Whether it was the South Beach Diet or wedding planning stress, if you’re anything like me, you were probably your ‘skinniest‘ on the day you said ‘I Do’…
Then you had kids…
Here is a pivotal point in life – you could succumb to mom jeans, reminiscing of your ‘better days’, and just throw in the (sweat) towel…or get your sh*t together and realize these are your better days – right now, right here – Today is your best day. Life after kids is different. Your body is different. But guess what, you’re a parent now, you’re somebody’s person – there’s no time for wallowing over stretch marks (we all have them). Show gratitude towards yourself and be the best example to your littles – because I guarantee they are watching your every move.
So, yeah I was the lowest weight on my wedding day that I have ever been (and probably ever will be), yet today, after kids, I am way stronger, way more active and have several races under my belt. If you would have said to me 7 years ago, as I stood there in my white dress, let’s go for a run when you get back from your honeymoon…I would have rolled my eyes and said NOPE. Now running is a regular part of my week – in fact I crave it. With that I said I wanted to share how your ‘body after babies’ is actually pretty f*ing awesome.
5 Things I Did After Kids:
- Completed a Tough Mudder. After having my second baby I desperately needed a fitness goal and this seemed perfect…terrifying yes, but that also made it exciting. So, 8 months later I conquered the most challenging 10-12 mile obstacle course with a team of other badass moms (+ 2 dads).
- Ran My First Half Marathon (& 2nd). Running 13.2 miles was never on my bucket list, however, I was given an opportunity to run the Seattle Rock N Roll Half and I saw it as a sign to start training. Worst case scenario I figured I could just walk…but I discovered during the months leading up to it that I was totally capable of running the whole thing…I definitely surprised myself! Moral of the story: Always try…you just never know until you do.
- Eliminated the F Word. Before kids I always asked my husband, friend, sister, mom, etc. ‘Do I look Fat in this?’ or would constantly complain about how ‘Fat’ I felt. Now that I have 2 daughters the F word completely disgusts me. I actually consider it a swear word in my home, and try my best to never say it, especially around my girls. The old me was consumed with the scale and constantly voicing my flaws, negating any compliment sent my way. Now, my daughters not only see me being active, but they participate. We have a saying in our home – ‘We’re tough girls’ – this means we focus on being strong, healthy and happy – screw the F word!
- Gained Confidence. This goes right along with #3, but once I stopped stressing over my body issues and focusing on just being fit and healthy, confidence came easy. Obviously I’m not perfect and I know it, but just being more positive, giving myself grace and knowing that every day is an opportunity to improve has helped shift my mindset. I have 2 beautiful kids and a husband that adores me, I’d say the cellulite on the back of my thighs is not something I should be losing sleep over.
- Got Creative. I tinkered with starting a blog for years but didn’t actually commit until I was talking to a photographer friend (One Thousand Words A Minute) about doing a bit of writing (which was my passion all through school) and I asked her thoughts on guest contributing to other blogs. She immediately suggested I start my own. At the time, that was extremely daunting and I had no idea where to start. But then all of a sudden excitement kicked in and I was using every second of free time to research, design, and launch Obsessed by Portia. This past year has been life-changing – I realized I not only liked writing but I am infatuated with it – it’s like my gas tank is finally full. This ‘creative outlet’ has sparked a fire that is something fierce and the goals just keep coming. I think a large part of my fuel is how interested my daughters are in what I do – they see me writing, taking photos, being passionate about something all my own. I’m not sure I would have started a blog if I didn’t have kids – they have given me a reason to go after what I want…because I want them to do the same.
So if you’re a parent – appreciate the pre-kids days, but know your life is still happening and take every advantage of your strong, badass body…throw away the mom jeans, grab a girlfriend, go shopping, go to yoga….do you now.
I’d also like to clarify, when I say ‘after kids’ or ‘parents’ I mean anyone who has delivered babies, adopted babies, raised tiny humans in any sort of capacity, and dad’s – I’m looking at you too…
♥ ♥ ♥
And finally, Thank You, TKO®, for sending me the Ab Stretch 4-Way Resistance Band so I can workout anywhere – like the park while my kids play. I appreciate your support with my fitness goals and helping me multitask #MomLife.
Outfit Details:
Lorna Jane Zip Through // Similar Style HERE
VS Pink Ultimate Yoga Crop // Similar Style HERE
Brooks Running Launch 3 // Shop HERE
TKO Ab Stretch 4-Way Resistance Band // Shop HERE
Photos by Tessa Burrus
XoXo Portia
Disclosure: TKO® Whatever It Takes graciously provided me with the TKO Ab Stretch 4-Way Resistance Band to try and review. The opinions expressed here represent my own, which I take great pride in providing pure honesty…because I’m OBSESSED with sharing the Good!