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This is a guest post from Cindy Posey, CI-CPT, a physical trainer and author of Go Workout Mom, a blog designed to motivate moms to prioritize physical fitness. For a dose of motivation, check out her Motivator Newsletter and free Mom’s Journal in Fitness to begin your journey.
As moms, we nurture our family at the expense of our own well being. Regardless of our career choice, prioritizing our time to exercise is essential as the head care giver of the family.
About a 1 ½ ago I had a conversation with a mom that has stuck with me to this day. She asked what I did for a living. I explained that I was a stay at home mom. Her expression and emotion came across in her body language and response. She wanted to stay at home, but felt it wasn’t possible. I tried to explain that it is a lifestyle change and it’s quite challenging. The decision is not an easy one to make and money is the smallest of the factors in deciding to stay home. She looked at me like I was crazy.
I was the “lucky one” to be able to stay home. The cliché “the grass is greener on the other side” always comes to mind. I had the same perceptions prior to staying home that it was the perfect scenario. How can staying home not be the most satisfying and full filling thing to do?
From my personal experiences, it didn’t matter which career choice I made. Finding time to exercise and making healthy choices is always going to be challenging and difficult. The real choice that I needed to make was to prioritize exercise and healthy living into our family’s lifestyle!
I have tried all the options: working full time away from home, staying at home (which is a full time job—the employer is your baby/toddler/toddlers and they are very demanding), working from home, and working part time away from home. Each “career” choice has come with it’s advantages and disadvantages. I discovered that I like bits and pieces of each lifestyle, but staying home was the most challenging and difficult transition that I ever made.
What I have discovered in my ventures is that there is not enough time in the day for any choice. Exercise is the first commitment dropped when it should be at the top of the priority list because it plays the most important role in mom’s energy levels, ability to deal with stress, and emotional well being for body, mind and soul.
Discovering what “career” choice works for you and your family is a personal journey that incorporates your personality, family dynamics, and emotional well-being into a complete package and one that you should never feel guilty or defensive about choosing. But, don’t let it be the excuse for choosing not to exercise. Time is scarce regardless of mom’s career choice. The grass is perfect right where you create the balance of exercising and healthy living while caring for your family.
photo credit: nino63004
Written on Tuesday, June 17th, 2008 at 8:55 am
Filed under fitness, just for moms, links.
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June 17th, 2008 at 9:39 am
This is so true. I stay home full time now, but have done the variations you mentioned. Until this last year, I haven’t always made exercise a priority and man we payed for it. I would say doing it now is harder than it ever was before because I have to run with a stroller if I want to run, and dealing with two little personalities…well some days it would be so easy to just stay home!
My grandma has always told me that your grass can be as green as you want it to be, YOU just have to be the one to water it.
Hannah’s last blog post..one hundred push ups
June 17th, 2008 at 10:37 am
hannah-your grandma was a wise woman! I might have to steal that saying every now and then.
June 17th, 2008 at 11:12 am
so true. I stayed home for two years, but I was miserable. Now I work full time and I miss being home with my daughter (sigh)…
Fitarella’s last blog post..My girl
June 17th, 2008 at 12:33 pm
I love that saying, Hannah!
This post is so right-on. I stay home with my son, but I also work (during naps and when my husband is home) from home as a freelance writer. It can be nuts. My friends who work full time think I have it great. But, I hear about how they go to the gym or run errands on their lunch breaks and I’m the one who is jealous! Well, for a minute — then I realize that I made the best choice for me. I’ve also made it clear to my husband that I need to run and so he is very supportive an encourages me to go out for a run when he gets home from work or on the weekends. I’m grateful for that.
I guess you could say he helps keep my grass green!
Felice’s last blog post..Chitting and chatting.
June 17th, 2008 at 1:35 pm
I would love to have that option to stay home when I have kids. But since I make more money, if we have anyone staying at home, it would be my husband. I do not see that changing anytime soon. I think I might end up being one of those jealous moms would would like the option to stay home.
asithi’s last blog post..Importance of Breakfast for Weight Loss and Funny Clip
June 17th, 2008 at 2:37 pm
Theres a positive and a negative to everything… we just have to choose which ones we want more and which ones we’re willing to live with!
Sagan’s last blog post..Food Choices
June 17th, 2008 at 4:08 pm
Even us dads can appreciate what you moms do! Great job!:)
Mark Salinas’s last blog post..Abdominal Basics
June 20th, 2008 at 10:27 am
Hannah, I love your grandma’s point of view. It’s even more true for Us. We don’t drink enough water!
Felice, it’s great that you’ve found the balance that works for you and your family. We definitely need the support of our hubbies to “help keep the grass green.” Another great quote that I will keep in mind.
June 20th, 2008 at 12:03 pm
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July 10th, 2008 at 12:11 am
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