It's time for Motivation Monday! Come link-up what you're going to do differently this year (or any motivation you need). Be sure to check out all the amazing co-hosts for some extra motivation and ideas!
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First things first, we have a winner for the Core Power giveaway!Caitlin Ann check your email and congratulations!
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What I'm Doing Differently This Year
2013 was the year I reinvented who I wanted to be. 2014 will be the year I become that person.
I suppose this topic really is just a continuation of last week's Motivation Monday, but it's a good thing to think about. As I'm sure all mother's can related to some extent, when I became a mother, I lost a small piece of myself. I gained so much more, but those loses still took their toll.
At 8 months pregnant I found out I was going to be a single mother. The following day I was put on strict bedrest. My world was crashing down around me. Nothing I had hoped and planned for was coming to pass and while an exciting time, it was also a difficult time. I had a week long labor with emergency c-section, my body started failing me after delivery, Wyatt ended up with severe jaundice and I went back to a very demanding job, baby in tow, before he was even 2 weeks old.
Things have come a long ways since then. All has been forgiven and Wyatt has the best daddy in the world. When I reference that time in my life, I'm not saying he abandoned us, he didn't. I just want that to be clear. However, I spent that first year in survival mode. Forgetting who I was and what I wanted. This past year I took time to start and pick up the pieces and make sense of everything. Slowly, throughout 2013, I started to remember who I was and most importantly who I wanted to be.
For me, 2014 is about becoming and embracing that person. Last year, I took steps outside of my comfort zone. I plan to do even more of that this year. I plan to laugh and love more. To live more in the moment and slow everything down.
When it comes to the health and fitness side of things, there are several small changes I want to make this year. Throughout the Fit 4 Christmas Challenge, I took a risk and stopped counting calories and finally saw some success. I've found counting calories to actually hurt my weight loss efforts. I'd obsess over that number and justify extra splurges. 2014 is going to be about balance and listening to my body. Portion control and just being mindful of what I'm fueling my body with.
As far as workouts go, I will be adding a lot more running. It's an amazing stress relief for me. Weights and circuit training will continue as always, although increasing in weight.
REST days! Boy, have I learned the importance of these. I've over trained one too many times through the past year resulting in far too many injuries. I hope to incorporate some yoga and extensive stretching at least once a week.
So there you have it; my changes for the new year! What do you plan to do differently? Come link up!
You are gonna rock it this year, Tiff! I just know it! :)
ReplyDeleteI always had the same problem with calorie counting ... worrying more about quantity than quality.
ReplyDeleteThank-you for sharing! It's not easy being a single mom for any length of time. I am glad things are better now. I totally agree with calorie counting. I lost my baby weight when I stopped obsessing over every little calorie and I just focused on being healthy. That doesn't mean blindly eat whatever we want. I really think when we decide to just get healthy, that other stuff just doesn't seem so appetizing. Don't get me wrong, I eat junk from time to time, but it isn't my go to need anymore.
ReplyDeleteYou are an amazing woman. I love that you are taking care of yourself.
ReplyDeleteSounds like you have a great plan for the new year! I'm so happy to hear you are finding things to make you happy and can see outside that Mommy tunnel vision. I think all mom's can relate to that, and letting other things take a backseat to the kids. We forget that we can do better for them when we take care of ourselves first. I may feel like a single parent some of them time, but my husband works a lot and doesn't share much of the responsibilities when it comes to the kids, but I can't imagine actually doing it on my own! You are very strong, and I'm sure you'll be even stronger as you do more for yourself this year!
ReplyDeleteWay to go girl...you can do it this year, I know you can!
ReplyDeleteFinding yourself again is hard! Great changes you plan to make, I hope they have the results you are looking for!
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