DEBUNKING THE ALL OR NOTHING MYTH

Today, I chugged a pre-workout and was dreadfully about to tackle an at-home workout when little O decided to abort his nap prematurely. I was a little disappointed and relieved all in the same breathe.

And then it dawned on me. I deserve GRACE in this journey of loving my body post two nine pound babies and no one can grant me that grace but myself! So instead of sitting down defeated, I grabbed my shoes (literally I haven't worn them in so long I had to do several checks for living creatures), the stroller, and my very awake baby and headed out the door. We jogged, slowly, did some lunges, had some laughs, and streched the best we could.

So here's my message to you. The mama who pours your heart and soul into your littles and really doesn't have the slightest desire to pour back into your own cup and exert energy that frankly you don't have in the first place. I understand the urge to eat when days get long and stressful. I understand thinking of losing weight but then remembering what that means and that it includs self control, and if you're being honest, the only control you have is over the food you eat...so you put it off another week. I see you looking at pictures of pre-baby or maybe even post-baby number one where things didn't sag and stretch marks seized to exist. I see you struggle with balancing it all and still feeling feminine and sexy for your man in the midst of poopy diapers and other questionable bodily functions. Questioning why you don't look like a super model from how much you're moving 24/7 chasing tiny humans, doing laundry, and you know fighting to survive on a few hours of sleep (I would think that would be a calorie burner).

The truth is, we as women will always be in a power struggle over our body image and I really don't see that changing anytime soon. Those pictures of what my body used to be are great reminders of what I'm capable of achieving, but they DO NOT define my worth. Our bodies after babies are different and there are some parts that will never truly and fully transform to the way they once were. And that's okay! Sometimes I have to look at those little men that this body managed to build and deliver and give my self a dang break. To do my best. To put my best foot forward (even if there is a child hanging on said foot). To laugh When I'm literally struggling to breathe from a lap around the block. To remember that nothing is achieved by beating myself up. To strive to be healthy, but knowing there will be days where I demolish my pantry in a hangry angst.

You are not defined by saggy boobs or extra fluff or how many bagels you can throw down in one setting. So, let's forget the all or nothing mentality. Just work on doing something. Go get some air with your little ones in tow. Or try stretching with kids and hairy animals climbing on you, because if we wait for the perfect timing to work out and invest in ourselves we will never make it happen. Do your best and forget the rest.

From a fellow mama who gets it