There I said it! Workout and Goals……two dreaded words put together that no one wants to say for fear of failing. As a mom of three, I have been there, done that, and I am STILL there! After each pregnancy my body is a little older and in a different kind of shape. I have had to start fresh with new goals each time, but not without rewards.
Do you reward yourself when you reach a goal? If so, what is your favorite thing to do? Besides the reward of living a healthier lifestyle, my reward is shopping! It is the way to this mom’s heart. 😉
I’m bringing back this Caslon sweater dress from Nordstrom because it was my reward for hitting one of my last goals. I hope most of you were able to snag it when I first posted it on my Instagram feed because it sold out FAST! When I look back at these pictures, I smile because I remember buying this dress as a “way to go” for two months of hard work!
similar dresses –same brand | shirt dress | sweater dress | booties- similar | love these booties | similar
DIFF-sunglasses | Rue Bird Market– gold bracelets (no longer available) | similar bracelets
Looking back after my first son was born almost 8 years ago, I was so frustrated because at 6 months postpartum I could still feel pains where my C-section scar was. I was still nursing at the time, so I wasn’t looking to start any major workout routine. I just wanted to eat healthy and start walking, which is all I did for months. Was I frustrated I couldn’t go for a jog? Yes, I was!! After my doctor said, “Ja’Net, you had major surgery, and everyone heals differently. Give it some time and you will be back at it in no time.”
So, I grabbed my HUGE diaper bag with every bottle, diaper, wipes, clothes, etc… in there because that’s what we do with the first baby and left his office. I enjoyed my walks outside and focused on the things I could do.
Fast forward 6 more months and I had finished nursing and Bryson was turning 1. I sat down and made my goals of how much weight I wanted to lose and started researching. I found a boot camp where I could go before my husband left for work. Bryson was sleeping through the night and taking a great nap during the day, so I was getting uninterupted sleep most nights, which is so helpful when starting a workout routine again.
The weight that everyone kept saying would fall off because I was nursing had still hung around. After 6 months of boot camp, 3-4 days a week and eating right I had lost the last 10 pounds of baby weight and could start wearing my old clothes again. BEST FEELING EVER!!! (said all the moms)
So you are probably wondering, why is this lady writing about 8 years ago. It goes to show you, that being healthy, losing weight and reaching fitness goals is a cycle. We all have life challenges and struggles we must over come to be the person we want and strive to be.
Starting over with an exercise program and a healthy lifestyle is something I have chosen to do after each pregnancy.
Fast forward to now. My 3rd sweet baby, Weston was born a little over a year ago. I still can’t believe he is ONE! I was super sick during that pregnancy and taking care of two kids just left me with zero energy and no time for exercise. So, I focused on eating clean during my pregancy, as much as possible because I knew having a baby at 36 was going to be harder than when I was 29. Did I enjoy my chips and salsa? YES! Did I eat all the cake? No, but I ate a lot!! 😉
After Weston was born and my body felt ready, I started out slow with walking my oldest son to and from school. This became a daily routine for me and it was my daily goal at the time. We live about 1/2 mile from our school, so to and from school each morning and afternoon equaled 2 miles a day. Before long I was pushing the stroller at a pace to get my heart rate up! My 4-year-old was also getting his exercise on his bike or scooter, and helping me with the baby.
Every month in this past year I have evaluated my fitness level, decided on foods that work best for my body, and made new goals for myself. This is something that keeps me motivated and I know what I am working towards. In this case, it was a new dress!
Did I hit my goal every month? No. But I did see improvements and there was always things to be proud of. Did I take days off to just maintain and recover because my life was too busy? Yes. This is the most important thing. As moms we have to find the time that works best for us. We can’t make goals that will put a strain on our day-to-day life. Starting small is key in the beginning and working your way up to harder, more challenging goals as time goes by.
If I want to see results, I have to sit down and pick my days, pick my times and set my goals. Sticking to them for a month is harder than you think, but doable. Surround yourself with encouraging people who will help you stay accountable and remember to focus on the good and how you are feeling, not just your scale. Do you have more energy during the day? Do you sleep better at night? The main thing is we are all in this together. Moms supporting moms. Everyone is different, everyone has different goals, and you may surprise yourself as to what you can accomplish.
So, now my dress hangs in my closet with all the other pieces of clothing and has a little more meaning to it. It is a reminder that I can do things that I set my mind to. I CAN accomplish my personal goals and be the support others need to reach theirs.
I would love to hear what goals you have for yourself? How do you stick to them? What motivates you to stick to your plan and how do you reward your self?
XO, Ja’Net
Shop my photos:
similar dresses –same brand | shirt dress | sweater dress | booties- similar | love these booties | similar
DIFF-sunglasses | Rue Bird Market– gold bracelets (no longer available) | similar bracelets
