I’m a cat mom, daughter, sister, friend, technical writer, Toastmaster, and so much more. Thanks for checking out my first blog post. I’m glad you’re here!
Let me tell you a little about me and why I’ve started this blog.
My background is in Professional Writing (Bachelor of Arts) and Communication Studies (minor) from Fitchburg State University. I work as an information developer (fancy term for technical writer) in high tech. I used to be a college writing tutor. Yeah — you could say I like to write!
Joining Toastmasters in May 2023 allowed me to write creatively again, something I hadn’t done since I started my career in tech in June 2016. It has been a lot of fun finding my voice again when I write speeches. I might be a Toastmaster who gets up in a room full of people and does a speech or two every Tuesday night, but I’m a written communication girlie at heart!
Toastmasters has an educational program called Pathways. There are 11 specialized paths a Toastmaster can choose from, including Presentation Mastery, which is mine. I started this blog because one of the Level 4 elective options was to create a blog and blog at least 8 times in one month about anything I choose.
I have a lot of things I’m passionate about (my sister figured I’d write my blog about cats!) but I picked my weight loss journey because it’s something I’m still working on, so it’s relevant to me right now. I may be down 71.8 pounds from my heaviest weight, but I’m still not where I want to be yet.
It’s not an easy journey by any means and I found some comfort in journaling (with pen in one of those composition notebooks!) on my difficult days. I think having a creative outlet while I continue to strive for weight maintenance is incredibly important.
In a way, this blog might be a love letter and an apology to my past self. If Fat Kate could see me now — and I say Fat Kate with love, I promise — I think we’d have a lot to talk (and cry!) about.
Many of the photos I will post have never been seen before. I’ve kept these photos close to my heart and off of social media — but it’s time to share them and show the world that you can take back your life. My only regret is not starting this blog sooner.
I plan to post twice a week during April to meet the 8-post minimum requirement for Toastmasters. There will be a new post every Tuesday (Toastmaster Tuesdays!) and Friday. I’ll continue to blog past April as I have a lot of thoughts and I’m in the middle of another 12-week weight loss session with my Coach (more on the woman who changed my life later! Here’s her website if you’re curious — you may even see me!). I won’t be done with Session #3 until May 31.
If someone who is also on a weight loss journey finds my blog and something I have written resonates with them, then spending time on this blog is worth its weight in gold. And if you’re reading along and not on a weight journey (loss or gain), then I hope this blog helps you find yourself filled with more compassion for those who are struggling with their weight.
I hope that by sharing my highs and lows, some tips and tricks, and so much more, you, too, can fight to take back you. You are worth so much more than that number on the scale. I can promise you that.
I am taking back Kate. One meal, one day, one workout at a time.
Looking forward to bringing you all along with me!
~ K
Taking Back Kate 