The Wellness Spotlight series highlights military spouses and their real world health and wellness journeys in a Facebook live series. Below is an excerpt of Susan's feature.

WHAT WAS YOUR LOWEST MOMENT, WHEN YOUR HEALTH SUFFERED THE MOST?

I am in my lowest moment right now. Just last week I received the news that my cervical biopsy was benign. I must admit that the news was relieving, but now I am still seeking answers for what is going on. Not only do I have unanswered questions about my lady parts and their overall health, I have a massive hernia that needs to be repaired. And I can’t seem to find a capable surgeon that I trust. I’ve had 3 other surgeries to repair this same hernia, and so far no one can fix it.

I’m overweight, pretty unhappy with how I feel, and frustrated with the state of medical care. However, I’m doing the best I can and I am thankful for my family.

WHAT WAS YOUR HIGHEST MOMENT?

A few years ago, I was working out weekly with the BEST personal trainer I have ever had. He pushed me to limits that I didn’t know possible. Though I was considered plus size, I was smaller, stronger, and felt amazing. I was lifting weights and getting a little drunk on the feeling of lifting. Then I needed surgery again.

WHAT IS ONE PERSONAL HABIT THAT CONTRIBUTES TO YOUR SUCCESS?

I like to implement one habit change at a time. I truly believe that too many habit changes, suddenly, results in failure. Well, no one wants that. So first it’s my eating habits, next it’s adding in workouts again. I live in a hilly neighborhood and have walking paths nearby, so I take advantage of what is around me.

The hernia has limited my ability to work out, but that doesn’t mean I can’t go walking, add in some squats and assisted push ups in my work out.

IF YOU COULD SHARE A HEALTH AND WELLNESS RESOURCE WITH THE COMMUNITY, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

I keep things very simple when it comes to resources. I use InDependent and that’s it. Not to do a shameless plug, but that’s the only one I want to use because I love the content and how supportive people are. Also, I don’t read a lot of self-help books, but something that has really helped with my meal planning is the Thug Kitchen Cookbook. The language is salty, like mine, and the food is good AND healthy.

What RESOURCES do you recommend?

InDependent | Virtual- a community where military spouses are able to come together and discuss all things health, wellness, fitness, nutrition, and military life.

(Purchases using the link above will help InDependent cover administrative costs for our programs at no extra cost to you!)

ABOUT SUSAN REYNOLDS

Susan is an Air Force spouse living in Fort Bragg, NC. She grew up as an Army kid and moved so many times she has lost count. She is an advocate, writer, storyteller, a mom, a friend, and a spouse. Susan also co-hosts Spouse Sprouts, a live podcast, every Wednesday at 9:30am EST. Spouse Sprouts's mission is to inject humor into the military spouse experience, tell stories, and share information. 

CONNECT WITH SUSAN:

Twitter: @motheradvocate |  Facebook: Spouse Sprouts | Web: Spouse Sprouts