If you’ve been following along for a little while, you’ll know that I’ve just recently kicked my butt back in gear (six months postpartum from our second babe), and have been diligent about setting time aside during the week to get active. It’s not easy to find the time, and most days it’s not easy to make myself get up and do it… but with some teamwork from my hubby, we’re making it happen.
There are a BUNCH of reasons that I needed to get active again. I was heavier than I was comfortable with, it was making me feel even more tired (if that’s possible…) and lethargic than normal, and frankly I missed the challenge that comes with setting an athletic goal and conquering it!
So, because we share a lot of our lives online (and do so because we love it!), I’ve been asked if I’m planning to share a ‘Before and After’ photo of my transformation.
Well? Nope.
Nope, I’m not going to. For a few reasons.
- It’s not what motivates me. For me, when I see ‘Before and After’ photos of others, I don’t feel motivated to take action myself. I usually give these fabulous ladies a virtual high-five for investing in themselves, and for feeling fabulous enough to share that with the world (because no matter who you are, that’s terrifying). But seeing someone else’s transformation in one still frame doesn’t make me want to take the first step and get off the couch – in fact, sometimes it makes me feel overwhelmed with how far I have to go to get to my goal and does the exact opposite. What does motivate me? Seeing someone share the everyday hustle – the real effort it takes to prioritize yourself in a house with young kids. So, that’s what I’m trying to do.
- My lifestyle change isn’t a transformation at all. It’s an evolution of sorts, at best. I’ve been athletic my whole life, and have always loved the comradery and challenge that comes with being part of a team. At times in my life I’ve been very fit, and I’ve had times where fitness has been at the very bottom of the priority list. So, saying that this is a ‘transformation’ of some kind doesn’t feel at all authentic to me. It’s just where I am in my life today.
- For me personally, this evolution of my fitness is very closely tied to having 2 kids in less than 2 years. Pregnancy and childbirth are a freaking miraculous feat, and it takes a toll on your body. There’s no getting around that. It can be a struggle to find your new normal when it comes to postpartum fitness. But, that being said, I also want my kids to know that their birth was miraculous and treasured more than just about anything in my life. So, stacking my postpartum body up as a ‘Before’ image, and positioning it as something undesirable just isn’t something I’m willing to do.
So that’s it! That’s my two cents, and my thoughts on why I won’t be sharing a ‘Before and After’ of my journey.
But, you can be sure that the next time I see someone sharing theirs I’ll be the first one celebrating with them and giving them a big ‘heck yes’! For going after their goals AND for sharing it with the world. Because no matter what feels right for me, celebrating others’ successes is ALWAYS something I can get behind.
xo
