It’s been one whole year since I started using Kayla Itsine’s BBG workout program! To say I’m proud of myself is an understatement. To look back at where I was and see how much my life has transformed is a really satisfying feeling.
My husband and I have come a long way in our nutrition journey too. It’s been an ongoing transformation over the past 5 or so years, taking away certain food groups, being super strict, eating whatever we wanted and feeling gross, doing 30+ day resets…it feels like we’ve done it all. We have conversations over and over about how to keep moving forward and getting better. Because we both truly care about how we nourish our bodies and believe in how important it is! Even more so now that we’re not just worrying about ourselves…we have two daughters we’re raising. We now realize more than ever how much food affects so many areas of life. We want to instill in them the knowledge and an understanding of how food fuels us, in both beneficial and harmful ways.
It’s a hard one though. It feels like a constant battle of not being the overboard parent who doesn’t let their kids eat certain foods and worrying about what people think. And also not wanting our girls to feel deprived themselves. But I’m learning to stick to what I believe in and stand by it.
I finally feel like we’ve hit this spot of balance lately though. Food doesn’t feel quite as stressful and consuming as it’s been in the past. We know for the most part the foods we stand firm in that we do not want in our bodies and vice versa. Certain ingredients that are just not worth it. And the rest can be lived with balance. Making the best choices we can with what we have when we’re out, but having that strong foundation at home in the day to day life is what I’m starting to realize is our new normal.
Now that I feel like exercise and nutrition have become a part of me, a part of who I am and my everyday routine, it’s time to tackle some other areas of my life that are seriously lacking.
Self care! Anyone else out there struggle with this?
When I look back at my younger self, I remember being much more aware of my emotions. It didn’t seem very hard to verbalize those emotions either. But when I look at myself now, it feels a lot harder. Maybe it’s the season of life I’m in. Being a parent to young children leaves you with little time to sit and reflect on the emotions you’re actually feeling. I’m sure others are better at the skill and can do that despite the chaos of raising a family, but I’ve come to realize it’s not my strength. I go along with my days and generally things are good. Life is good. But then there comes moments, and much more lately, where I realize how much I deflect my feelings. I feel like I’ve sort of lost the ability to think deeply and connect my emotions. Yikes! That’s hard to say. But it’s my reality right now. And I know this affects all the relationships in my life. I can only get so close to someone when I’m not able to truly share what’s deep in my heart.
So moving forward, I am going to be working at changing that. To spend more time in my thoughts and reflection. Writing used to be a big one for me.
I desire to strengthen my relationship with my husband and daughters. To feel deeply connected and like I’m truly living in these moments that leave us so quickly.
And if any of you have advice on how you choose to “self care” or let yourself get vulnerable with yourself, send me a comment! I would love to hear and get some conversation going!