Throughout my twenties, I fully embraced the life of a dedicated couch potato. Sleeping in? Absolutely. Breakfast consisted of four Chocolate Pop-Tarts, thank you very much! My weeknight plans revolved around binge-watching Friends while munching on a bag of Doritos.
I never felt unhappy enough with my appearance or fitness to make any substantial changes, despite consistently wearing plus-size jeans and struggling for breath after climbing the two flights of stairs to my apartment. When I turned 25, I got married to a fitness enthusiast who had loved me just as I was since we met at 18. Why change, especially when he seemed quite content with my junk in the trunk?
At 28, I welcomed my first daughter, and the couch potato lifestyle appeared to be a natural fit for a new mom. Then, at 31, I had my second daughter. Just nine months later, I found myself running my first half marathon.
During the initial phase of my training, I despised Every. Single. Mile. While I started this journey to shed the lingering pregnancy pounds, my motivation primarily stemmed from my daughters. My eldest was three, bursting with energy, while her little sister was the most active baby I had ever encountered. I needed to keep up with them and the demands of motherhood. More importantly, I wanted to embody a strong, capable, and confident woman for them. As I wavered at mile ten on race day, it was the sight of their sweet faces cheering for me that pushed me to keep going.
In conversations with my girls, “skinny” is off the table, replaced by discussions about being “strong” and “healthy.” I steer clear of comments about weight loss or appearance, knowing that society will bombard them with those messages soon enough.
At 33, I unexpectedly welcomed a baby boy into our family. I was juggling a five-year-old, a two-year-old, and a newborn, while my husband launched a new business. I was also battling a draining case of postpartum anxiety. Something had to give, and running could have easily been the first to go. I had already shown my daughters that I was strong, right? But then I realized I had to do it for my son.
He will grow up to be a boyfriend, a husband, and a father. Just as my daughters need to see strong women, he needs to witness a strong mother. I want him to be inspired to appreciate self-esteem rooted in capability, not appearance. I envision him being adventurous, rock-climbing or mountain biking alongside someone who feels empowered. When he becomes a father, I want him to encourage his daughters to play sports just like he would for his sons.
Many moms focus on being role models for their daughters, but our boys need that representation too. They will likely shape their views on relationships based on what we demonstrate. I want all three of my kids to understand the importance of health and the belief that they can achieve anything. Plus, I want them to enjoy that fourth Chocolate Pop-Tart every now and then, too.
If you’re interested in exploring options for home insemination, check out this post for helpful insights. For another resource, this guide offers valuable information on pregnancy and home insemination. And if you’re looking for a reliable product, consider this home intracervical insemination syringe kit combo.
In summary, my journey from couch potato to active mom was motivated by a desire to set a positive example for my children. I want them to understand the importance of health, strength, and self-confidence, while also enjoying life’s little indulgences.