-HW, fitness instructor, health editor, and mother of 2
"I believe that the key is BALANCE. A balance between being a mother and yourself, a balance between a lifestyle of healthy eating and exercising and just letting it go from time to time. A balance from listening to your heart and your head. A balance from setting realistic expectations and none at all. Setting your priorities. A balance between your child(ren), yourself, husband, friends, family, work, housework, spiritual life, shopping, cleaning, etc. Look inside and see what makes you tick...and follow through.
A child is an amazing gift and the biggest responsibility. Nurture yourself. Balance to the best of your abilities. It is a holistic approach!"
-JS, master of counseling and family therapy candidate, Spinning instructor and mother of 3
"I enjoy a small amount of scheduled time on a weekly basis either alone with my thoughts and hobbies, or sharing time with a close friend. This helps me maintain an identity outside of mothering so I can grow and evolve as a person that will one day not be constantly packing carry-alls, laundering bed sheets, and wiping bottoms."
-AT, physician and mother of 2
"The thing that made me feel better while in the process of losing baby weight was buying some new clothes (when the weight was plateauing) instead of wearing the either too tight or too loose clothes. I looked a lot cuter in the clothes that fit (and I felt thinner too)!"
-PS, pediatric occupational therapist, author, and mother of 4
In all of our quests for health and happiness, a wide circle of support is invaluable. Reaching out to others and engaging them in your personal program of fitness can be helpful in many ways: motivating you to make positive changes, encouraging you to stick with these changes, and giving you much-needed boosts along the way. We are not in this by ourselves.
One of the most important things to remember as you strive to lose weight or take steps at any stage to feel/look better: this is a continuous journey. There is no end-point. To live your very best life, you must prioritize healthful and life-enhancing habits, allowing for adjustments as you navigate the ever present waters of change.
Yours in the journey,
CH
