Mind. Body. Spirit.

I spent the first week after the kids left for Minnesota doing absolutely nothing.  I had so many plans and ideas that I wanted to do, but my body was telling me not at this time. I rested for a whole week and as much needed as it was, I couldn’t sit still for too long. So, last Sunday, I woke up energized and ready to put in work! I went to the gym, had a great workout, and decided from that day forward I would focus on being a better person. . . mind, body and spirit. To be honest, I didn’t have a real plan on how to get started; I just knew I had to start from somewhere. I had an empty fridge, no workout plan, no nothing but, I also didn’t have any excuses. I got up, got going, and it felt great.

Throughout last week, I pushed myself beyond my comfort level, but I’ve also been listening to my body. After a couple of days of working out, my body was so sore that I could barely walk.  I just knew I needed a rest day but, I quickly realized (with the help of a kick in the butt from my husband) that being sore doesn’t mean stop, it means push through! If your muscles are sore, then you’re probably doing something right. You’re activating those muscles that you likely haven’t used in a while (or ever).  Remember, when you choose not push through the pain, you will continue to go through the “sore phase” every time you start over. It won’t be easy, but keep going. Your body will thank you, and it will tell you when you’re doing too much, so trust yourself!

Now, I realize that a great workout is not enough. It really requires a complete lifestyle change to challenge your mindset or at least question what you are putting in your body. I’m sure you’ve heard the saying, “Your body is a temple,” well, I believe this to be true. Think about the times you’re body didn’t agree with certain foods that you refuse to give up because you love them so much. How do you feel after eating it? I’m not big on sweets, but I absolutely love ice cream. My husband and I would often eat Dairy Queen blizzards for dessert but, I always feel uncomfortable and bloated afterwards. My body was telling me that this delicious dessert is not good for me but, I chose not to listen, until now.

Now, I’m far from an expert on nutrition, but I’ve been challenging myself to say no to the tempting food that not only increases the fat around my waistline but also increases the risk of diabetes and heart disease, among other life-threatening diseases.  My body has been begging me for a shake up for some time now and although I don’t have any major illness, thank goodness, I always seem to have some form of unexplainable ache or pain every day (literally). I’m pretty sure if I treated my body more like a temple it would be one, and I would probably have less pain. So, as I transition to healthier lifestyle, I’m working towards becoming vegetarian. To start, I decided to give up pork and red meat. This will no doubt be a slow process, and I promise to keep you updated on my transition.

So, let’s talk. Are you connected to yourself mind, body, and spirit? Are you listening to your body when it speaks to you? Are you taking time for yourself to figure it out?

Listen, I’ve only just begun on my journey but remember, you have to start from somewhere. With the kids on vacation, I’ve been so blessed with the opportunity to spend time with myself, listen to my body, and figure out what it needs. Even if you have a hectic schedule, find at least an hour a day to connect with yourself. As a working mom or even just as someone with a busy life, I know from experience that this will be easier said than done, especially for me when the kid return. But, you have to be good to yourself first before you can be any good to someone else.  I found that Yoga is a great way for me to relax, build strength, and stay centered. Give it a try! Or find something that makes you feel more comfortable and happy. Remember, it’s all about being your best self. So, whatever you do, don’t give up on yourself and, keep going because you are worth it!

💜 Tiarra