Don't Let Being a Mom Hold You Back

Meet one of my beauties! This is my beautiful 14 year old daughter, McKenna. She truly is one of the loves of my life. 

    One of the things I've noticed over the past year and a half while losing my weight was how much being heavy and carrying around the many un-needed and un-wanted extra pounds effected me in more aspects of my life than just my own. It effected me as a mother. It's sad to me to sometimes think I've lost some precious "active" years with my kids but the reality is, when your heavy, it naturally happens. You don't have the motivation, energy, or discipline to do what you need to in order to be apart of your kids life completely. And because every mother wants to be the best they know how for their kids, this may also lead to depression or other ailments that get you down and discouraged.  I know this may sound harsh in some ways but looking back on things, it's the truth. I can't tell you how many times I sent my husband off on a hike, or a bike ride, or an outing with the kids that I thought I was "too fat" for or felt "too tired" for so I didn't join in and let those precious moments slip away. Those are moments I can't bring back. The good news is, it's never too late to change and make things right. I not only changed things, but I changed it in a good way so that I CAN enjoy the fun, active moments of being a parent. It's crazy to think of all the things we take for granted in our lives. The funny thing is, we don't realize it until we start to change how valuable our example is to others, especially our own children. How "active" are you in your kids lives? Are there things that you don't participate in because or lack of energy or because your weight gets in the way?

I know my sweet McKenna has always loved me for who I am and because I am her Mom, but what I do know is that because she's had a chance to watch first hand me go through what I have to get to where I am today as far as hard work, motivation and dedication, I know she is a better person today than she was yesterday. She's been nothing but a cheerleader, motivator, and a friend to her Mom during all of this. In turn, this has not only helped me in my life and on this journey but it's helped mold her into the beautiful young lady she is turning out to be. Maybe this was all part of God's plan? If so, regardless of what I had to go through, I am truly grateful she is becoming who she is. It's a beautiful thing.

This weekend it was my turn to cheer on Miss McKenna as she danced her little heart out at a clogging competition. This is something she has done for many, many years and is truly one of her passions. (Not to mention, she's amazing to watch and defiantly was born to be on stage!) 

                        Clogging competition 2 years ago.

Clogging competition this weekend! (Have I mentioned I love this girl?!)


So, if there is anything holding you back from being 100% in your kids lives, change it! You can do it. Not only will they be happier, but you'll be much happier too. I like to think that if God put His trust in me to raise these little people, I'd better make sure I was doing my part -living a healthy lifestyle being one of them!