let the past be the past…
If you haven’t already read part one of this series, I encourage you scroll down and learn a bit about my my history 👇🏼👇🏼. Not only with food but my overall state of well being, for a better understanding of who I was and how far I’ve come.
If you did, then good! This post is far less damning and more encouraging! More woohoos than boohoos.
Sometimes the little things can turn into the big things…
My late twenties was when my health as a whole– physical, mental and emotional state began to slowly morph together. I wasn’t running to counteract what I ate, I was no longer filling up on empty calories and most importantly I was emotionally and mentally much happier and healthier. I was less consumed, less concerned with fads and what everyone else was doing. It was time to do what was best for ME.
Around this time Colin and I took a big step and bought our first home together. This meant it was time to be a real grown up, managing money, bills, all the fun stuff that comes along with being a home owner. It was also the time to start learning how to cook REAL food– we no longer lived in the city, so getting take out or going out was off the table. It was now or never. Time to learn and to sit down and enjoy what we created together, good or bad it was a part of the process.
The concept of creating and taking pleasure in a real meal is so important and something I think all of us need to get back to. Even for me, a self proclaimed “busy body” I believe this is so pivotal to your well being. Truthfully, this is where a lot of our problems are stemming from I believe (not only with health) but so many other basic human needs. Connecting with our spouse, talking with our children, basic daily check ins that can be so essential for everyone. Today, our society is constantly on the go, always in a hurry with the NEED to be busy, like we’re trying to prove that we’re better for it. We are not longer making it a priority to create time to just slowwww down. We’ve lost sight of the process of a meal– the shopping, the prepping and actually enjoying the fruits of our labor. Not just nibbling bites around the kitchen island as we’re hustling out the door. For me, this process was a step in the right direction, even as a young adult I knew this. It wasn’t perfect- but boy was it better!
I really began to look into my whole self and listen. Remembering what my body was made to do and get back to the roots of who I was. I loved to be outside, active, hanging with my people and eating wholesome foods that made me feel good. Organically it all became easier. Less fuss. Maybe it came with age or being more self aware, but for the first time, I felt like it was making sense. I felt good, I felt like I was finally living a healthy happy balanced life that I had been searching for– that’s all I ever wanted.
First comes love, then comes marriage…..
Time went on… ahem, marriage and two kids later (insert cute babies)
Photo: Adele Cabanillas 
Photo: Wit & Whimsy Creative, LLC. Things went a bit south {no pun intended}. Having 2 babies within a span of 22 months my body and overall health had been put on the back burner. I was beaming with joy and staying active, but my goals had slid. It just wasn’t a priority. And it was all good! A season a life I don’t regret whatsoever. I had babies to feed, chase and care for around the clock how could I even think about myself? Washing my hair and feeding myself a full meal was an accomplishment in itself.
If you are currently in this season or something similar, perhaps juggling school or a full time job or both!— know that it’s perfectly normal. You are not alone. In the whole scheme of life it’s such a nugget of time; there is always a time to find your way again. Don’t let this scare you from trying to regain control when the time is right. There is also no shame in devoting of self care during these challenging times and BRAVO if you have! Something I probably should have done a little more of, truthfully.
Having children has changed my life in so many ways {obviously, right?!} of course it brought me more joy and love than I ever thought possible. But it also restored my faith in my body and as a woman. Trusting that I know what I’m supposed to do and how to do it, not by what I’ve read but letting instincts guide the way. Motherhood taught me about GRACE and gratitude. For what my body created, what it’s provided and how it recovers constantly. Learning to show myself love when I need it the most.
Hopping back on the self love wagon….
Six months after our second child, Teagan was born my husband got the opportunity to take a job across the country in Jacksonville, Florida. {More on the big move to come} with endless sunshine and time on my side I was ready to reclaim myself {again}. This time for good, no guilt or excuses. I started running. I found fitness communities that I resonated with (if you need any tips on this, I’d be happy to help) I got back to my roots. I cut the crap out, became more mindful and stuck to clean healthy whole food. It wasn’t pretty at first. Man those first months were so hard. I could barely run two miles, I had no muscle mass. I was sore. Boy was I sore. But it felt good. Felt good to be sore, to be taking back my body.
I knew it was going to take more than just a couple miles and healthy food. I needed to REALLY push myself and remember that it wasn’t a sprint, but a marathon. This time however, I had all the tools and I was ready to put in the work! This was the time to find my forever; routines I could stick with and food I could live on. I didn’t want to feel deprived or miserable either. I kept it simple and achievable. Clean healthy foods, lots of fruits and veggies and plenty of water– I even had my wine and all the things I love. Basic right? Just as it should be. Striving for perfection or impossible guidelines wasn’t my schtick.
I owe a lot to my husband as well. He has not only been a huge supporter but he and my girls have been there from the very start. Encouraging and sweating the whole way through. He may have put on a few pounds of “empathy weight” too during “the baby years” 😬. So it wasn’t just me that needed a full reset. It was a family goal! We were in it together.
putting in the work ….
We ran 3-5 times a week and biked when we had the opportunity. We hiked when the temps were conducive. Mixed in various home workout videos and evening family strolls. We made it fun and always mixed it up- it was (and still is) part of our daily routine. No excuses, just part of it. Those 90 degree days were (are) butt kickers though, I will admit.
As the months ticked by the muscles began to peek, the miles became easier and I was soon stronger than I’d ever been in my whole life. Can you imagine, age 32 (at the time) and was at my strongest I’d ever been, post two babies and all {pats self on back}…
One of the biggest things I owe to my successes and finding my own “sunshine state” was letting go of the idea perfection or achieving “nirvana” if you will. I don’t subscribe to trendy diets or regimented eating. I listen to my body, I practice mindfulness and have lived enough to now know what I need to thrive, to recover, when it’s time to cleanse, or when it needs a little extra love. I urge you to do the same. Cut out the noise and focus on what makes YOU thrive.
Because at the end of the day, it’s not a one size fits all thing. We all require vastly different needs for our bodies. Whether it be dietary restrictions, blood sugar, age, gender, are you an athlete? Do you have health issues? All these things matter.
Most importantly, I didn’t lose myself to a plan. Part of who I am and my own sunshine state of mind is getting OUT! Enjoying company, BBQs and parties with friends. I love to go to restaurants, I like to have a beer with my husband. I like wine on Wednesday just because and knowing that the work I put in allows me the things I love. The foundations I’ve created are there and will remain. They don’t restart on Monday.
Your things may look a little different than mine, but you shouldn’t have to give up all things you love to feel good. Finding the balance is the key to success.
If you’re reading this and feeling overwhelmed, how do I start? I have so much to learn! Im a mess. I don’t have time. I hate exercise. I just can’t lose the weight. It’s too hard. Know that you can. You just have to start small. Be mindful. Be patient.
Stay tuned for part three for all my tips to finding your own sunshine state!
Disclaimer:
(I am not a registered dietician or doctor, these are my own personal beliefs. This is what works for me and my body, it may not be the same for you. If you have dietary restrictions or any health related issues, be sure to consult your doctor before making any dietary or health changes.)
sunshinestateofmine 