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Why Prioritizing Self-Care Became Essential for Me
Throughout my twenties, I lived a life centered around comfort and convenience—often found lounging on the couch. Late mornings, indulging in chocolate pastries, and binge-watching television shows became my routine. Although my reflection in the mirror didn’t evoke feelings of deep dissatisfaction, my size was consistently in the “plus” category, and I would find myself out of breath after climbing just a couple of flights of stairs.
At 25, I married Alex, a fitness enthusiast who had accepted me just as I was since we met at 18. I felt no need to change; he seemed perfectly content with my lifestyle. The birth of my first daughter at 28 further entrenched this way of life. A second daughter followed at 31, and during that time, I realized I needed a shift when I decided to train for my first half marathon.
Initially, I dreaded every single mile during my training. Although I was motivated by my own desire to shed the pregnancy weight, it was my daughters who truly inspired me to keep going. My eldest was full of energy, and my youngest was a spirited baby. I wanted to match their enthusiasm and serve as an example of strength and confidence. On race day, it was their encouraging smiles along the route that pushed me through the toughest parts of the race.
Conversations with my daughters focus not on “skinny” but on being “strong” and “healthy.” I avoid discussions about weight loss or body image, knowing societal pressures will soon reach them. When I turned 33 and welcomed a surprise son, life became even more demanding. Juggling a five-year-old, a two-year-old, and a newborn alongside my husband’s new business and battling postpartum anxiety left little room for personal care.
Yet, I realized that for my son, I needed to model strength too. My desire is for him to recognize that self-worth should derive from capability rather than appearance. I want him to grow up valuing women who are adventurous and strong, just as I hope my daughters will embody those same traits.
As parents, we often emphasize the importance of being role models for our daughters, but we must not overlook our sons. The examples we set will shape their perceptions of relationships and healthy self-esteem. I want my children to understand that health is paramount and that they can achieve anything. And yes, I hope they can occasionally enjoy that fourth chocolate pastry without guilt.
For more insights on how to navigate parenting and self-care, check out one of our other blog posts here. For those interested in understanding the role of artificial insemination, this resource can provide additional information. Furthermore, the CDC offers valuable resources related to pregnancy and home insemination.
Summary
Prioritizing self-care became vital for me as a mother to model strength and health for my children. My journey from a sedentary lifestyle to running a half marathon was driven by my desire to be an active and positive influence on my daughters and son. Through this transformation, I aim to teach them the importance of being strong and healthy, while also encouraging a balanced relationship with food.