A  few years ago, I felt like everything in my life was spinning out of control.

My mom was in recovery from breast cancer—a fight that had taken so much from her, and from all of us. Around the same time, my grandfather was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Watching someone you love slowly slip away is terrifying. I was also dealing with my own health struggles—severe, unexplained pain that kept me in bed for days at a time. I didn’t know yet that I had endometriosis, but I knew something was wrong.

It felt like illness was everywhere. I couldn’t escape it. And worst of all, I felt helpless.

I started to believe that my body was broken—something I would have to endure, not something I could trust or work with.

Then, something shifted.

When the Gym Became My Sanctuary

One day, my dad asked if I wanted to go to the gym with him. I didn’t expect anything from it. I was tired, emotionally drained, and honestly, pretty intimidated by the idea of lifting weights. But I went—mostly just to spend time with him.

What happened next surprised me.

I started to feel strong. Not instantly, and not without discomfort. But for the first time in what felt like forever, I felt powerful in my own body. I could do something hard and watch myself get better at it. I could feel muscles activating, my posture improving, my breathing deepening.

The gym gave me structure and clarity. Lifting weights became more than just exercise—it became therapy. A place to focus, to feel capable, and to release the fear I had been holding in my body.

Empowerment Is the Opposite of Helplessness

Before weightlifting, I was at war with my body. I didn’t trust it. I didn’t even like it most days. But lifting showed me that my body wasn’t the enemy—it was the place where I could build resilience.

I started to walk taller. I started showing up differently in my life.
That feeling—of lifting yourself out of fear and into strength—is something I wish every girl could experience.

Weightlifting taught me that I didn’t have to wait for someone to “fix” me. I could take responsibility for my health in ways that were deeply healing and even joyful.

Redefining My Future

Watching my mom battle breast cancer and my grandfather struggle with Alzheimer’s changed me. It made me realize that health isn’t guaranteed—and that our daily choices matter.

When I started learning more about fitness, I found out that strength training isn’t just about looking strong—it’s one of the best things you can do for your long-term health. Studies show that regular resistance training can reduce your risk of chronic diseases, including some forms of cancer, and it may even help protect brain function as you age.

I may carry genetic risks. But that doesn’t mean I’m powerless.

Every time I lift a weight, I’m investing in my future. I’m building a body that can carry me through what’s ahead. That gives me hope.

Becoming Obsessed—in the Best Way

I’ll admit it: I got obsessed. In the best way.

I started reading everything I could find about fitness, nutrition, and strength training. I followed trainers and health experts on Instagram and TikTok, learned about mobility, muscle recovery, and how to fuel my body properly. I watched videos on how to squat with proper form, how to deadlift safely, how to build a workout plan.

I started experimenting with what made me feel best—more protein, more sleep, more hydration. The more I learned, the more I realized how much agency I have.

I’m still learning. I’m still growing. But now, I feel like I’m on a path that’s mine. Not something that happened to me, but something I chose.

A Final Word to Any Girl Feeling Lost in Her Body

If you’ve ever felt betrayed by your body… if you’ve ever been scared by a diagnosis (yours or someone else’s)… if you’ve ever felt small, anxious, out of control—
Let me tell you something: you don’t have to stay stuck there.

Lifting weights isn’t just for boys. It’s not just for athletes. It’s for any girl who wants to feel strong again—or maybe for the first time.

It’s not about perfection. It’s about power.

Claim yours.

— Rowan 💪🏼🧠💙