We are over half way through the year now so I thought it’s time for a little update. It’s been a whilst since I did a life update. Some of you may have noticed I have been a bit MIA recently, both with this blog and on social media too. Firstly, thank you to the lovely people that have reached out to check that I’m ok, it means a lot.
They always say life is a rollercoaster but that is the understatement of the year. I have had so many highs and lows, I’ve often felt drained in between. There are some things that I currently can’t talk about and which I may not ever speak about over on here. It is both painful and traumatic and something that has definitely been affecting my mental health, so let’s start with that.
My Mental Health
2021 was a year that my mental health really took a turn for the worse. Going into 2022, I had hoped that it would get better. When you’re at rock bottom, the only way is up right? I have had some really good moments, but there have been quite a few dark times that have really had me questioning everything. But all is not lost. Whilst I can’t completely control my mental health, I know the signs and how to help relief some of the symptoms of depression. That took me a while to master, but it is one of the reasons why I have been a lot quieter on here. As much as I love my blog, I knew I needed to dedicate the time to take care of myself. Which brings me onto the next topic…
My Physical Health
Back in March, I decided that I wanted to change my appearance. By that, I mean that I wanted to tone up. In addition to that, I also wanted to become fitter. I also knew that by doing this, it would improve my mental health and give me something to focus on. So, I did the classic thing of take out a gym membership. Do I regret it? Not in the slightest. Not only have I dropped a dress size, but I’ve also made some more friends. My mental health is in a much better place and its getting me out of the house each week.
So what do I do? I’m completely flexible when it comes to this routine and if I don’t feel like it on a particular day, I will give it a miss. However, I do an aqua aerobics class three times a week which is a lot of fun. I also do a step fitness class twice a week. Whilst I’d also like to say this is fun, at the time, I would liken it to a form of torture. However, it is getting my heart rate up with is something I’m really passionate about due to a family history of heart problems. I also try to do a 45 minute gym workout once maybe twice a week. This is where I do a mix of cardio and weight training in the hope of toning up.
If that wasn’t enough, I also like to try and get out for an hours walk everyday. It is certainly keeping me busy whilst being fun at the same time.
My blog and launching a YouTube channel
My blog is my baby and I love how far its been able to go. I love dedicating time and hard work to it because the rewards are amazing. I’ve met so many great people through this blog and it is definitely something I plan on keeping for a long time to come.
Earlier this year, I decided to relaunch my YouTube channel after a four year break. I won’t lie, I was terrified, but it was something I used to enjoy and wanted to do again. I’ve always deemed it a lifestyle channel because much like this blog, it also documents things in my life. I have a mix of sit down videos and vlogs which hopefully adds a bit of variety and insight into my life.
Can I continue to run the two side by side? Yes I really hope so. It does mean I will need to make a few small changes though. I have decided that after today’s post, I will drop down to just one post a week most of the time. If I’m lucky enough to get work come in or there is something I really want to write about, there may be more. But if that does happen, it will just be a bonus for that week. I upload two videos a week over on my YouTube channel, Mondays & Fridays as a rule.
I would love to merge the two into a kind of community which is where you come in. So many of you follow me on social media and follow this blog, I would really love for you to subscribe to my channel too. I don’t expect you to watch every video I put out but having you subscribed and supporting me, makes me feel that I’m doing the right thing. I do have a goal in mind for the end of the year and that is to reach 1000 subscribers. That is a big ask and I am a long way off of that. But with your support, I really do think I could get there.
Final Thoughts
I have been making some big life changes behind the scenes. Whilst these have brought with them enormous challenges, I do feel really happy and content with where I’m too in life. For the first time in a long time, I don’t feel overly pressured or stressed. My journey to get here will hopefully be reflected in my content in the coming months. My aim, to help you become your best version too. I don’t want to make this post too long because I know I can ramble so I will sign off now. Just please remember to subscribe to my YouTube channel, its entirely free and your support would mean the world.
The Kelly Diane Report 
32 responses to “It’s time for a little update”
I’m sorry to hear you’ve had a challenging year but glad to see you’re putting yourself out there and meeting your goals! Well done!
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I’m sorry to read about your struggles. All the best for your health and YouTube channel.
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Well, I would say you are a strong person and doing great so far. I wish you best of luck with YouTube.
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Sorry to hear you’ve struggled with your mental health but it sounds like you’ve made some really positive changes to help! 🙂
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Thank you for sharing about your journey. I’m sorry you had some challenges but applaud you for taking pauses and making sure to take care of yourself. It is so important. I will follow you on YouTube and wish you success as you move forward. 🤗
Pastor Natalie (ExamineThisMoment)
Letstakeamoment.com
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Good post! And you’re a strong person. Keep up the good work.
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I’m really glad that you’re finding things that bring you purpose, improving health and joy — and congrats on relaunching your YouTube channel; I’m rooting for you!
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It sounds like the break off has done you good! I recently had a break from blogging too and now I feel better for it and I’m more inspired! X
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That’s great news, it definitely helps doesn’t it.
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So pleased to hear you’re in a good place again. Thank you for sharing- that in itself isn’t easy.
Stay strong.
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Thank you
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Thank you for sharing this honest update, so glad to hear that you’re enjoying your new exercise routine. I would love to try aqua aerobics, but they don’t offer it at my gym 😦 I do go swimming twice/three times per week though and I love it! Thank you for sharing, great post x
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That’s such a shame because I’m sure you would enjoy it.
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It is great you have found getting out and the toning up has helped your mental health. Congratulations on starting up your YouTube channel again! That’s awesome! I look forward to seeing more posts from you. Thank you for sharing your life update!
Lauren.
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Thank you
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Glad to hear your physical and mental health progress. Stay positive and keep exercising. 💪🙂
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Thank you
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Sounds like a tough year but also sounds like you have some good things in the works. Good job taking care of yourself!
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Thank you
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Thank you for the update. I love reading these posts. Glad the gym is helping you mentally. I previously had an exercise routine for the exact same reasons.
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It’s amazing how much it can help in certain situations isn’t it.
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Thanks for the courage it took to share such a personal post. Sorry to hear you’ve had a challenging year and relieved to hear you’re doing a bit better. Thanks for sharing..
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These are great things and I like the idea of update blog posts. I hope you will have an amzing progress and good day in remianing months of this year.
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I’m sending you much love – It’s been a very hard few years for all of us, but that doesn’t take away from your personal struggle. It’s very much a journey we go through alone, even when you have the support network you do. No one can get inside your head and take that pain away from you. But, I’m glad you’re powering through with your life regardless. Keep going!
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Sounds like a break is exactly what you needed. You are coming back strong
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I’m sorry to hear that you have been struggling with your mental health, it’s good that you are fitting in more exercise into your daily routine. I love exercising and it’s one of my favourite parts of my day! x
Lucy | http://www.lucymary.co.uk
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It sounds like you’ve made changes that you are already seeing are working. For me, mental health is a long project. Fitness will help 🙂
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Good luck with your youtube channel. We just started our blog so I can understand the mix of feelings when starting something new.
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I am glad to hear that you are prioritizing your mental and physical health. Too often, we brush ourselves aside in favour of caring for everyone else. But, the biggest priority in your life, at the end of the day, should be YOU! I am glad to hear that you have found something that you enjoy at the gym. It really does make a difference in so many ways.
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Thank you for sharing your feelings with us Kelly! I like how you included your gym workouts and what you do, because it helps to see what other women are doing to get toned. I’ve also been feeling a bit off(mercury retrograde and what not), so hopefully we have a much better 2022!
sejal | thelazygal.com
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I am so sorry to know you have been in for a rocky ride thus far, but I love seeing the ways you have been taking charge of your mental health and doing things that make you feel good! ❤
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Sounds like an exciting and wonderful direction you are going in. Excellent!
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