This post is sponsored by Juniper. Sign up to the Juniper program here and use code EVIEJUNIPER for $75 off each of your first two months – valid til midnight 31 July 2025 (cannot be used in conjunction with other offers).
A few weeks ago I decided I would jump back into the water and do an ocean swim. It’s winter and it’s freezing, so I’d been saying no to weekly swims with the group I’m in because I hate being cold. But I said no so much I became obsessed and it turned into a yes.
I love swimming. I started swimming in a squad when I was in primary school, and I think the training has always stayed with me because I am okay to jump in the ocean and swim at any time. Usually that’s just in a swimming cossie but of course it’s so COLD I needed some extra help.
One of the swimming girls offered me one of her wetsuits.
I paused.
Pre my 17-kilo weight loss through the Juniper program I would have said no, knowing it would be a stretch for me to fit into it (and probably embarrassing trying to heave it on), but appreciating the offer.
This time though, I said yes.
And on the morning of the swim when Clare brought it down for me I tried it on.
AND IT FIT.
I was finally a size that fits within the general wetsuit sharing parameters.
It was so exciting. I fit the wetsuit!
The joy of this is what is called a ‘non scale victory’. It’s an achievement that’s not measured by the numbers on the scale or on a tape measure, and for me it was the wonderful feeling of joy that came from just being able to put the wetsuit on and having it fit.
I was so happy! I swam that swim and saw a grouper and just loved being in the water again.
Find out more about the Juniper program here and use code EVIEJUNIPER for $75 off each of your first two months – valid til midnight 31 July 2025 (cannot be used in conjunction with other offers).
This experience made me realise that I had a subconscious decline button that I’d been hitting a lot due to my weight. I had never realised this before. I thought my weight didn’t limit me at all. But this experience made me realise that there were many things I declined because of my weight – but I was just used to doing it. It’s like I made a quick assessment first and then would say no based purely on my weight limiting me.
Like immediately wanting to decline the wetsuit. I didn’t have to do that anymore.
Now my weight doesn’t factor into my decision making.
Non-scale victories really add so much to the weight loss and health journey. It’s the extra joy I find unexpectedly in the day to day. Many people would call them glimmers I suppose, it’s the joyful little things that add so much.
Another one for me is finding my joy in going to the gym again. For a long time my joints hurt so much that it was hard for me even to walk without pain, and now with weight loss and some help from anti inflammatories I’m back in the gym and I’m loving it.
I’m meeting new people, catching up with old friends and really enjoying looking after my body. Afterall, the work I put in will see results not only now but over the next 20 – 30 years as I get older.
Challenging myself and achieving exercise and weight goals at the gym inspired me to do more and set more goals, and is so good for my mental health as well as my physical health.
I’ve even started using hotel gyms (after carrying my gear for years and never setting foot inside them) and doing weights each day plus a walk when I’m travelling which keeps me in a routine and makes me feel so good.
At home, I can walk further, I’m outside with the doggos even more and I love taking them down to new dog beaches and parks we are finding.
The lifestyle changes and benefits are not only helping me physically, but have made such a positive impact on my mental health. Working out, exercising and being outdoors makes such a big change to my happiness, especially when I include being with friends.
One of my favourite parts of the week is my Wednesday morning walk with my girlfriends. I spring out of bed in the dark, chuck on my gear and I’m ready to go.
These non-scale victories have changed my life and I know there will be more to bring me more joy and happiness.
I can’t wait.
Sign up to the Juniper program here and use code EVIEJUNIPER for $75 off each of your first two months – valid til midnight 31 July 2025 (cannot be used in conjunction with other offers).