Life balance has always been something I struggle with. I’m an all or nothing person – giving my all to every single thing I do. And on the flip side of that, if I do not or cannot do something for some reason then I don’t even try. It’s not always the healthiest approach to life, but no matter how hard I try to overcome this personality trait, it’s pretty firmly ingrained in my psyche.
Balancing work demands, the needs of a infant who is 100% completely dependent on us, and the basic biological need for sleep and food has been a challenge. For this first time mom (and dad) it hasn’t always been easy. In fact, at times it’s been down right hard. The best kind of hard, but still hard.
So, while we’ve been managing the critical elements of our lives, a few things have fallen off the radar. One of which has been fitness. In the last few months, since we got the call about our match and our life was turned completely upside down (in the best possible way) fitness has completely dropped off my radar.
Fitness has always been a part of my life – soccer, curling, running, cycling, skating, skiing, hiking, weight training, etc. I grew up being active and it’s just always been part of my life.
That said, I have never been a size 2 (and will never be and I’m absolutely okay with that). Interestingly, I have not known my weight since I was 13, but my doctor tells me I am healthy and laughs when I say I cannot know the number as my workouts cannot be about a number, they need to be about feeling good (I know my all or nothing mentality will turn it into a numbers obsession, so I just refuse to even go there). Anyways, I’ve always been the kind of person who could generally eat what I want and maintains a healthy body.
However, I noticed after enduring multiple years of infertility and recurrent pregnancy loss which involved being restricted by my RE to only walking my dog for almost 2 years, I put on weight (shocker). I worked my butt of to lose it while we were working the the adoption process and waiting. But, now I’m being inactive again and I have no doubt I’m putting on weight again.
So, here I am now, realizing that I have to find time for fitness. I need the mental health release that comes with exercise and getting into better shape again is an added bonus. And, I want my son leading an active lifestyle, so what better way to encourage him to enjoy a healthy lifestyle then for him to grow up with it as the norm from the very beginning? Of course, I know this is going to be a challenge:
- Managing work and baby is more then a full time job already. Making time for fitness without increasing my stress will be a struggle.
- Baby MPB isn’t able to hold his held up well enough yet for me to run or cycle with him safely. So, I need time on my own for a little while longer.
- Our treadmill is having problems and may need to be replaced (and we don’t have the cash on hand for that right now).
- I refuse to pay for a gym membership when exercise can be done essentially for free if I’m smart about it.
So my plan to do this is simple:
- Ideally I’d like to exercise 5 times a week. But, for now I’m going to find a minimum of 30 minutes 3 times a week for me to go for a run outside. I’m generally responsible for Baby MPB’s 6am feed, so after he eats and Mr. MPB wakes up, I’m going to leave Baby MPB and Mr. MPB together while I go for a run. Work can wait. Once I’m in a bit better of shape I hope to increase this to 45-60 minutes and of course I hope to bring Baby MPB with me once he’s big enough.
- Continue to be inspired by Courtney. I’ve even emailed her a few questions and will keep doing so until I’m on the right track (or she gets annoyed with me and tells me to bugger off). Essentially, I’m going to use her as my inspiration and motivation so long as she’ll let me.
- Eat like we did pre-baby. As in, eat healthier. We’ve ordered pizza and Chinese food a few too many times in the last few months. I’ve never been one for diets, in part because we enjoy cook for ourselves and eat fairly well balanced meals. So, I’m not jumping on any sort of diet fad. But, I’m just going to make a point of returning to our old eating habits – salad’s, fresh food and home cooked meals.
- Wine is only for Friday and Saturday nights. (I wont deny it, this one rule does make me slightly sad).
- I am going to use my IG account to keep me accountable. So, anyone who follows me there, expect some sort of fitness related photo at least 3 times a week. (Also, if you want to follow me on IG send me a direct message so I know who you are as it’s a private account).
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Being a working mom with a very young baby is hard work in itself.
The most important thing to me in the world in Baby MPB.
But my reality is that I have professional obligations – meetings, deadlines, conference calls, etc. I’m lucky because I can do 90% of my work from home. So even when we have a nanny here taking care of Baby MPB, I am at home in the other room. I’m here in case of an emergency and I can also get baby snuggles whenever I want!
On the days where I have to be on site and away from home for a full day – sometimes 12+ hours. I know Baby MPB is well cared for by Mr. MPB while I’m away so I never have to worry in that respect. But, these days are hard. Initially, it broke my heart to be away for so long, and I was riddled with guilt. Now, I’ve realized that there is some benefit to them as I enjoy adult conversation and critical thought. (More on this another day as I have lots of thoughts on balancing work demands with baby demands with the society pressures re working or not working).
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But, this week is a bit different – I have 2 solid days out of the house and one of them is Saturday. And it’s not even for paid work. But it is absolutely necessary.
In my profession, I am governed by a professional association. As part of my professional requirements, I must take a certain amount of continuing education per year maintain my professional designation. Normally, I like doing this as I always enjoy learning something new and meeting new people. In the past, pre-self-employment and pre-baby, I often looked for courses/conferences that were in a fun city, because when someone else is paying the bill, why not go on a mini work vacation?
Now, being self-employed I am much more aware of how I’m spending my money. Because, every dollar spent is one less dollar of revenue. And every moment spent in a course is one less moment spent on paid work and/or baby snuggles.
So, this year I found a really interesting certificate program offered at a local university. You can do the course in 1 year or you can do it over multiple years. I’ve decided to take 2-3 course per year and hopefully finish in in 3-5 years.
The certificate is in conflict resolution. So, they are not specifically related to what I do professionally, but it’s the kind of skill that no matter what I do in life will be useful.
And, as an added bonus, this means that I’m going to drive Mr. MPB mad with all my “practicing.”
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My Perfect Breakdown 