Some stories pop up unexpectedly https://fitandfluffy.com/ , feeling destined to happen. We often see consistency as sticking to a plan, but life shows us it’s about rolling with the punches and appreciating our current moment instead of stressing about our expectations. Welcome to “Changing The Plan Not The Promise: A Different Kind Of Fitness Story.”

When Leanne Malone, creator of Fit and Fluffy, reached out after reading my Fitness Fumbles series, her message resonated with me. She explained how a migraine altered her plans, yet her commitment remained. Her story was not just about fitness—it was about adapting without giving up.

To know the deets of fitness fumbles which are the clumsy beginnings to joyful gains, click on Fitness Fumbles : Clumsy Beginnings To Joyful Gains – Wander, Feast & Thrive

a different kind of fitness story : changing the plan not the promise

I’m excited to have Leanne as the first guest contributor on Wander, Feast & Thrive! Her thoughts on fitness, health struggles, and menopause remind us that progress doesn’t always mean a flawless routine; sometimes, it just takes the decision to change things up. I hope her journey connects with you as much as it did with me!

Now, let’s explore the touching journey of how she lovingly reshaped the plan while steadfastly cherishing the promise she made.

I woke up today to another blistering migraine. Vision blurred, sick to my stomach kind of thing. My alarm was set so I could get in an early gym day. I had a choice, and the choice I made was to take my meds, go back to bed, and try to sleep this thing off. It sorta worked. An hour or so later, plus one more dose of meds, I was at work on time. Oh well.

But when I got to work, I pulled out my gym app. Knowing I had a change of clothes in my car, I scheduled myself a gym sesh for after work. I’m trying really hard to find my love for the gym again, and I feel like it’s working. But it’s really hard when life interrupts—or, in this case, when my head decides we’re not going to be safe enough to drive.

there have been plenty of times especially over the last year : a different kind of fitness story

There have been plenty of times, especially over the last year, when I would have taken the day off and let that derail the next day as well. Once I get into a routine, I’m pretty good. But heaven help me if it gets off track even a little. I can find reason after reason not to do something. I’m a pro.

A few weeks ago, I made myself a promise, and I’ve been quietly sticking to it. This is part of that. I’m going today. I’ll be better for it. I really want to check that box on my tracker and keep a streak alive. What I won’t do anymore is try to push through a morning like I had today. I’ve done it plenty of times in the past. Occasionally, the migraine would lift, but most of the time I just worked out with earplugs in, tears in my eyes, and felt horrible.

If that’s what you want to do, then you do you. But that’s not something I feel is right for me right now. Next week is my doctor’s appointment, so I can address the rest of this hormonal mess that I’m still fighting. Things are somewhat better, but I would love to get back to feeling good rather than just passable or okay.

the 2018-2021 version of me felt great before : changing the plan not the promise

The 2018–2021 version of me felt great before the great menopausal tsunami leveled me. I know I can get back there, but I can’t do it on my own. You can’t fix high blood pressure without dietary changes and medication, and you can’t simply wish away a hormonal imbalance. I’m hopeful that I can get some answers and find solutions. I’m not quitting until I do.

This was not how I planned my morning to go, but it’s okay. I’ll be leaving soon to get my morning workout in at 5:30 p.m., and I’m fine with that. It’s better than no workout, and it’s not the time of day that matters as much as finding the time in your day. Hope you make time for yourself today to do something just for you. Maybe it’s a workout. Reading a book. A nice walk or even a hot bath. Just make some time for yourself in your day.

A Personal Note from the Author: A Unique Journey in Fitness

Leanne Malone is a self-described reluctant athlete. She started her fitness journey in her late 40s and has been determined to keep that going in spite of some significant health challenges that she has faced and including the cage match that she’s in with menopause right now. She is a business owner, mom of two amazing humans, book club leader, very reluctant athlete, and an advocate for women’s health. 

Her website is www.fitandfluffy.com and you all can catch her at her Instagram handle : maloneleanne.

As we come to the end of Leanne’s story, one message quietly stays with us: progress isn’t always about sticking to the original plan—it’s about honouring the commitment we made to ourselves, even when life asks us to adapt. Thank you, Leanne, for sharing such an honest and encouraging reflection with the Wander, Feast & Thrive community. Wishing you continued strength, good health, and many more victories—one workout, one promise, and one day at a time.