Jeff Kendall battled depression and struggled with his weight for as long as he could remember.
“I'd spend most nights awake in bed wondering if I could ever lose the weight I wanted or be the person I wanted,” said the 26-year-old, of Torrington, Connecticut.
After his mother suffered a life-changing health crisis, he saw it as an opportunity to take charge of his own well-being.
“My mother suffered a brain aneurysm on July 4, 2015,” he said. “She spent months in rehabilitation centers and was deemed to have plateaued.”
When his mom was finally on her way home but needed 24/7 care, Kendall found himself overwhelmed with emotions. Weighing 250 pounds, he knew that if he didn’t take care of his own health, he wouldn't be able to adequately look after her.
Around the same time, a friend of his was going through a breakup. Together they set out to get in shape. Soon enough, this buddy system strategy paid off: Kendall began to look forward to working out, not only to lose weight, but also to relieve stress.
Learning to love himself
“My mother's health put my problems in perspective, small pains became not so bad and with practice comes habit,” said Kendall.
“Now, I just try to act in a manner of the person who I want to be,” he continued. “I try to be mindful and honest with myself.”
His weight loss journey taught him to love himself. Slowly but surely, he learned that although making changes to your daily routine can change your outward appearance, it doesn’t automatically change your sense of self-worth. But by simply deciding to make healthier choices, he was already halfway there.
How weight loss helped him develop a positive outlook
Today, he’s lost more than 70 pounds and feels more confident than ever. “My outlook on life has broadened, to say the least,” Kendall said. “I see new possibility and feel a new sense of accomplishment.”
His advice for people wanting to lose weight and build confidence? Be true to yourself and try your best. “Start slowly and build habits, don't burn yourself out.”
Military Dad Defends His 4 Little Daughters When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Military Dad of 4 Daughters Defends His Girls When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Austin von Letkemann is the military officer strangers feel "sorry" for — and the reason is infuriating.
Whenever the devoted father leaves the house with his four children, strangers can't help but notice the officer in uniform is holding hands with 4 adorable little girls. They will tell the traditionally "masculine" and "all American" dad they feel sorry for him, because he has no sons. This dad makes one thing very clear: They are his daughters, they aren't a burden.
In a passionate video, von Letkemann took to Instagram to share with his followers that the only thing that's "difficult" about being a girl dad — is clapping back to these sexist remarks over and over again.
They Mock His Daughters To Their Face
When strangers approach Austin von Letkemann and his four daughters, they don't always realize that their comments are being overheard. They seem oblivious to the fact that his girls understand every word. Von Letkemann describes how people will approach him and, without thinking, make remarks like "I'm sorry" or even joke about his lack of sons. What they don't realize is that these comments, intended to be light-hearted or humorous, can be deeply hurtful to his daughters. These strangers are not just disrespecting von Letkemann's choices as a father; they're also sending a message to his daughters that their presence is something to be pitied. It’s a message that von Letkemann won't stand for, and he's speaking out to defend his girls from these insensitive remarksSaying "Get Your Shotgun" Isn't Funny — It's Sexist
Another common comment that Austin von Letkemann encounters is the old "better get your shotgun ready" trope, often delivered with a smirk or a wink. This line is typically intended to suggest that a father with daughters should be on high alert to protect them from potential "suitors," implying that they are objects to be guarded rather than individuals with agency.
Von Letkemann finds this line of thinking outdated and sexist. In his viral Instagram video, he points out that these jokes are not just stale — they're damaging.
By suggesting that his daughters require armed protection, the joke reinforces the idea that women are inherently vulnerable and need to be shielded from men. Von Letkemann argues that instead of promoting this narrative, society should focus on teaching respect and consent, challenging these sexist tropes at their source.
Watch Austin von Letkemann's Video:
"If I Had A Fifth Child, I'd HOPE It Was A Girl" — One Dad's Message For Other Parents
Despite the constant remarks about his lack of sons, Austin von Letkemann is clear: He wouldn't trade his daughters for anything.
In fact, he told his Instagram followers that if he were to have a fifth child, he would hope for another girl. This declaration isn't just about doubling down on his pride in his family — it's a pointed response to those who see fathering daughters as a misfortune.
Von Letkemann's stance is a powerful one, rejecting the notion that a family is incomplete without sons. He encourages others to question the assumptions behind these comments and to appreciate the joy and fulfillment that his daughters bring. By sharing his story, von Letkemann hopes to create a more inclusive perspective on fatherhood, one that values daughters just as much as sons.