Five years ago, I hated my life — except for my job.
I was surrounded by “friends” who drained my energy, stuck in a relationship with a narcissist (something I only truly understood later), and living in a house that felt more like a building site than a home. I was a shadow of my former fit self and, if I’m honest, deeply unhappy.
But here’s the truth I learned the hard way:
The only person who has the power to change your life is YOU.
So, step by step, I started making changes.
Step 1: End Relationships That Drain You
The first and hardest step was ending that relationship. I thought it would be lonely and painful, but the opposite was true — it was freeing. I regretted not ending it years earlier.
While I didn’t read a specific book at the time, I listened to a lot of podcasts about narcissistic relationships and emotional wellbeing. Podcasts are free on most streaming platforms and incredibly accessible.
One of my goals for 2026 is to listen more to Mel Robbins. I’ve just started her book Let Them, which I’d highly recommend for anyone learning to let go of what no longer serves them.
Step 2: Change Your Eating Habits (Properly)
I started eating healthier — and I learned a big lesson along the way.
Just because I’m vegan doesn’t automatically mean I’m healthy. Ultra-processed food is still ultra-processed, whether it’s vegan or not.
Changing my mindset around food was key. I highly recommend reading Ultra-Processed People to better understand how what we eat affects how we feel, think, and live.
Healthy eating isn’t about perfection — it’s about awareness and consistency.
Step 3: Get Back Into Fitness (One Habit at a Time)
Next, I joined a gym and started rebuilding my fitness. It wasn’t easy. I began in mid-December, when it was cold, dark, and far too easy to stay in bed.
I know mornings are when I’m most alert, so I committed to early workouts — even when I didn’t feel like it. Especially when I didn’t feel like it.
If you’re trying to change habits, I highly recommend Atomic Habits. The concept of habit stacking completely changed how I approach routine and discipline.
Progress comes from showing up, not from motivation.
Step 4: Protect Your Energy (Including on Social Media)
I made the decision to distance myself from people who brought nothing but drama, negativity, or emotional drain. The same went for social media.
Constantly seeing how “perfect” everyone else’s life appears can be damaging — especially when you’re already struggling. What we see online isn’t real life; it’s just the highlight reel.
Instead, I replaced scrolling with listening — podcasts while driving, washing up, or even relaxing in the bath. Lately, I’ve been enjoying Steven Bartlett’s podcast, recommended by our Bedford franchisee.
What you consume mentally matters just as much as what you consume physically.
Step 5: Take Action, Room by Room
Room by room, I started fixing up my house. And yes — I did meet the man of my dreams along the way (I like to think I manifested him), who also happens to have excellent DIY skills.
We’ve only completed a couple of rooms so far, but every week we take action — even when we don’t feel like it. Because without action, nothing changes.
We focused first on the main living spaces: the kitchen/diner and hallway. Just having a welcoming social space made a huge difference.
Everything was done on a budget — repurposing furniture, buying second-hand, and shopping smart online.
Change Doesn’t Happen Overnight
I’m incredibly grateful that I already had a job I loved. I can’t imagine how much harder those years would have been without it.
Turning my life around didn’t happen overnight — and I’m still a work in progress. The house isn’t finished. Healthy eating and fitness are lifelong commitments, not quick fixes. And my business is a long-term goal too.
But I looked at my life, decided what I wanted it to look like, and started making it happen.
One step at a time.
If starting your own business — and changing your life — is something you want, drop me a message and let’s have a chat:
👉 https://pets2placesfranchise.co.uk/contact-us/
