Nomad TLC

Thought we were about to take our first hike of the season—legs stretched, tails wagging, mountain air ready to hit the lungs.

Then the sign said “No Dogs.”
Tia took that personally.

So we rerouted like a GPS with attitude and found a dusty old No Outlet road instead.

No trail markers. No rules. No regrets.

Still got a view, still got a walk in, and nobody told Tia she couldn’t sniff the universe.

Not the hike we planned, but it still counted!

Most people wait for the perfect time to start—Monday, the first of the month, or January 1st. But here’s what’s working for me today: I just started.

Five years ago, I proved that healthier living on the road wasn’t just possible—it was something I could thrive in. I lost 60 pounds, reversed my prediabetes, and built a system that worked for me.

But life on the road isn’t easy or forgiving. Over time, I lost focus, and I’ve gained back about half of what I worked so hard for.

So here I am again—starting my second healthier journey. Not on a Monday, not on the first of the month, not even on New Year’s Day. I’m starting today: a Wednesday, the day before Thanksgiving.

And you know what? That’s enough.

Today’s win isn’t about perfection—it’s about starting, and I reminded myself that healthier doesn’t have to mean perfect to count.

Starting today might sound a little nuts. I mean, who decides to dodge gravy boats while on day one of their journey? But if I can do it now, I can do it any day.

If you’ve been waiting for the ‘perfect’ time, let me remind you: it doesn’t exist. Just start where you are, with what you have, and let that be your win.

What’s working for you today? It doesn’t have to be big—maybe it’s one healthy choice, a short walk, or even just deciding you’re ready to try. Drop your small win in the comments so we can celebrate together.

If you’re curious to see how this journey unfolds—complete with wins, lessons, and probably a few gravy-dodging moments—follow along at 18Wheels6Legs.

Let’s roll, one mile at a time.

Tia at the house with her sisters, already missing her co-pilot duties, but getting to spend extra time with her sisters.

Had a list of things to do while getting unloaded, but someone had other plans.

I guess some days call for extra cuddles, no matter how many legs you’ve got.

Priorities, right?

To the truck driver who feels like they are running on empty, who feels exhausted and worn down.

Whose passion for the open road has been replaced by endless miles and deadlines.

This is for you.

This is to remind you that you don’t have to bear the weight of the world alone, mile after mile.

You didn’t sign up for that.

Remember when the freedom of the road brought you joy? When every trip was an adventure?

Remember when you used to take pride in your work, knowing you were keeping the country moving?

You can feel that spark again.

You really can.

And it doesn’t mean letting people down or quitting the job you’ve always done.

It just means being kinder to yourself, allowing yourself to say no sometimes to the things that truly drain you.

Being brave enough to pull over.

And rest, then reassess.

It starts when you realize that you’re not quite the person you used to be.

Some of that change is good, some of it isn’t.

There are parts of you that need to be revived.

And if anyone in your life doesn't support your journey to prioritize your well-being, remember: you're a badass semi-truck driver who knows how to plan the best route. Your true allies will cheer you on as you reignite that inner fire.

So, if you’ve been feeling worn out and empty, this is the time to start prioritizing what truly matters to you and making small changes where you can.

It's about self-care and embracing healthier habits one mile at a time.

~Malinda Fox-Wellington

I had someone in another group say "I’m interested in learning your views on what is healthy."

This is such a valid statement, and I believe every person should present this statement to any doctor, health care provider, coach, or guru before becoming a patient or client to ensure that beliefs and goals aline.

I felt the need for this group to know my response to ensure y'all know where I stand:

Ohhhhh, such a great statement! 💞💞 In short, healthy equals perfection, and healthier equals progress, and I'm all about the -er!

To me, being healthy isn't about achieving some elusive ideal or following strict rules. It's about embracing progress over perfection, finding joy in the journey, and recognizing that health looks different for everyone.

Healthier is about nourishing your body with foods that make you feel good, moving in ways that you enjoy, and prioritizing your well-being in the midst of life's demands.

Healthier living is about balance, flexibility, and listening to your body's needs while also honoring your existing strengths and skills as a driver, and using those skills to achieve all your goals, not just health.

Healthier is a journey of self-discovery and resilience, where every small step forward is a victory worth celebrating.

From a driver aiming to get in and out of the truck without pain, or another wanting to walk across the parking lot without getting winded, to those desiring and training for bodybuilding competitions, and others simply aiming to pass their physicals without concern.

These are all admirable and relatable healthier goals for drivers, each perfectly aligned with their unique journeys on the road.

I could keep going, but this pretty much sums up on my views on what is healthy.

I had someone in another group say "I’m interested in learning your views on what is healthy."

This is such a valid statement and I believe every person should present this statement to any doctor, health care provider, coach or guru before becoming a patient or client to ensure that beliefs and goals aline.

And felt the need for this group to know my response to ensure y'all know where I stand:

Ohhhhh, such a great statement! 💞💞 In short, healthy equals perfection, and healthier equals progress, and I'm all about the -er!

To me, being healthy isn't about achieving some elusive ideal or following strict rules. It's about embracing progress over perfection, finding joy in the journey, and recognizing that health looks different for everyone.

Healthier is about nourishing your body with foods that make you feel good, moving in ways that you enjoy, and prioritizing your well-being in the midst of life's demands.

Healthier living is about balance, flexibility, and listening to your body's needs while also honoring your existing strengths and skills as a driver, and using those skills to achieve all your goals not just health.

Healthier is a journey of self-discovery and resilience, where every small step forward is a victory worth celebrating.

From a driver aiming to get in and out of the truck without pain, or another wanting to walk across the parking lot without getting winded, to those desiring and training for bodybuilding competitions, and others simply aiming to pass their physicals without concern.

These are all admirable and relatable healthier goals for drivers, each perfectly aligned with their unique journeys on the road.

I could keep going but this pretty much sums up on my views on what is healthy.

Oh no this girl isn’t spoiled at all...crappy trucking day turned into a decent hike in nature 💞

I'm so excited to share that I've been invited to co-host on the Enjoying Life OTR Podcast!

I'll be leading a new segment called Healthier Truckers, focusing on practical health/wellness tips tailored for those living the trucking lifestyle.

For the first episode, "Gearing Up for Better Health with Malinda Fox Wellington", I open up about my own journey improving my well-being while driving truck.

I'll give an inside look at creating your own "wellness roadmap", prepping healthy haul meals, sneaking in workouts, and overcoming roadblocks with perseverance. My goal is to inspire and equip others to prioritize self-care no matter their lifestyle!

I'd love for you all to tune in as I kick off this new adventure. It's a passion project providing realistic guidance for living our best lives on the road or wherever our journey takes us.

https://spotify.link/yzP4E56NLHb

Want real health tips tailored to your life on the road?

Tune in to the new "Healthier Truckers" podcast segment as I kick it off sharing my own story of losing 60 lbs and beating pre-diabetes by using skills you already have - planning, determination, problem-solving.

Get fired up with practical strategies like creating a "wellness roadmap", meal prepping healthy hauls, and squeezing in workouts at stops.

Channel your unstoppable driver mindset into crushing your health goals!

https://spotify.link/yzP4E56NLHb

Looks like we're getting a day off; trying to make the best of it and found a dog park nearby and spent the morning there; hopefully we will go back there this evening!

Truck stop says we can drop the trailer for a couple hours any longer they will tow it 🙄

Every wonder how a driver knows if it's the weekend or a holiday?

When the parking lots are almost empty early in the morning 🤣

I don't get to Flordia often; actually can count on one hand the number of times I've been here in 5 years.

It's nice getting a break from winter, but I think we are both in shock. It got up to 87⁰!!!