Cheesecake, Clarity & Turning 45

I turned 45 this summer. No big party. Just a quiet, meaningful shift — the kind of birthday that doesn’t need balloons to feel significant.

It came in the middle of my GLP-1 journey. I was a few months into taking Wegovy, and things were shifting — not just in my body, but in my head. I felt lighter, yes. But not just in pounds. There was less chaos. Less food noise. More space.

And yet, I found myself wondering…What do I do on my birthday? Do I just skip the cake? Sit on the sidelines while everyone else celebrates?

That’s when my nutritionist gave me the best advice I’ve received all year. She looked at me and said, gently but clearly:

“Go out. Eat the cheesecake. Order dessert at the fancy restaurant. Take the kids for ice cream and actually have some. Celebrate your birthday — don’t sit on the sidelines.”

I nearly cried.

Because it wasn’t just about food. It was about freedom. It was about giving myself permission to join my own life again — not wait until I hit a goal weight, or felt “done,” or looked a certain way.

So I went out with my kids. We laughed. I ordered the cheesecake. I had a bite of their ice cream. I didn’t overthink it, I didn’t restrict later, and I didn’t punish myself.

And for maybe the first time in my adult life… birthday dessert didn’t come with a side of guilt.

This is what we don’t always talk about with GLP-1s. Yes, they can quiet your appetite. But more importantly — they can help quiet the shame. They can create space to make choices from a place of calm, not panic.

Turning 45 wasn’t just a number. It was a moment where I chose to be in the picture, not around it. I chose joy, softness, presence. I chose to live.

If you’re reading this and wondering if you’re “allowed” to celebrate while still on your journey, here’s your sign. You are. Fully. Beautifully. Right now.

🎒 Want to reflect more on moments like this?👉 Download the 30-Day GLP-1 Clarity Journal

💡 Coming soon: I’ll be sharing a post about how I found the right nutritionist — one who supports this journey with balance, not fear — and how I built a small but strong support team (doctor, fitness coach, mindset help) even with budget constraints.

Because this isn’t just about medication. It’s about rebuilding trust with your body, your life, and the way you take care of yourself.

Stay tuned for that one — it’s important.