Teaching Myself That I'm Worth It – One Workout at a Time

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I’ve spent the past 30 days (and counting) doing something crazy.  Something I had long convinced myself was impossible.  I’ve worked out every single day.  Three young kids, working full-time, sickness, dinners to cook, far too much laundry to clean and still, a trip to the gym every.single.day.

Now, let’s just start off by being clear about one thing…no where in this post will I be uttering the words, “What’s Your Excuse?” because that, and all it implies, is just obnoxious.  For years my exercise routine was non-existent inconsistent and my “diet” included anything I could eat with 1 hand while feeding a baby with the other.  I was plagued by guilt during those years knowing that I *should* be working out more or eating better.  Images of Hollywood moms and all those freaking #fitspo memes just bounced around in my head and frankly? Made me want to eat a cookie.

What I’m coming to realize now, is that I wasn’t lacking willpower. I wasn’t making excuses, and I wasn’t a failure…I simply wasn’t making diet and exercise a priority.  And, yes, while that did take a certain toll on my health, I can be gentle enough with myself to say that it’s okay.  I was placing a high priority on my children, my family, and my career and that IS OKAY.  I was still doing important things with my time (obvi), working out just wasn’t usually one of them.

Right around the end of February those priorities started shifting.  I was pretty comfortable with where things stood in other aspects of my life – kids were a little older and more manageable…I was settled into a new job with a decent work/life balance – and I was feeling ready to take on a new project: me.  It was as simple as being ready.  It didn’t come from a place of guilt or disgust or frustration, as my diets so often have in the past.  Instead, I was feeling empowered and perhaps a bit excited to take on a challenge.  Turns out, that mindset has made all the difference.

It hasn’t exactly been easy to get to the gym every day…we all know all the demands and obligations that sit on our shoulders every moment.  At first I had to prove to myself that I had the time; but, when it became something I *wanted* to do, rather than *had* to do, the days seemed to pile on each other a bit more organically.  Two days a week I get it in before work, 2 days a week I get it in after the kids are in bed, 1 day a week my wife takes care of dinner and bed time so I can go directly after work, on Saturdays my son has a gymnastics class that lines up perfectly with my Zumba, and on Sundays I squeeze it in somewhere in the morning.  I have also been utilizing my lunch breaks a couple of times a week for a little extra cardio.  I’ve found that this schedule works well for me because I’m not borrowing drastic amounts of time from any 1 area of my life (ie: missing out on sleep getting up early every day or only using my “me time” in the evenings).  Just some small adjustments in my sleep, work, or evening schedule and I’ve found the time I didn’t think I had.

Here’s what’s really cool…when I started making my workouts a priority, and saying “no” to my family on restaurants that wouldn’t help me get to my goal…the world kept turning. Seriously.  One way or another the laundry kept getting done and my kids still slept peacefully that one night a week I was at the gym instead of tucking them in.  We all enjoyed cooking at home more and my productivity at work is no different now that I’m actually taking a lunch break once in a while. I’m coming to see that when the timing is right, the rest will fall into line.

I’m ready.  I’m willing.  I’m worth it. 30 days and counting…

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Just the beginning of a journey, but I’m liking my momentum!

 

21 thoughts on “Teaching Myself That I'm Worth It – One Workout at a Time”

  1. […] To accomplish this, I have to start making time for me.  I need to find the time, wherever it’s hiding.  I need to find my voice to ask for the time.  I need to give myself the permission that I deserve this.  I deserve to want to work hard at this and succeed (or fail?).   I have some really great inspiration on my side. […]

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  3. Reading this made me so happy! I know exactly what you mean when you say you were ready and you did it bc you wanted to and not bc you had to! I joined crossfit over a year ago and I loved every second of it. I went bc it was fun and I was enjoying every class! Funny how working out can be fun, when before it had been a task! Way to go! We are cheering you on! And look at the great progress you have made already! Keep up the awesome job! 🙂

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  5. Good for you. We too have three kids under five and we made a decision to move to another place (arizona) where we can exercise outside more with the kids. We set a running schedule for ourselves and exercise every other morning. We skip workouts once in a while but have incorporated more healthy food and exercise for all of us. Obviously moving cross country isn’t for everyone but we are truly happy ( as are the kids!)

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  7. AMAZING. I cannot believe the changes you’ve made in just 30 days. You are amazing regardless or whether or not you work out every day, but way to go for sticking to a goal. I speak from experience when I say I know how hard that it on top of everything else!

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  8. This is inspirational Elise! Congrats on your successful commitment to your health. I need to follow in your footsteps and now that I know it’s possible to do it without the world ending, maybe I will!

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  10. I want to throw some Fbombs down. I’m so proud of you. And I am totally using you as my inspiration. I got myself off to a good place of making a change then let myself fall victim to our crazy life and some really ridiculous stresses lately. I want to get back on the train with you! Awesome job!!

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  17. dittoing Cora…you are rocking it out! I need to find my motivation again and I think you’ve inspired me to do that! I struggle with the “I just don’t have time” excuse and I need to snap out of it!

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