The Comeback Code: The Non-Negotiables for My Comeback Story

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Alright, let’s get one thing straight—I have spent way too much time at rock bottom, basically treating it like an all-inclusive resort for bad decisions and self-pity. If rock bottom had a loyalty program, I’d have enough points for a free stay. Climbing out isn’t some cinematic moment where I suddenly glow up into my best self with a montage and a motivational soundtrack. 

Nope. It’s a series of tiny, painfully unglamorous choices. It’s trading self-sabotage for self-respect, learning to sit with discomfort instead of sprinting toward distraction, and—most importantly—sticking to the damn thing, even when my brain is throwing a tantrum and demanding I crawl back under a blanket fort with a family-sized bag of chocolate.

So, in the name of radical accountability (and because the threat of public shame works wonders on my motivation), I’m introducing my Comeback Code – A no-BS guide to rebuilding myself, one non-negotiable at a time.—aka my SLA (Self-Love Agreement) with myself. 

These are my five daily rules for getting my life together, one stubborn, awkward, sometimes ridiculous step at a time. Not perfectly. Not effortlessly. But with intention, grit, and at least one unnecessarily dramatic pep talk in the bathroom mirror.

1. Move My Body (Even When It Protests Like a Union on Strike)

Exercise and I have been in a long-term situationship—mostly consisting of me ghosting it. It’s not that I don’t see the appeal. Moving is great. Movement keeps you healthy. Blah, blah, blah. But do you know what’s also great? 

Sitting. Sitting is undefeated. Sitting never leaves me drenched in sweat, gasping like a fish out of water, or questioning every decision that led me to a burpee.

And the real kicker? I live right next to the Lagoon—a literal scenic paradise—and yet I treat it like an ex I’m avoiding. People travel miles just to see it, meanwhile, I’m inside, debating whether walking to the fridge counts as cardio.

But here’s the deal: I need to move. Not because I love it, but because I want to be that 80-year-old who can still carry her own groceries—not one who sounds like a haunted house door hinge every time she stands up. 

Whether it’s a brisk walk by the water (finally), stretching out my creaky limbs, or a full-on sweat session that makes me rethink my existence, I have to do it. My joints demand it. My future self deserves it. And honestly? The Lagoon is tired of my excuses.

3. Do the Inner Work (Because Therapy is Cheaper Than Repeating Bad Habits)

Listen, weight loss isn’t just about burning calories—it’s about burning through the emotional baggage that made me inhale an entire pizza like it was a personality trait.

For years, I thought I could just power through with sheer willpower. But willpower is basically my WiFi signal—strong in the morning, nonexistent by 2 PM when I’m standing in front of the fridge, wondering how I got there. The real fix? Inner work.

Journaling, therapy, meditation, or just having a full-blown TED Talk with myself in the shower—I have to deal with my stuff. Otherwise, I’m just duct-taping a sinking ship and acting shocked when I’m underwater (again).

4. Socialize or Fossilize (Even When My Inner Gremlin Screams “No”)

My default coping mechanism? 

Full hermit mode!

Burrito myself in blankets. 

Ghost the group chat. 

Pretend my phone doesn’t exist. 

Basically, vanish like a WiFi signal in a basement.

But let’s be real—that’s how I’ve kept myself stuck. Isolation is like a toxic relationship with my couch: comfortable, but ultimately not helping me grow. Meanwhile, connection? That’s the good stuff. That’s where the pep talks, reality checks, and occasional roasting sessions happen.

So, whether it’s sending a “Hey, still alive” text, ranting to an online group, or actually stepping outside (ew, sunlight), I need to stay connected. Even when my social battery is at 1% and there’s no charger in sight.

Because here’s the truth: we’re not built to do life solo. And if I want to thrive, I need people who remind me that I can, I will, and also who will call me out when I start making dramatic excuses. (Which I absolutely will.)

5. Celebrate Small Wins (Because I Refuse to Wait Until I’m "Done")

For years, I played the game of "I’ll be happy when..."
I’ll be happy when I lose the weight. When I fit into the jeans. When I wake up one morning magically looking like a fitness influencer who exclusively eats protein bowls and radiates self-discipline.

Spoiler alert: That mindset is trash. It stole joy from every single step because I was too busy waiting for some imaginary finish line instead of enjoying the ride.

So now? I throw a party for the tiniest victories.

  • Drank my water today? Hydration Queen!
  • Moved my body instead of fusing with the couch for 10 straight hours? Athlete of the Year!
  • Said no to something that would have derailed my progress? Self-control unlocked!

Every small win counts, because they pile up like dirty laundry (but in a good way). And those tiny, daily choices? They’re what’s taking me from where I was to where I actually want to be.

Moral of the story: Celebrate now. Not when you’re “done.” Because who even decides when that is?

Final Thoughts: The Promise to Myself

This isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being consistent. It’s about showing up for myself, even when motivation is a no-show. The Comeback Code? It's my daily contract with myself—the promise that no matter how slow, no matter how messy, I will keep going.

Because I’ve been at rock bottom. And I refuse to stay there.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have some water to drink, a workout to pretend I enjoy, and a very questionable attempt at making a kale smoothie.

👉 What’s on your comeback list? Drop yours in the comments—I want to hear what keeps you moving forward. And if you’re also struggling with sweating, lunges, or the betrayal of a judgmental water bottle, let’s commiserate together. We got this.


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