It has been over 3 years since I last wrote anything for my ‘Shrinking Fairy’ blog. I set that blog up a few years before that point as I embarked on my biggest personal challenge to date. to lose at least a third of my body weight. I joined Slimming World and managed to lose just over 6 stone to reach target. I went from a size 20/22 to a small size 10. That original blog can be found  here.

Now here I am, 3 years later starting that journey again! A lot can change in 3 years and that certainly is true in my case in many aspects. Personally there have been a lot of changes. I split from my husband last year, although we remain friends – simply a case of we drifted apart as we both developed differently over the years. I have moved from South Yorkshire (where I grew up) to West Yorkshire and also embarked on a new career moving from working in a school to working in the FE sector. The change that has led me back to this point however is that I gained most of the weight I lost. Probably the combination of going through a relationship breakdown, but also then finding happiness again and becoming comfortable with a special person.

Currently I live in a city in West Yorkshire with my fiancée Rob and his two children (both girls aged 3 & 11) who stay with us on a part time basis. I work full time, volunteer for a national charity and also work on an ad-hoc basis for my partner’s company. I am also studying a Level 5 course to develop myself personally. This mainly relates to the work I do with my partner but also benefits my main employment. I will shortly also be commencing a Level 4 course to develop further skills linked to my main employment. I play roller derby (well I guess I should say ‘did’ as I haven’t played for several months due to injury and I am currently undergoing physiotherapy). So things are rather busy!

As I embark on the weight loss journey again it will be rather different this time. As opposed to cooking for myself I now cook for a family which means exploring different meal options to please everyone. It is worth noting that my partner has Crohn’s disease which also influences the food that we eat at home.

I have a few goals to aim for that will help to keep me focused. Firstly is our holiday abroad in October. I’d like to lose at least one dress size by that point to feel more comfortable and confident around the pool. Secondly (and this is the big one!) we are getting married in the summer next year!! Eek. exciting times!

I’m back and I am motivated. I WILL do this! With the support of Rob I know I can achieve this!