A year ago, I was stuck in a rut. As a new mom, I was exhausted, overwhelmed, and frankly, not feeling like myself. Between the challenges of recovering from a C-section and adjusting to motherhood, I found myself constantly fatigued, struggling with simple things like climbing the stairs or picking up my baby. I knew something had to change but didn’t know where to start.
I had heard the term “glow-up” tossed around, but I never really took it seriously. For me, a glow-up wasn’t just about looking better—it was about feeling better in every way. I needed to elevate myself, not just physically but emotionally and mentally as well. That’s when I came across the 121 Glow Up Challenge by Angie Bellemare and the Daily Grind team. This program caught my attention because it offered a structured way to improve yourself with small, actionable steps.
What initially stood out to me was the idea of holistic transformation. This wasn’t about following a one-size-fits-all plan. The challenge addressed everything from skincare to fitness, from mindset to habits—everything I felt I was missing. I had spent so much time focusing on taking care of everyone else that I had neglected myself. This challenge gave me a roadmap to begin shifting my focus back to me.
Starting the Glow Up Challenge wasn’t easy. It required consistency, self-discipline, and a commitment to myself—something I hadn’t prioritized for a long time. But I knew I was worth it. I needed to get out of the funk I was in. I needed to rebuild my physical strength, regain my energy, and feel good in my own skin again.
The first month was challenging. I felt sore from workouts I hadn’t done in ages, and adjusting to new habits felt overwhelming at times. But slowly, I began to see changes. It wasn’t just about losing weight or looking better—it was about how I felt after completing each daily task. The more I stuck to the habits, the more I noticed my energy increasing, my skin improving, and my mindset shifting. I felt stronger, both physically and emotionally.
One of the most important lessons I learned was that a glow-up isn’t about achieving perfection. It’s about progress. It’s about embracing the journey and realizing that every step forward, no matter how small, matters. That first step in my glow-up journey was the hardest, but it was also the most important. It was the beginning of something new for me.
In this video, I dive deeper into the specifics of the challenge and how the habit-stacking technique helped me build consistency. But for now, I want to encourage anyone who’s feeling stuck or overwhelmed to start their own glow-up journey. It doesn’t have to be perfect—it just has to start. And believe me, you’re worth every effort.
Elizabeth Yuen 