Me, Me, Me

Last April I began working out diligently. In a matter of four months I dropped a lot of weight, felt great, had much more energy, and was in a better mood as a whole. Plus both kids really enjoyed going to the Child Watch, which made me not feel as guilty for taking time out each day to do something for myself. Then September hit and it was one sickness after another. My son was sick for weeks, followed by my daughter, followed by me, followed by both kids again and the cycle repeated. Before I realized it, five months had gone by. It has been three solid months since I have even set a single foot into the gym at all. I got used to not working out consistently and frankly I suffered. While I have not gained more than a few pounds back I have noticed a huge difference in how I feel. I don't have as much energy, I'm grouchier and don't feel as refreshed.

While I would still like to lose some more weight, it is really not even about the weight. It's about the clarity working out provides me. I got used to and depended on starting everyday by working out, breaking a sweat, pushing myself to fatigue, and relishing in the results and changes I eventually saw physically. Plus, just having that hour break from my children was a great opportunity to recharge and do something for myself because let's face it. Very little of what we as mothers do during the day is for ourselves.

So, today as I found myself losing patience with my children and trying to keep it together I decided it was time to return to the gym. Both kids were very excited and I spent 45 minutes busting my butt....probably more than I should have for my first day back. I need routine and I need something, even if it is simply an hour at the gym, for me.