Why taking care of myself has become a non-negotiable...
When I started this journey to get healthy 2 years ago, I was struggling but I didn’t look it. I looked happy on the outside with 3 healthy kids, a great husband and my dream job. I was happy but I was also scared to admit that I was struggling for fear that I would seem ungrateful. I LOVED those pieces of my life but I was also worried to admit out loud that I was hyper-focused on the weight that I wasn’t able to lose after I had Parker. I was racing around trying to be super-mom and super-teacher and at the end of the day, there was no way to do both perfectly. Not to mention the fact that by trying to be amazing at those two jobs, there was literally no time left in the equation for me. AND to make it worse, I still always had this nagging feeling that even with ignoring myself, I STILL wasn’t giving my kids or my job my best because I was trying to do too much and be perfect at everything. And let’s not talk about how much energy was expended trying to keep up the happy exterior itself because god forbid I admit that I was struggling to keep it all up because that would be a sign of weakness. So under the happy exterior that I put on every day was frustration with myself and my body and the constant sense of disappointment that I wasn’t able to give more and be better for my family, my students, and lastly myself.
I’m not going to pretend like I don’t still have those feelings. I love that quote that says “You can’t pour from an empty cup. Take care of yourself first.”
It took me so long to really understand that so much of that sense of frustration, loneliness and disappointment with myself stemmed from the fact I was running myself ragged trying to be there for everyone else and in the process had put myself last.
Yes, it took work to really get to a place where ADDING myself into the mix became something I consistently did, but after a few weeks of consistently doing that, of taking care of myself first, I started to see changes that made me want to keep it up. I had more energy to do all of the stuff I was trying to pack into the day, I was happier, I didn’t lose my cool as often when the kids were driving me up the wall, I ended the day tired for sure but not as physically and emotionally spent as I’d once been. I’m not going to lie, also seeing my clothes start to fit better also had a huge impact on how I felt throughout the day.
It took me so long to really understand that so much of that sense of frustration, loneliness and disappointment with myself stemmed from the fact I was running myself ragged trying to be there for everyone else and in the process had put myself last.
Yes, it took work to really get to a place where ADDING myself into the mix became something I consistently did, but after a few weeks of consistently doing that, of taking care of myself first, I started to see changes that made me want to keep it up. I had more energy to do all of the stuff I was trying to pack into the day, I was happier, I didn’t lose my cool as often when the kids were driving me up the wall, I ended the day tired for sure but not as physically and emotionally spent as I’d once been. I’m not going to lie, also seeing my clothes start to fit better also had a huge impact on how I felt throughout the day.
So yes, I’m busy. I’m not perfect. I have a 24-7 running to-do list of things some of which may never get done. I have light bulbs that have been out for months in my house and which will probably still be out 6 months from now. I have conservatively 20+ post-it notes with ideas for things that I’d like to do someday to fix up our house, kids closets that have clothes from 2-3 years ago that probably should be cleaned out and given to Goodwill, recipes that are bookmarked for a day when I have nothing but time, a nightstand full of books that I’d love to read someday for pleasure and a DVR queue a mile long of shows that may not get watched before the season ends. But you know what? Those things don’t matter nearly as much as my kids, my family, and my health so I prioritize the things that I can do each day that keeps the focus on those things.
So while I don't have a ton of time for extras, I continue to share my story through social media and be open about my journey to help me keep consistent and through doing so, hopefully help others in their own journey. It helps me and my hope is that it helps one of you to know that it’s possible to make time for yourself, to know that it’s ok to ignore the lightbulbs and the to-do list in favor of the things that make your week better, your life better.
I run these monthly online groups to build community and create support around myself and others because I'd be lying if I didn't admit this whole thing is hard.
Working out when you're busy is hard.
Committing to eating healthy is hard.
Fighting the good fight day in and day out takes work and it's MUCH easier to do the work when you have a team at your back.
So I create a space for that team to exist. I may have the title of coach but I'm also a challenger/team member and I'll be there to cheer you on when you need it. If you need a little cheer and support, let me know and we'll make it happen.
I run these monthly online groups to build community and create support around myself and others because I'd be lying if I didn't admit this whole thing is hard.
Working out when you're busy is hard.
Committing to eating healthy is hard.
Fighting the good fight day in and day out takes work and it's MUCH easier to do the work when you have a team at your back.
So I create a space for that team to exist. I may have the title of coach but I'm also a challenger/team member and I'll be there to cheer you on when you need it. If you need a little cheer and support, let me know and we'll make it happen.
Fill out my online form.
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