Doctors told me I needed surgery.
At the time, I was experiencing a whirlwind of strange and unsettling symptoms:
- Fatigue that felt like I was dragging through quicksand.
- Mood swings that left me feeling like a stranger in my own skin.
- Persistent headaches and brain fog that clouded my days.
- Weight gain that seemed unstoppable, no matter what I tried.
- Thinning hair that left me heartbroken every time I looked in the mirror.
- Decreased sex drive, acne, abdominal pain, trouble sleeping, and waves of depression that washed over me relentlessly.
The pain in my abdomen, pelvis, and lower back was unbearable at times. It felt like my body was working against me.
But the worst part? I didn’t recognize the person staring back at me in the mirror.
I was gaining weight rapidly, and horrendous acne covered my face, robbing me of any self-confidence I had left. I felt ugly, unworthy, and hopeless.
Doctors told me surgery was the answer. But deep down, the “scaredy-cat” in me—and my firm belief that surgery should always be the last option—made me pause.
So, I said no.
But my refusal to go under the knife didn’t make the pain or symptoms go away. In fact, they worsened.
Eventually, I hit rock bottom.
I couldn’t bear to leave the house. I avoided pictures like the plague. I felt invisible, not because people couldn’t see me, but because I wanted to disappear.
Looking back now, I realize those dark moments were preparing me for something greater.
It led me to learn more about how the body works.
I learned through movement sciences like Pilates and Yoga that the body can be the source of healing.
Not just any type of yoga or pilates but a different kind. It wasn’t about fancy poses or flexibility. It was about healing.
Healing my hormones. Healing my body. Healing me.
It took time, dedication, and faith, but slowly, everything began to change.
The fatigue lifted. My moods stabilized. My skin cleared. The weight started to come off. I began to sleep better, feel lighter, and rediscover myself.
Yoga became my lifeline, my breakthrough, and eventually, my mission.
Today, I’m grateful for those struggles, because they’ve given me the privilege of helping other women transform their lives.
That’s why the STINKYBODY Community is so close to my heart. It’s the culmination of years of searching, researching, and praying for answers.
It’s my gift to you, and I truly believe it can help you, too.
I hope to meet you on the mat someday.
With love,
Amanda
xoxo