Today Lola and I attended an exercise class for parents with babies. I reached a place where I realized that it was absolutely necessary. I am full aware that the hour that I spend working out could be a load of laundry folded, a blog post written on my personal blog, or a host of other things checked off my to-do list. At the same time I understand that it could be anything but. It could be multiple attempts to get the laundry done interrupted by Lola’s quest to get everything to her mouth or getting lost in all the cute little ones popping up in my Instagram feed while mine sleeps.
I have decided that the least I can do for my own sanity and for my health is to devote an hour to making me better. I’m not ready to say no to cupcakes but I am ready to start feeling better physically and emotionally. I am ready to show my children that I really do value myself, so much so, that I am willing to make more of an effort to take care of me.
Today was grueling and it took everything in me to refrain from saying “I can’t.” It was my first real work out. Yes, I’ve been on walks but that was where I drew the line. I know tomorrow it is going to take everything in me to get my achy body out of bed and lace up my workout shoes. But I want this. I want to make it to day two and make it through day two. I want to do everything I can to increase my chances of being there for all the days that blend together to fill up this gift we have called life. While I would love to fit into my old jeans without worry that they will rip if Lola drops her binky (pacifier) and I reach to pick it up I am more focused on feeling good.
For me the challenge is staying consistent. That has been my struggle even prior to becoming a mom of two. I remember I had finally started working out (again) and even tried to continue to workout after learning I was pregnant, but the discomfort and challenges I experienced while pregnant were enough to cause me to give up. And now I’m back at it.
It isn’t just the showing up the first day part. I admit that does take effort but for me the greatest challenge comes on day two – it’s the showing up again and again. It’s telling your body that it can as it attempts to suggest otherwise.
As mothers we show up for the people we love each and every day. We find the strength and ability to do things we never thought we could do or would do because we want to help the people we love. Today was the day I decided that I’m worth showing up for too. This is a decision I will have to make over and over again.
For those of you moms who work out how have you managed to stay consistent when it comes to self-care?
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