Tuesday, April 28, 2015

How I Learned To Love My Body

Being able to carry a child, grow a child, and then birth a child is truly astounding to me. It fascinates me how we create life. Our bodies are resilient, strong, and adaptable. I feel fortunate that this body of mine served as a vessel to bring me my children. Let's face it ladies, children change your body. Instead of complaining about all the ways having babies changed my body, I have decided to embrace those changes.


This is what I have learned along the way:

Commitment: About ten months after I had my first son I looked in the mirror and finally saw someone I did not want to be. I weighed the most I had ever weighed. I looked bloated, out of shape, and I was embarrassed that I had allowed myself to get to this point. I then decided I did not want to be this person anymore. Matter of fact, I never wanted to see her again. I was determined to not only get the weight off, but to keep it off. After six months of proper eating and running I kissed thirty plus pounds goodbye. I was committed to a healthier me and I work every day to keep up with that commitment.

Strength: I not only wanted to loose the weight but I wanted to be stronger. Running was a new outlet for me and I was seeing the changes in my body. My endurance increased and pushing myself to new limits was creating a better me. I was discovering new things about my body as well as myself. I relied on my inner strength to give me the push to be where I wanted to be physically. This continues to be a work in progress for me. I push myself because the reality is no one else can do the work for me. This is my body and any changes I want to make to it are going to require dedication and strength.

My children often imitate me when I am exercising; or in this case, Batman.


Courage: Change is scary. Change is hard. Change pushes us to learn new things about ourselves. Courage teaches us that we are capable of anything we put our minds to. My Mantra: "Always Believe You Can". You can change your body. You can be a healthier you if you want to. I wanted to be proud of myself. I also wanted my partner and children to be proud of me. My children help to give me courage and strive to be better. I want to give back to them what they have given me. I want to teach them that anything is possible and courage comes from within you and from those around you.

Acceptance: It is important to know what your limits are. You need to remember to be kind to yourself and that change does not happen overnight. Take time to know your own personal limits. Whether it is diet change or exercising, be sure that you do not push too hard and cause injury. Yes, be determined and stick to a plan; just be sure that the changes you are making are healthy ones. I have to keep in mind that with the changes that have happened to my body, some of it is not going to be reversed. I will never be a Victoria Secrets Model and that is OK! I have learned to love my body. I try to keep focus on the fact that no matter what, I am living a healthier lifestyle than I was five years ago.

Right after finishing my Third Half Marathon in April
I want to live a healthy, long life. I want my children to look at me and learn from my habits. Besides, it is because of them that I have changed. Maybe I would have gotten here some day on my own. My reality is those kids make me want to be better. They make me want to push and be the best me I can be. I work on this every day and will continue to. As I said, I am a work in progress.





15 comments:

  1. I like that you say no one else can do the work but you. So true!!
    P.S. Lookin' good!

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    1. Thank you!! It has been a lot of work but never will I regret that! It has been worth every second!

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  2. Damn you inspire me. I have some health issues (ie WAY too early menopause and the horomones have caused bloating and a little weight gain. I am not where I want to be either. Motivate me more please!

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    1. Thank you Kristin.
      It is not an overnight process for sure. It has taken me over three years to get where I am now. I started slowly and now have kicked it in overdrive to start toning. I just wanted to feel good in my own skin and be healthy. Believe me, I have cheat days and like to have some drinks on the weekend. So during the week I eat clean, I run 3 to 4 times a week and try to do some sort of cross training 1 or 2 days a week. I am also in a Facebook Fit Runners Club. It has given me an extra push the past few months. I am currently on a 28 day walk/run streak. The past few times I have walked my 4 year old has come with me and we do a run/walk together. It gives me some time alone with him and we are active. Sometimes just those little things can add up and help.
      The Half Marathons, those have given me so much belief in myself. I would have never thought I would be running the distance I do today!!

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    2. Thanks for the advice, I just made the decision to get up at 5am everyday this week to run. I need that morning time for ME!

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    3. Awesome! I can't wait to hear how it goes!! Sending happy running vibes! Keep me posted!

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  3. Good for you!! Way to go Momma!!
    I started distance running after I had my second child and just ran my 3rd half marathon on Sunday. I've been documenting some of my struggles respecting my postpartum body and what running and fitness has done for me! :)

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    1. Thank You Thea!!
      Congrats to you on your third Half! Looks like the two of us are on the same running schedule. It has truly been healing for me. If I don't run I get pissy! I hope to be doing this when I am 80!

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  4. Replies
    1. I want other women to believe in themselves. I never thought I would be doing Half Marathons. Life is pretty awesome like that!

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  5. Crystal, those are such cute photos of you and your boys, I mean you and Batman!
    I've got to get addicted to some form of cardio again!

    Thanks for an inspirational post,

    Jennifer

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    1. Thank you!! I like the Batman one too. That was his Halloween costume which he still wears all the time! Best 25 Dollars I ever spent! :)

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  6. Good Mantra: Always believe you can.

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    1. Good Mantra is important for the soul as well as the body :)

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  7. Every time i read your blog, you inspire me, Crystal! I love what you're doing for yourself, because if you aren't good to yourself, you can't be good for anyone else!

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