Skip to content

FREE SHIPPING ON $50+ ORDERS | 100% SATISFACTION GUARANTEE

Finding Time for Yourself in the Midst of Chaos: A busy mom's tale

Finding Time for Yourself in the Midst of Chaos: A busy mom's tale

I used to get mad at my husband for working out.  I mean, why would he take time away from our young family to have more time for himself before work?  I was stuck at home taking care of three tiny humans, just trying to make it through the day and he had (what felt like) hours of glorious alone time.  I didn’t understand at all.  Until I did.  Now I work out more than he does.  Haha!  Joke’s on him!

I was always an active person. I played tennis and was a cheerleader throughout high school, and even ran track for a year.  Throughout college it was fun to do Jazzercise or go to the gym with my sorority sisters.  After college I exercised, walked every night, sometimes ran, and really hit the gym before my wedding.  But then babies happened.  Between having three kids in four and a half years, a husband who was very often out of town and a back that would get thrown out every time I turned my body a certain way, it was difficult for me to justify, or even physically, get to a gym.  I always stayed in pretty good shape, but I went by the motto of “chasing my toddler is my cardio.”

"Between having three kids in four and a half years, a husband who was very often out of town and a back that would get thrown out every time I turned my body a certain way, it was difficult for me to justify, or even physically, get to a gym."

I honestly can’t remember what my turning point was (I was so tired, remember?  And mom brain is a real thing…) but at some point I decided I didn’t want to live like that anymore.  I wanted to be able to run like I used to, or do a jumping jack, or even pick up my kids a certain way without my back hurting.  I wanted to show my kids what it was like to have a “strong mom.”  Most of all, I wanted to get a piece of myself back. 

"Most of all, I wanted to get a piece of myself back."

So I started small.  Like, really small.  I went to my doctor to address vitamin and mineral deficiencies, as well as some of my back issues.  I reached out to the amazing gym my husband went to and met with a very qualified trainer to come up with an individualized program I could do at home.  We always ate healthy as a family but I really concentrated on my nutrition.  My husband told me he would support me in any way he could to help me accomplish my goals.

"So I started small.  Like, really small.  I went to my doctor to address vitamin and mineral deficiencies, as well as some of my back issues."

I started working out two mornings a week in my basement.  The first exercise program from my trainer was about gaining stability in my core, and even that hurt my back at first.  I started to wonder if this was really something I should be doing.  But my trainer was truly amazing and he tweaked that program so it WAS something I could do.  The exercises felt small at first, but every workout thereafter built on each other and before long I was doing what felt like a “real” exercise program!  About six months into this routine, my husband came home from the gym one day and said, “I signed you up for a class this morning.” Yikes!!! I wasn’t sure if I could handle it.  Would my back go out?  How could I be around other people to work out when I was used to having my three monkeys hanging all over me?  And wasn’t the gym filled with super fit people that would make me look like I had no idea what I was doing there?

"How could I be around other people to work out when I was used to having my three monkeys hanging all over me?"

But I went.  And let me tell you, I loved it!!!  I couldn’t figure out how to get the weights off the barbell smoothly, but that didn’t matter.  The trainer was awesome and super encouraging, the people were incredibly friendly, and my back was actually ok!  I started going to one class a week, continuing my program at home.  Over the next few months that grew to two classes, and then three, and then four.  Now it is two years later and sometimes I go five or six times a week.  And you know what?  Those are some of my favorite hours of the week.  At some point during this time, I realized that working out wasn’t an excuse to get away from my family.  It also wasn’t a punishment.  It was a way to take care of myself.  It was a way to make friends and interact with other adults doing the same thing.  It was a way to be an example to my kids of how to treat yourself, showing them to be healthy and strong.  It was a way to feel good from the inside. Endorphins are a real thing! I’m pretty sure I’m addicted to working out now.  And most of all, I am so truly thankful for a body that allows me to live the life I want.   

"Now it is two years later and sometimes I go five or six times a week.  And you know what?  Those are some of my favorite hours of the week."

I think it’s important to point out that some people are able to transform their bodies in just a few months; I’m so impressed by that.  But GUYS, my journey has been TWO YEARS, and I’m still making improvements.  Two years of dedication, two years of sacrifice, and two years of learning.  But so worth it.  Find your tribe, surround yourself with supporters, and ask for help when you need it to accomplish your goals.  Take one step at a time, and eventually you will look back and be amazed at how far you’ve come.

"Find your tribe, surround yourself with supporters, and ask for help when you need it to accomplish your goals.  Take one step at a time, and eventually you will look back and be amazed at how far you’ve come."

We always tell our kids how special they are, and how they need to take care of their bodies by being healthy.  Take that advice for yourself.  YOU are special.  YOU need to take care of your body for yourself, and to be an example for your kids. Take the time for YOU.  You will be so glad you did. 😊

Jen Armstrong, Propello Lifer and Mom of three

Older Post
Newer Post
Close (esc)

Popup

Use this popup to embed a mailing list sign up form. Alternatively use it as a simple call to action with a link to a product or a page.

Age verification

By clicking enter you are verifying that you are old enough to consume alcohol.

Search

Shopping Cart