I got married at 22 and had my daughter soon after. Motherhood changed my body—and my husband decided that meant he no longer wanted me. He left without much explanation, without help, without looking back.
I was exhausted, heavier than I’d ever been, broke, and holding a newborn who depended on me for everything.
I moved back in with my mother. She gave me her bedroom and slept on the couch while I cried quietly at night, rocking my baby and wondering how my life had fallen apart so fast.
Those months were survival mode. I didn’t recognize my body. I didn’t recognize my future. But I held on for my daughter. Her laughter. Her tiny hands reaching for me. Those moments kept me standing.
Eventually, I went back to work as a manicurist. It started small—cleaning stations, watching others work, practicing late at night on my mom’s hands. Slowly, I got better. My confidence grew. Clients asked for me by name. Money came in. Not much—but enough.
I walked every evening with my daughter in her stroller. Those walks changed more than my body—they changed my mindset. I stopped waiting to be chosen. I chose myself.
Two years later, I was independent, successful, glowing in ways that had nothing to do with weight. I posted a photo one day—happy, strong, proud.
That’s when my ex messaged:
“You look amazing. I miss us.”
I didn’t miss him.
Someone who loves you doesn’t leave when life gets hard. They don’t return only when the results look good.
Today, I run my own studio, raise a confident daughter, and help other women who are starting where I once stood.
And I’ve learned this:
You’re not broken.
You’re becoming.
