MY JOURNEY FOR SELF-DISCOVERY AND SELF-LOVE THROUGH FITNESS
Who Am I?
Hi, I’m Jenifer Ndeda—you can call me J. I’m 44 years young—and I believe age is just a number! I’m blessed with three amazing children: an 18-year-old, an 8-year-old, and a lively
5-year-old. My life is a beautiful chaos of motherhood, career, and friendship, all woven together with a desire to become the best version of myself.
Life Before My Transformation
Once upon a time, I was a happy-go-lucky lawyer, working within the Public Service. I was happily married but that part of my life ended, leaving me with three beautiful humans and a
deep motivation to rebuild. Currently am happily focusing on myself, thriving in my career, and juggling life with my little family. I love where I am at.
Back to fitness, honestly exercising was never really my thing during school or early adulthood. It was only after my first child that I started jogging, doing aerobics, and dabbling in light weight training.
Then came my second pregnancy—my weight started climbing, and I became a moving “wildlife” (yes, I’m laughing now). By the time I had my third child, I was a combined
“wildlife,” tipping the scales at a staggering 129 kilograms during the peak of the pandemic. Life felt like a mess I couldn’t quite untangle.
My self-esteem plummeted. I couldn’t bear to look at myself in the mirror. Social gatherings?
I avoided them like the plague. Sleep was a struggle—turning in bed was a workout itself.
Simple things like sitting on a toilet became a challenge; I’d have to call myself to
“meetings” to get up again. I ate everything and anything to soothe my feelings, and I often
felt invisible in clothes that no longer fit despite being able to afford them.
It was a dark, lonely time. But then, one day, I called myself to a meeting—this time, a
serious one—to turn things around. That was September 2021. And I’ve never looked back
since.
My Motivation
My biggest motivation was reclaiming my life and confidence. I feared that if I didn’t
change, I might miss out on seeing my children grow, their milestones slipping away while I
remained stuck. I wanted to live—not just survive—and be present for every moment with
my little humans.
Moving for Life
Today, I’m all about walking, jogging, and running. My goal is to cover between 60 to 100
kilometres every week. I don’t chase personal bests; I focus on moving comfortably and
maintaining energy for the long haul—because I want to stay active into my sunset years. To
spice things up, sometimes, I hike or go to the gym for weight training, but the core of my
routine remains consistency.
Over time, I’ve added hiking and occasional aerobics, but walking, jogging, and running have
been my faithful companions through this journey.
Overcoming Challenges
Getting started wasn’t easy. I was clueless about workout attire, shoes, and proper gear.
Finding a community to train with was also a challenge—I had to make do with what I had.
But I believe that where there’s a will, there’s always a way.
Support from caring family members and caregivers has been crucial. When time is tight, I
squeeze in 20- or 30-minute workouts. It’s about quality over quantity. As a mother, I’ve
learned that everything is about balance. If something is important, I make time for it. My
“me time” during workouts is sacred—my family understands and respects that.
Nutritional Habits (Or Lack Thereof)
Honestly, I don’t have a fancy nutritional plan. Portion control is my secret weapon—simple and effective. I’ve tried various diets, but nothing stuck. I just try to be mindful of when I eat and how much. That’s enough to keep me on track.
Staying Motivated
When progress feels slow, I remind myself how far I’ve come. I keep a positive mindset and push forward—crawling when I need to, sprinting when I can. The journey is about resilience.
The Power of Fitness in My Life
Fitness is my “Panadol”—my remedy for life’s ups and downs. It clears my mind, boosts my mood, and helps me tackle whatever comes my way. Without it, I’d be in a terrible mood most days. Exercise keeps me sane, strong, and ready for anything.
Achievements and Milestones
The milestone I’m most proud of? My self-esteem. I feel confident, capable, and alive. Fitness has transformed me into a better mother, a better friend, and a better person overall.
On days I don’t move, I notice a dip in my mood—so movement is non-negotiable.
Words of Wisdom for Other Moms
To every woman reading this especially mothers: “Fitness is a lifestyle, not an event.” Once you start, don’t look back. Surround yourself with like-minded people, stay focused, and trust
the process. Even when it’s tough, crawl if you must—just don’t stop. Remember, you’re important too. Take time for yourself, move your body, and make your health a priority.
Your future self will thank you.
Final Thoughts
My journey is ongoing, but I’m grateful for every step. It’s proof that change is possible—no matter how late you start. And the best part? I’m just getting started.
