Finding Freedom, Strength, and a New Mindset - Natalie’s Story
Finding Freedom, Strength, and a New Mindset - Natalie’s Story
Sometimes, the biggest transformations don’t come from massive changes, they start with something small.
For Natalie, that journey has been anything but straightforward. From feeling like she never quite fitted in, to discovering freedom on two wheels, to facing deep personal challenges including mental health struggles, loss, and rebuilding her life, her story is one of resilience, honesty, and strength.
This is Natalie’s story for the Insider Watch Challenge.
Growing up I felt that I never really fitted in, I was always classed as the 'shy, quiet' kid. I loved visiting my grandparents house and seeing his classic cars (Jaguar E types) and then later going for pillion rides on the back of his Douglas motorcycle. I still remember the feeling that gave me, the rush of adrenaline was amazing and I was instantly hooked.
I spent many years being a pillion rider with my grandad, and also with my dad, on various styles of bikes and trikes. It wasn’t until I was around 17 or 18 I remember being out one day with dad on a lil twist and go, we parked up in a little parking lot and he said "right, your turn" ... So I did, with caution, but loved it!
A few years past and it wasn’t wasn't until I was 24 when I actually got my own bike, a Yamaha MT 125, and within a couple days of owning it I was out on a ride and I went over on an uneven road surface while practising slow manoeuvring and I was somewhat pinned down by the bike. It happens!
I then started struggling with anxiety and nearly gave up riding as I just couldn't get the hang of using the gears. But I decided to carry on and trade my Yamaha in for a scooter. Omg! The difference it made for me was incredible, and my confidence in riding was back again.
Within 2 years I sadly had to sell the scooter after becoming a mum, and struggling with PND (Postnatal Depression) and PTSD (Post-traumatic stress disorder) due to a some serious labour complications. My mental health took a massive blow, and I gained a lot of weight through pregnancy (naturally) and it wasn't till almost a year later I started to loose the weight after joining a slimming group. But my mental state was still bad due to major calorie deficit which I thought would help me loose the weight quicker.
Then came the pandemic and I virtually stopped eating altogether, living on only one small meal a day.
Above: The semicolon (;) in mental health acts as a symbol of hope, strength, and solidarity, representing a decision to continue living despite struggles with suicide, depression, or addiction.
In 2020 tradegy struck and my grandad passed away, and I'd sadly turned to alcohol as a way to cope.
Drinking made losing weight even quicker, and I lost 10 stone in 9 months. Fortunately for me, my family started to notice my struggles and stepped in to help, and they made sure I was eating regularly. My dad then introduced me to weight lifting, and I started to feel better in myself, both physically and mentally. I needed food for fuelling, and I purchased my first Fitbit as a way to track my exercise, sleep, and body. All of these things combined helped me change my mindset, and I got myself healthy once again.
In 2022 I retook my motorcycle CBT (Compulsory Basic Training) and bought another little scooter, an AJS Modena, and I had my freedom back!
What with being a single mum, and all the lil daily struggles, and mental chaos, I could just jump on my bike and ride, and all the struggles just melted away and life didn't feel so hard anymore. But then the bike started to fail mechanically and eventually it spent more time in the garage being repaired than it did being ridden, and that’s when my other grandad kindly brought my current scooter, a Honda PCX 125, and I loved it!
But then, tragedy struck, yet again, when my grandad suddenly passed away, and only 6 weeks later, so did my nan.
While this was happening I was in a new relationship which soon turned into an abusive relationship. My mental state was shot, but what helped was riding and I was so grateful that I had my bike for that little escape from reality. When you are riding you have to be fully aware of your surroundings, which takes your mind off other things, leaving you to enjoy the ride.
Above: Natalie shows her hypermobility
It wasn’t until quite recently while I was going through my own health issues after being diagnosed with hypermobility, kyphosis and facet joint disease, that I somehow knew that the riding position was way more comfortable on a scooter than any other motorcycle and riding my scooter gave me the freedom to ride despite my health issues.
Towards the end of 2025 my bike was stolen, and my heart was hit hard especially because of the sentimental value more than anything else, but thankfully, it was found and recovered within a day. Sadly it was a little smashed up, but my dad was able to help and rebuild her once again.
Above: Natalie's tattoo reads "Yesterday's Feelings will all be lost in time."
I decided at the start of this year, that it would be the year for cutting out all negativity where possible, focusing on my health, and the goals I wish to achieve. Obviously, a lot more riding and meeting like minded people was high on my list. On Bank Holiday Monday, I decided to ride my bike and be part of The Southend Shakedown Run, and it was by chance that I parked up right next to Phil who was there on his bike and filming a YouTube video (Click Here to watch). Within minutes, he sparked up a conversation and went on to mention his passion project, the Insider Watch Challenge. Typically, it was the one day that I didn't wear my Fitbit, but in all honesty, it always felt uncomfortable wearing it under my bike jacket.
Phil gave me a leaflet about the Insider Watch Challenge and as soon as I arrived home later that day, I put on my Fitbit and flipped it to the inside of my wrist. I immediately found it more comfortable and the next day when I rode my bike, I didn’t notice I was wearing it. Ever since the flip, I barely feel like I’m wearing it, and In fact, the stat readings are much more accurate when worn this way.
Above: Natalie, like many others, has found the data of her smartwatch more accurate when worn on the inside of her wrist. Flip your watch and try the 10-day challenge.
When Phil asked if I would like to share my story to inspire others, I was happy to help as I believe that a small change can In fact make a big impact, and for the better. I’m already encouraging my friends to flip their watch, not only to support the Insider Watch Challenge, but to help them change their mindset too.
Note from Phil
Like so many bikers, when I first met Natalie and saw her bike, one of my first questions was, "When are you getting a bigger bike?" I had no idea what she was going through physically or mentally. It's so easy for us not to see the bigger picture of what others are going through, and we can be judgmental, even in a small way. So let's be more mindful to others and think twice before we speak, something I still struggle with.
Join the Insider Watch Challenge
I’m inviting you to take part in the Insider Watch Challenge. It’s simple: flip your watch and wear it on the inside of your wrist as a daily reminder that although life has its challenges and struggles, you can turn them around.
When someone notices your watch worn that way (and they will), take a moment to share why. It's an opportunity to talk, share your story, or share Natalie’s story if it has resonated with you. Help more people understand what so many quietly go through every day, and Flip It to change your mindset, too.
Flipping your watch starts conversations. Conversations create awareness. And awareness can change lives.
Life is full of challenges, but none of us has to face them alone.
Follow Natalie and the Insider Watch Challenge on Instagram
Flip your watch. Start a conversation. Be part of something that matters.
A big thank you to Natalie for bravely sharing her story to inspire and encourage others.
