See that woman up there? I miss her. If we met before 2011, she looks familiar. If we met anytime after that (which is most everyone in philly), you don’t know her. Over the course of 3 years, I have gained 60 pounds. Medications, health issues, twin pregnancy, and just plain laziness have all contributed to my weight. It’s time for a change, and I’ve already started taking giant steps toward my goal of losing it all. I’m making a public declaration that I am ready to get my body back, but more importantly-be healthier and more self confident. I’m tired of hiding from the camera, and staring at a closet of clothes that no longer fit. As I grow more comfortable in my new life, I find myself yearning to nourish and discover my true self more than ever before. As a woman, as a wife, as a mother…it is imperative. Have you ever lost your way, physically or emotionally? If so, what was it that empowered you to change?
Kudos to you for your honesty! I don’t doubt that you are still that woman. Wishing you the absolute best as you make progress towards looking and feeling more like your true self again.
I have certainly lost my way physically and/or emotionally throughout the years and it’s always been particularly happy moments with loved ones that have reminded me that I deserve to feel better.
Thank you Danielle, it take a lot of courage to talk about it openly. I like what you said about deserving-that’s been a lifetime battle for me, feeling deserving of happiness and success. We ALL deserve to be our best and enjoy life to the fullest…thank you for the sweet reminder! :)
I can absolutely understand and thus support your quest for a healthier life! I think that is way more important than the sheer weight question although I know it’s an ever-nagging one! My power for personal changes is the love and support I find in my beloved ones plus my daily reminder that life is such a wonderful experience that I want to enjoy in full force as long as possible! Here’s to a healthy & happy life, my friend!
Absolutely Igor-being healthy is much more important than physical beauty or image. Thank you for your support and encouraging words friend!
I totally understand where you are both with weight and with that nagging sense of “who am I and what is important to me.” Becoming a mother puts a lot of things in perspective, and I found the first three-four years of parenting the most stressful and depressing period of my life. I LOVED my kids, but I struggled with the adjustment (and not just the diapering, feeding, sleeping – bigger stuff like where we lived, what was REALLY important, etc.).
No one really warns you about that!
The bright side is now that my kids are older it all seems like a distant memory. All of my friends with kids of similar age went through the same thing and you WILL lose the weight, you WILL find your way. Talking about it and committing are HUGE.
xxoo
Nichole
PS. One the practical front, I can’t praise myfitnesspal.com (food tracking) and my fit bit (step tracking) more. I use both and love them. I committed to walking 10,000 steps a day, and those nagging extra pounds came RIGHT off. ;)
Thank you Nichole, that is very encouraging! The odd thing is that I’ve never been happier…”happy + fat” is the saying, right?! I had just resigned to believe I couldn’t lose the weight with all the other things working against me, but I am determined not to let that be!! It’s good to hear that you and fellow moms went through a similar phase…I look forward to it being a distant memory. Thank you!! xo
p.s…I’ve been using the LoseIt app on my iPhone and love that so far, but will check out that site, thanks!
You are so brave to be so open and honest! Best of luck in your journey.
Thank you Nikki!
It takes determination, but you have that in spades!
Thank you!! :)
I’m starting down the same path. Having my partner on board is going to be key. Also, getting really excited about healthy cooking and eating. So I’m reading tons of healthy cooking blogs, and tried to organize my meal planning and shopping- I think if I’m prepared, I will feel empowered and ready! And, I’m planning to start writing about it all. I’m sure there is a lot of emotional components to all this, and I want to be aware of them so I don’t repeat these bad habits. I look forward to hearing more about your process!
thank you Jessica, and good luck!
To echo Kathy– you do have the determination Suz! I truly admire your approach to accepting and pursuing change from the past few years.. but above the physicality, I would say you have never abandoned your true self. As someone who’s also gained in the last few years [fallen prey to laziness], thanks for your awesome inspiration, girlfriend.
thank you Ang xo
Nichole’s recommendation of my fitness pal is a good one, I have friends who swear by it! But also just remember, our bodies change as we grow up anyway – I look at photos of me at 20 and wonder what the hell went wrong since then (and that’s without kids!)) but you will find that place where you know you’re at ease. Just give yourself time to reach it. As long as you and Parker are happy and happy with each other, the rest is bonus ;)
yes, I know our bodies change with age (and the thirties are not kind to our metabolisms), but I am not at my healthiest…thank you for your support Lindsey!
I use myfitnesspal app on my phone. It’s amazing how all the little things we eat add up during the day and we don’t even realize it. I’m not obsessive about it, but it’s a good reminder not to over do it (except for on occasion). I also try to drink a gallon of water a day. I’ve found a lot of time I think I’m hungry when I’m really thirsty. And it helps fill you up. Good luck on your journey!
xo, TJ
good tips on thirst TJ, and thanks for stopping by!
I admire your honesty. Good luck on your journey. I know you will get there!;) Gros bisous!