The Struggle Is Real

You ever had a day where you just wanted to stay in bed? I'm not talking for like just a few more hours. I'm talking about the whole darn day! Yeah, that's a dumb questions, of course you have! Remember when our age had a 1 as the first number and we could stay in bed all day? When I let myself go there I seem to find this twister of  justifications of why I'm owed a day like that. Which, is ridiculous. Those days usually start out with my son's diaper leaking poop all over my bed or some other similar event that puts 'crappy morning' into a whole new category. Why am I even talking about this? Because that has been my day. It's actually been my last few days. Very little sleep, followed by catastrophic messes, and sick babies.

My point? You can do it! You can do it all. You can fight that inner voice telling you that you are a victim in your life. That you are unappreciated and should be given more. You can fight against those feelings and force yourself to replace those feelings with positively joyful thoughts. So here is some of the things I force myself to do on those days.

1. Exercise. Seriously, it's the last thing I want to do. I want to sit on the couch in my sweats and eat all the things I shouldn't. BUT, when I force myself to exercise  on those days that are the hardest to get up and get moving I always have my best workouts. I push myself so much harder on those days because of the stress and tension in my mind. It starts to feel good and I start to feel better. At the end I feel proud of my accomplishment and that moment follows me throughout the day.

2. Service. I'm not talking about going out and feeding the homeless (although that'd be great!) Little things I can do throughout my day for those I live with and I come in contact with. A note to my husband, play-doh time with my daughter, building blocks with my son, helping someone with their groceries at the store, a text to my neighbor letting them know that they are wonderful. These take minutes out of a day and 100% I promise that you will feel lighter in your daily struggles after an act of service.

3. Fun. Do something not on the schedule. Find a reason to laugh. Make a memory with your loved ones and forever that day will be remember as a good one not a bad one. You are the only one deciding what day gets what label. Will it be a good day or bad day? The better questions is will you make a good day instead of a bad day? Don't ever be too serious to laugh at yourself and don't ever be afraid to make those around you laugh.

Exercise with Kids

Where are my other Mommas at?!

Life with kids can be a juggling act, no secret there. Sometimes they are my favorite excuse for not getting my butt into gear and exercising. My 18 month old still doesn't sleep all night, and recently has decided his preferred time to start the day is 5 in the morning. My daughter is a threenager and frequently thinks she should rule the world.
I've tried a gym membership with daycare and about 15 minutes in I hear my name over the loud speaker. My kids just love me and can't stand it when we are apart. I can't blame them, that gym day care isn't the greatest.
Luckily, in my basement I have my bike on a stationary stand and I picked up a treadmill on a yard sale site for $100 (3 years and still going strong). So lesson one, no excuses if you want it you'll make it happen. Lesson two, don't pay full price for anything. Besides that I usually do an aerobic exercise from fitnessblender.com they have awesome workouts with a huge variety. Check out their YouTube channel.

Below is a sampling of my exercise life at home with kiddos.

Stationary Bike with Kids: Bike days usually go something like this:

"Derek, get away from the tire."
"Mom, Derek is upstairs on the table eating a candle."
"Mom, why are you going so fast."
"Mom, can you slow down you are too loud."
"Emily, stop asking me questions when my heart rate is 160."

Running on Treadmill with Kids:

"Derek, get away from the treadmill."
"Mom, you have 3 hours left."
"Mom, are you done yet?"
"Mom, Derek is in the office on the computer desk."
"Oh my gosh, Mom, Derek broke the computer."
"Mom, I'm hungry."
"Mom, Derek is poopy."
"Mom, when will change Derek?'

Aerobic Video with Kids:

"Emily, I'm sorry I kicked you I didn't mean to."
"Derek, get out from under me I can't hold this plank much longer."
"Please, don't jump on my stomach when I'm doing sit-ups."
"Mom, when are you having a shower? You stink."
"Derek, don't pull your sisters hair."
"Derek, don't pull my hair."

The Reward of Exercise with Kids:
"Mom, are you going to exercise today?"
"I love working out with you."
"I am going to be healthy like you."
"When I am grown up, will you share your work out clothes with me?"
"You are almost done, good job!"
"I love you Mom."

They aren't an excuse, they are part of why you are doing this!