The Best Version of Myself

Throughout my blog I’ve touched on some pretty deep emotions, but I haven’t shared too much on my postpartum journey when it comes to health and wellness. When I had Carter it took me a very long time to not only be comfortable again in my own skin, but also to feel good about my health and nutrition. I think when we become moms, we put all of our children’s needs first before our own. I wouldn’t have it any other way! But I know how important it is now, that in order for me to be the best mom I can be, I need to take care of myself too. Easier said than done right?!

It’s always been a passion of mine to go through pregnancy and become a mother. I am in full mom mode now! There would be days that I would totally skip breakfast, or just have a couple bites of Carter’s eggs and call it good. I just felt too busy. Too busy to take the time to cook myself something for breakfast, so I’d just have a cup of coffee and call it good! When lunch time came I’d eat whatever Carter ate again, maybe some macaroni and cheese, a grilled cheese, chicken nuggets and veggies, etc. It wasn’t that I was eating completely terrible, but I really wasn’t feeling good about myself.

When I found out I was pregnant with Payton, I wanted to try my best to stay healthy throughout my pregnancy. I did a pretty good job other than my last trimester when I just let go and enjoyed every summer ice cream treat that I could find LOL. Once she was born, I felt so happy to be a mom of two, but also felt like I was in an even deeper rut when it came to nutrition. Survival mode at it’s finest. It was hard. My children were happy and healthy which I was so thankful for, but what about me? I didn’t feel like I was.

I think some people think that when you’re a stay at home mom it makes it easier to stay healthy. But it’s hard! Harder than I thought it would be, that’s for sure. I’m always working on never-ending laundry, picking up toys, paperwork for the shop, figuring out meals; the list goes on. I was ALWAYS tired. A mix of being busy and always tired isn’t the best. I would cry often just because I didn’t feel like myself. I was confused on what I was supposed to be doing to change that? I remember reading things that said one day you’ll feel like yourself again. Okay… but when? I wanted that sense of myself back.

My point is, it’s not easy to feel like yourself when you become a mom, especially when it comes to nutrition and wellness. It was right around Thanksgiving last year; I wanted something for ME. Running around the house for our two precious babies is what I love to do, but I also love to feel my absolute best. I decided to finally say “YES” to something I have been considering for such a long time. YES to a more convenient lifestyle as a busy mommy. YES to a new support group. YES! I knew my goals were to finally start feeling good about myself again, and to get that energy back to keep up with a baby and toddler. I also made a goal to try something that I’ve never done before. I’ve honestly never felt better. My journey has lead me to a community of support as well! It’s pretty incredible.

They say it’s harder to bounce back once you have your second child. But for me, after having Payton it was so much easier this time around! I feel like I’m an even better version of myself now and for the first time in a long time, I’m proud. Proud of myself! I knew I wanted to post this to show you that honestly you can be in a totally different place even one month from now. I realized that I owed it to myself and to my family to be the best version of myself and this is only the beginning. For that, I am so grateful. So whether you’re a new mom, a soon to be mom, or just someone who really truly cares about health and nutrition; I can’t wait to share my health and wellness journey! If you want to chat with me, leave a comment on my blog, Instagram, Facebook, or message me privately! The JOY is in the JOurneY.

Lots of love and God Bless,

-Alyssa