s natural. And it works.

So the next time you finish dinner, instead of diving straight into the Netflix abyss or tidying up like a woman on a mission (guilty), take a break. Lace up your shoes — or just slide on your flip-flops — and go walk.

Five minutes. Ten. Whatever you’ve got.

It’s one of the simplest, most effective health practices you can do — and it doesn’t cost a dime.

Simple steps. Lasting change. That’s the whole point, isn’t it?

Kelly

Chasing Health, Not Diets: How I Found My Way with Food

I’ve dabbled in just about every eating style — not because I was trying to follow trends, but because I was genuinely chasing health.

For about five years, I was vegetarian — partly for health, partly because I watched a documentary on factory farming that shook me to my core. Let me tell you, nothing will make you swear off grocery store meat faster than that footage.

I even gave veganism a shot… for about a week.
Turns out I love seafood and eggs way too much to break up with them.

And while some of those shifts came from good intentions, they were often rooted in whatever message was trending at the time:

• Low-fat everything: I was always hungry, and my mood was a mess.

• Raw vegan: Beautiful in theory. Exhausting in real life.

• Bars & shakes: I felt like I was always “on a program” instead of actually living.

• Obsessive tracking: I got good at the numbers — but this is exhausting.

I was following what sounded healthy — not what actually made me feel good.

Eventually, I got tired of the noise. I wanted truth, not trends.
So I started researching. Reading. Digging.

And then — I found Mark Sisson who introduced me to ancestral eating and the Primal Blueprint.

That was my turning point.

Suddenly, everything clicked:
Eat the way we were designed to eat. Real food. Fewer rules. More nourishment.
It wasn’t about dieting. It was about supporting my body with what it actually needed.

What Finally Shifted

Instead of asking, “What’s the perfect Nutritional philosophy?”
I started asking:
“How can I support my body, my metabolism, and my mental health in a way that actually feels good — and lasts?”

That one question changed everything.

I started eating real food — mostly animal-based, low in processed carbs, rich in nutrients.
I focused on the big stuff: strength, sleep, stress, sunlight, and simplicity.

Now? I feel better in my 60s than I did in my 40s.
Not because I found the “perfect diet.”
But because nourishing my body finally made sense.

Kelly

Walking My Way Across Portugal and Spain: My First Camino Adventure

I just got back from walking over 200 miles along the stunning coastline of Portugal and into the heart of Spain—.

For years, I dreamed of traveling abroad. I imagined cobblestone streets, ocean views, and long days of walking through ancient towns with a backpack and a big smile. But in the background everyone kept asking? What if you can’t handle it? What if you get lost? What if it’s too hard?

Well… this summer, I did it even if I had to go solo. I grabbed my passport, my pack, and my courage—and I took the leap. My first Camino de Santiago. The Portuguese Coastal Route, the Sende Litoral Variant. And I didn’t have to do it alone—my sister-in-law joined me, and thank goodness, because we’re the perfect pair. (We even tackled part of the Appalachian Trail together last year—so I already knew she could handle summer heat and long days.)

Walking with Someone Who Gets You

If you're going to spend 24 hours a day with someone, you’ve got to like 'em. You need someone who knows when to talk, when to walk, and when to just share the silence. Liz and I had that. We laughed, we rested, we powered through the long days and celebrated the little wins—like finding a café with cold sparkling water or a hotel bed that didn’t squeak.

A Coastal Path Worth Every Step

We chose the Portuguese Litoral Route because who wouldn’t want to walk along the gorgeous coastline of the Atlantic Ocean. Give me ocean breezes, seafood, and sandy paths and I’m in my element. This path is quieter than the traditional and more popular French Way, but no less beautiful. It’s a mix of boardwalks, forest trails, small villages, and centuries-old churches. Every step carried the weight of centuries—and the lightness of knowing I was exactly where I was meant to be.

The Real Journey Was Inside

This wasn’t just a travel adventure. It was me proving to myself that I could do hard things. That I could get on a plane, cross an ocean, and figure it out. I could trust that I’d be okay—and more than okay, I’d thrive.

Fear, it turns out, is a mile wide and an inch deep. It looks massive from the outside. But once you step through it? It crumbles. Turns out the scariest part was just deciding to go.

If You’re on the Fence...

Let this be your nudge. Do the thing. Book the trip. Take the walk. Say yes. Scary things only stay scary if you never do them. And there’s a whole world waiting for you once you push past that first wave of doubt.

What’s Next?

Well, I’m not done walking. I’ve got more Camino dreams, more trails to hike, and more stories to tell. And I’ll be sharing what we packed (and what we didn’t need), our favorite places to stay, and all the little moments that made this trip unforgettable.

So stick around. The adventure’s just getting started.

Small Shifts. Big Energy. This Is Where We Begin

Here’s how we can work together:

21-Day Metabolic Reboot

This is my signature starting point — a guided, supportive program designed to help you reset your metabolism, balance blood sugar, and feel better fast (without extreme dieting).

It includes:
✅ Simple, whole-food meal ideas (no counting calories or macros)
✅ Daily encouragement & mindset coaching
✅ Practical habit-building (sleep, movement, hydration, stress)
✅ Accountability and connection
✅ A real-life, no-pressure approach to change

Who it's for: Women who are ready to simplify their health, ditch the diet mentality, and build habits that work for real life.

1-on-1 Coaching (Limited Availability)

Want personalized support? I offer a limited number of private coaching sessions where we focus on your unique goals, lifestyle, and challenges.

This is ideal for women who want a bit more customization, flexibility, or just someone to walk alongside them during a season of change.

Ready to take the next step?

You don’t need to overhaul your life. You just need a place to begin.
Let this be it.

If you're interested, you can reach me directly at simply.eat.thrive@gmail.com or visit my Start Here page for more details.

Let’s keep this simple — and let’s make it work.

xo,
Kelly

Start Where You Are

Welcome to Simply Eat & Thrive. I’m Kelly — a lifelong learner, health coach, teacher, and woman figuring it out right alongside you.

This blog is part wellness journal, part travel log, and part midlife manifesto — written by someone who’s made mistakes, learned lessons, and still believes the best years are ahead.

I didn’t always eat well. I didn’t always feel good in my body. And for a long time, I thought health was about restriction, willpower, or chasing a certain number on the scale.

But things started to shift when I stopped trying to do it perfectly… and started doing it simply.

I leaned into eating like my ancestors — whole, nourishing foods. I moved my body because it feels good, not because I “had to.” I let go of the pressure to fix everything at once, and instead focused on what I could do each day to feel better.

And guess what? That small shift changed everything.

Now, I coach other women — not with rules or gimmicks, but with real tools that help them feel energized, strong, and confident again. Through my 21-Day Metabolic Reboot, I offer a gentle way to begin. And through this blog, I’ll be sharing everything from my favorite meals and daily health practices to the adventures I take (like walking the Camino in Portugal and Spain).

If you’re looking for complicated formulas or crash diets, you won’t find them here.
But if you’re ready to stop overthinking your health and start creating a life you’re excited to wake up to?
Welcome. You’re in the right place.

Let’s thrive — one simple day at a time.

xo,
Kelly