Being a mother comes before anything else in my life- hands down! However, if you're a momma you know exactly what I mean when I say, we need "alone time". Time to unwind, channel our inner-spirits and just relax. Well for me, the most relaxing thing I can do is get sweaty and exhausted at the gym! (Weird, right?) I am so passionate about fitness, I could go on and on about the benefits it provides, not only for myself- but my children as well. How, you might ask? As they say, a healthy momma is a happy momma! I'm sure most of you would agree, that us mothers deserve some time to ourselves- selfish time! Be proud and own it! You deserve this. I have heavily committed to implementing fitness and active, healthy habits into my children's lives as well. Not only activity-wise, but as a nutritional balance as well. I refuse to let my kids binge on junk food their whole childhood. The food you consume should fuel your body with energy, not toxify and damage it! Sanity, stress relief, mental stability, emotional and mental elevation, confidence and a better sense of self-esteem are just a few of the millions of benefits I want my kids (and myself) to practice, which come from living a healthy lifestyle. Like I said- I could go on for hours and completely bore you, but instead I'm going to answer the three questions I get asked the most!
#1: How do you find the time to work out, being a single, full-time working mom?
-This is definitely one that's hit home and I've really tried to figure out how to answer, because of course anytime someone questions you about the time you spend away from your kids- you instantly feel guilty. (At least I do!) But I've accepted that not everyone will understand my lifestyle choices and guess what! That's completely okay and totally normal! I use exercise as a way to relieve stress, turn self-doubt into self-confidence, confusion into clarity and really spend time alone in my own zone, my own mind and push myself to my absolute limits- physically and mentally! I make fitness a priority in my life. JUST THINK about the amount of time you spend scrolling through social media, watching episodes upon episodes of the newest and hottest series on Netflix, taking naps, or even just walking around the house aimlessly trying to decide how to spend your day. I'd bet you a hundred bucks it would add up to AT LEAST a couple hours a day. You could get an amazing workout in with only 30-45 minutes to spare! Anything is better than sitting back, letting more and more time pass doing nothing but WISHING you could get in shape, right?!
#2: What do you do with your kids during that time?
-Again, no need to feel guilty about this moms! Your kids need social time just as much as you need alone time. My kids personally LOVE going to the gym daycare. It's a chance for them to interact with other children, make friends and also learn how to respect other authority figures besides just mommy and daddy. Now that, alone, is extremely important! I know it's hard as a mom to feel safe about someone else taking care of your kids, but lets face it- sooner or later it HAS to happen. They will gain so much common courtesy, respect and maturity before you send them off to school, which will ultimately benefit THEM in the long run. I actually met one of my closest friends, Reanna, by taking my son to the gym daycare. Our sons met, introduced us and basically forced us to let them have a playdate! (Haha! Boys!) Now both my son and I have incredible, lifelong friends and I am forever grateful for my little matchmaking buddy! However, I do understand that some people have a very firm outlook and opinion, and would rather not take their kids to a daycare- and that is completely understandable as well and I 100% respect your decision. But there are still ways of being active at home or even doing physical activities WITH your children! Teach your kids the importance of fitness. Go for a walk, play soccer, go roller blading (is that even a thing anymore?), go hiking, ride bikes, do some sprints and burpees while they play on the playground, ANYTHING! Just get moving!
#3: How do you stay motivated?
I personally work out because I WANT to! I've made it a habit and it's something I've committed to. But, believe me, there are days when I have to drag myself into the gym. There are days when I would rather throw my blanket in the dryer to warm it up, throw on my baggiest hoodie, grab a bag of swedish fish (my comfort food), and stay in bed all day! Here's the cool thing; if that does happen.. GREAT! Don't beat yourself up about it. We all have those days, it's about balance and I think you SHOULD have days like that! I sure do. But staying motivated is ultimately all about the results and satisfaction you gain. Working out gives me complete control, no matter what else is happening in my life- and I think THAT is what makes me so passionate about it! No matter what changes I seek, change requires action and working out is a self-demonstration of my own personal power to take action. I AM IN CHARGE OF ME! Physically and mentally. Of course there are always outside factors thrown your way, but if you can gain a sense of self control, stability and peace- you determine your mood and outcome and that is more powerful than anything else you will encounter. If you cheat, you're only cheating yourself. Once you understand that there is no cutting corners with yourself, you will treat yourself the way you deserve to be treated and in turn that brings endless opportunities of joy, happiness and success your way.
One last thought- Maybe your passion (or valued alone time) has NOTHING to do with fitness or working out. Maybe you would rather find your personal peace and serenity reading books, taking art classes, painting, drawing, playing a sport, driving through the canyon, hiking, site-seeing, etc. Whatever brings joy and peace to your heart- discover it and DO IT! You NEED to take care of yourself first and find a way of coming face-to-face and heart-to-heart with yourself. YOU DESERVE IT! Don't let ANYBODY tell you different.
Sending love to everyone who needs it (and trust me, we ALL do). Thanks for reading! :)
-Darcie
