We all have those moments—those so-called “unicorn memories” where we remember a time when life was perfect. You were following all the rules, eating right, hitting the gym for two-a-day workouts, and somehow balancing school, work, and life like a pro. You felt unstoppable, healthy, and proud of yourself. And now, when life feels heavy, you look back at that time and think, If I could just try harder, eat less, move more, and commit to that playbook, I’d be happy again.
But here’s the thing—there was never a unicorn period. You didn’t suddenly “let yourself go.” Life happened. Sure, maybe you were younger, had fewer responsibilities, or faced fewer life challenges, but that doesn’t make those moments more real than your present. They weren’t magical, and just like unicorns, they weren’t real.
Looking back, it’s easy to romanticize a time when you felt more in control of your body, your job, your relationships, and your energy. You remember feeling invincible. But let’s be honest with ourselves. Were you really never stressed? Were you truly eating perfectly without guilt? Was life actually as smooth as you remember? Probably not.
These “unicorn memories” are distorted by time and self-criticism. We convince ourselves that we once had it all together, and now, because we don’t, we’ve somehow failed. We let ourselves believe that if we just push harder, restrict ourselves more, or exhaust ourselves further, we can reclaim that fantasy. But that’s a dangerous cycle of comparison—against a past that never actually existed the way you remember it.
It’s easy to fall into the trap of self-blame. You hate your reflection in the mirror. You hate the way you feel tired all the time, how food seems to control you when you’re stressed, and how you feel powerless to change it. Life has changed, but that doesn’t mean you’ve failed at living it.
We’re all taught that discipline is the answer—if we just restrict more, work harder, and push relentlessly, we’ll finally feel better. But what if instead of pushing, you gave yourself some grace? What if instead of punishing yourself for not living up to some impossible standard, you recognized the daily wins you’re already achieving?
The truth is, you’re likely doing better than you give yourself credit for. But we are so hardwired to speak negatively about ourselves. Think about it—when’s the last time you celebrated the fact that you showed up to work even though you were tired? Maybe you took a walk today, or chose a nourishing meal, or gave yourself a break when you needed it.
These are wins. They may not look like the mythical perfection of those unicorn memories, but they are real, and they matter.
It’s time to let go of these negative thoughts. Life changes, and so do our bodies, our priorities, and our circumstances. But that doesn’t mean you’re any less worthy of kindness and grace. You are still you, even if the circumstances are different now.
Give yourself permission to stop chasing the illusion of perfection. Instead, focus on where you are today. Show yourself the grace to recognize that perfection was never the goal—progress and self-compassion are. You don’t need to push yourself into exhaustion to find happiness again. The key is in giving yourself the love and care you deserve right now, as you are.
So, the next time you find yourself spiraling—pause. Remind yourself that you’re not chasing a unicorn. You’re living a real, human life, full of its own complexities and daily victories. And that’s more powerful than any fantasy.
If you’re ready to embrace real, sustainable change, our Project Reset Program is here for you. Patients are already calling it life-changing, with many sharing how the support, accountability, and community have helped them break free from the cycle of self-doubt and guilt. Through guided sessions focusing on mindset, movement, and meals, you’ll gain the tools to reframe your journey and build lasting habits that truly align with your goals.
Click here to enroll and get started today!
Let’s reset together. Let’s create breakthroughs. Let’s make lasting success a reality.
XOXO,
Lora, Grace, Hannah & Betsy
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*BodyByBariatrics blog does not replace medical advice. Seek the help of your healthcare professional if you have questions related to your condition. We strive for patients to achieve healthier, happier, longer lives through weight loss surgery.
