Build 'Em Up: Keeping My Identity

This week's topic for Build 'Em Up is all about remembering who YOU are & not losing your identity once you become a mama. I know there are many ways to talk about this (making sure you get adult time, spending time with girlfriends, going on dates with the husband, etc), however, I will be talking purely about the physical aspect of this. This topic is near & dear to my heart because this is something that has been a struggle for me & is something I am taking care of as we speak. 

I'm the mama of 2 young boys. I had my boys within 22 months of one another. 

I was 25 years old when I had Grayson. Having a kid definitely changes your body. I immediately lost all my baby weight. However, it still wasn't the same. I didn't feel as young anymore. I didn't really try to change anything, I just bought different clothes. I retired my bikinis & bought tankinis. My clothes were, in general, bigger than they were when I was a newlywed. I wasn't thrilled about that, but I just went with it. 

At 27, I had our sweet Griffin. This time, the baby weight didn't fall off. It stuck like glue, actually! I started Weight Watchers soon after he was born but didn't stick with it. Over those first 5ish months after Griffin was born I put on a few pounds. I hated the way that I felt. I wasn't taking care of myself. I wasn't eating right. I wasn't exercising at all. I felt sluggish. I hadn't always felt this way. Somehow during those chaotic first few months as a mom of 2, I kind of lost sight of myself. I put myself last.

About 6 weeks ago I was showing Grayson pictures from when Ben & I were dating. I about did a double take when I saw a picture of us on the beach when we were 20 & 21.  I was shocked at how in shape I looked! (the sad part is that when I developed that picture a gazillion years ago, I remember thinking how awful I looked!)  That picture was the motivation that I needed. I taped it to my mirror in our bedroom & I look at it everyday.

Inside I still feel like that girl. I want the outside to reflect that.

I have made a lifestyle change. I've changed the way that I eat & really the way that our whole family eats. I am exercising daily during the boys' afternoon nap.  I'm seeing results but I just feel so much better.  It's not about just being "skinny." At this stage in my life I just want to feel good in what I am wearing & be a good example to my kids.

  I am mad that I let myself get to a point where I would look in the mirror & not really recognize who I saw. I have definitely realized recently just how important it is to take care of me. I feel like I'm a much better mom when I am taking care of myself, too. I have so much more energy & I'm just happier. And what's that saying? 

If  mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy!

Be sure to go check out Erin, Kelly, Jennifer, & Courtney!