It’s 2017, the gyms are full of resolutions and people just like us. The question is how long will we allow our resolution to continue? Let’s try something different this year. Let’s make a change! Throw out your resolution; forget about it! Instead, let’s change the way we think! Let’s show our kiddos that life isn’t about busting our tails for a couple of months and walking away. How do we do this and make sure that it’s effective? We set goals, we’re realistic, we involve our families, and we never look back!
Let’s break this down for a minute. New Year is easy. We all get that. 2017 is going to be the best year yet, right? Of course! Now, New You! Because that’s what’s most important, YOU! You cannot have a new year without changing you first. It’s that simple. So what does “new you” mean to you? A new way of eating, a new way of acting, a new way of handling your stressors, or the big change within us that we are too afraid to say out loud. We all have them! Something that we know we really want but are too afraid to go for; a new job, a new way of living? Who knows, we just all know it’s there. So first, find that new you, then go for it! Don’t be afraid, you are strong enough. I promise! It’s like the first day of school – you’re scared and we all understand. But it’s within you! You are so much stronger than you give yourself credit for.
So maybe your new you starts in the gym? With so many gym options in town it’s easy for us to find the resources and get the help that we may need to get started. But what’s holding you back? Is it the fear of the unknown? Odds are that the same thing you are nervous about is what the person next to you thought about as well the first time they came to the gym. Gyms these days are prepared for your questions. With staff on hand that can show you everything from where the sweat towels are (yes you will sweat, it’s a good thing!) to how to use that scary piece of equipment in the corner that you will someday love! Most gyms also offer childcare to alleviate your kiddo concerns. That’s a huge priority for me. Also, all gyms offer a trial period. So find what makes you most comfortable and walk through the doors like you own the place. Because confidence in ourselves is what is the most important. Everything else is not your concern.
There are also so many easy ways for you to get active with your family! Go for a walk, ride bikes on the Greenbelt, go to the park, or simply play in the back yard. What we do every day will lead our kids. Thirty minutes in the back yard means more to them then we realize and helps us more than we know. So no excuses– everyone has thirty minutes right? I get it, you’re tired, you don’t have time, dinner has to be on the table and all of the kids need baths. But stop! No, it all can wait. Did you know that our kids don’t care about dinner? I mean, really. They don’t! I know that all three of my children would rather have thirty minutes of me pushing them in the swing, jumping on the trampoline, or just sitting outside interacting with them while they play than a meal on the table. I can’t even tell you how many times we have come in from playing in the yard, only to cook the most well rounded meal I can throw together before it’s time for baths and bed.
So maybe today is the day you wake up an hour earlier and go for a walk alone or head to the gym for thirty minutes before you’re busy day starts. I promise you that within a week you will feel like a rock star by 9 a.m.! You are making time for you and ultimately this benefits everyone that you come into contact with. Or maybe your “new you” is at home, waiting for you as you walk in the door. Do something crazy tonight! Stop what you’re doing when you get home. Throw the idea of routine aside. Yes, your kids are going to look at you like you’re crazy. “What mom, a sucker before dinner?” Have fun! Life is too short for our kids to only remember the moments we said not right now. So here’s to a NEW YOU!