The Online Teacher Who Changed—Quietly, Consistently, Completely

✍️ Blog Post: “The Zoom Teacher Who Changed—Quietly, Consistently, Completely”

By Brenda Brooks

Like many online teachers, I spend most of my days sitting. Teaching back-to-back lessons, giving my energy to students across the globe, and building something meaningful from behind a screen.

And like many of us, I got used to ignoring the aches, the fatigue, the clothes that fit a little tighter every month. I knew I didn’t feel like myself, but the to-do list was always louder than the voice in my head that whispered, What about you?

Forty-three days ago, I decided to listen to that voice.

I didn’t overhaul my life. I didn’t start a diet or punish my body with brutal workouts. I simply started moving more, eating with intention, and choosing myself a little more each day.

And now?
Over 66 centimeters have melted off my body.
Twenty-six of them from my waist alone.

But this story isn’t just about centimeters. It’s about what I’ve gained:

A morning routine that grounds me
Joints that don’t ache when I stand up between classes
The energy to keep teaching with joy instead of just surviving the day
A quieter mind and better sleep at night
A growing confidence that’s sneaking into my voice on camera

This isn’t a quick fix. It’s a loving return to myself—one step, one bike ride, one nourishing meal at a time.

🌿 No Pills. No Extremes. Just Nourishment and Time for Me.

Over the last 6 weeks, I haven’t followed a diet—I’ve made a shift. A shift in how I care for myself, in what I put on my plate, and in how I make space for me.

I didn’t count every calorie or deprive myself. I didn’t pop weight-loss pills or punish my body. I simply filled my meals with protein, vegetables, and foods that actually leave me full.

And you know what?
👉 I haven’t had cravings.
👉 I haven’t had headaches.
👉 I haven’t felt deprived.

I’ve eaten slow cooker meals packed with veggies, lean meats, hummus, eggs, yogurt with fruit and honey, and satisfying stews. It’s not fancy. It’s not perfect. But it’s mine—and it works.

This isn’t a diet. It’s a lifestyle change.
It’s learning that taking time to prepare a meal is also taking time for me.
It’s not about losing control—it’s about coming back to center.

To my fellow online teachers: I know your days are full. But you deserve to feel full too—of energy, joy, and peace in your body.

You don’t need pills.
You don’t need extremes.
You just need a plan that’s kind, real, and made for you. 💛