Not Quite What I Expected.

I’m just going to be really honest for a second. Blogging is not my strength. I enjoy the blogging community but always feel a loss for words whenever I sit down to write. I have had several people tell me I should blog about my weight loss journey in the past two months, but I have been digging my heels. I WANT to get my story out there, however, I feel a tremendous pressure to perform and have the perfect fitness blog that features the most cutting edge advancements in workouts as well as an arsenal of healthy recipes to try. That is not the stage of life that I am in. I am at a point in my life where I am newly married, assisting in caring/providing help for my in-laws, taking care of our “new” 8-year old dog who is riddled with health problems, focusing on continuing my journey to fitness all while working 3 jobs. I am at a very strenuous and exhausting season in my life. And I love it.

 

As hard and stressful as my plate may be at this point in time, there is a lot to celebrate in all that is going on. I am newly married. That in itself is a blessing and cause for great celebration. I am thankful, every day, for my husband who loves me well and works hard to take care of both me and his family. He carries the weight of the world on his shoulder, and yet, even when he is completely exhausted, he still finds a way to serve and love. His selflessness is incredible and has made me realize just how selfish I really am.

 

 

I am assisting in caring/providing help for my in-laws. Sure, my husband and I are tired from life itself and all that we have going on in it, but what a blessing to be able to help as much as we are! I am terrible about canceling plans if I am tired or have too much going on, but now we are held accountable to being with the family when we say we will be. It definitely stretches me past my comfort zone at times, but that is where growth comes from. I am thankful for the time we are able to commit to spending with my father-in-law and have even more enjoyed the times that I have been able to sit and talk with my new mom.

 

I am taking care of our “new” 8- year old dog who is riddled with health problems. I like dogs. However, for those of you who really know me, you know that I have never truly LOVED a dog. I’ve just never met a dog that made my heart melt, until Ollie. Aside from my husband, Ollie is one of my favorite things in this world. He loves all people and just wants to sit on the couch and cuddle with you. He does not bark or tear up the house. He came to use as an outdoor dog (he’s now indoor J ) and has yet to have an accident inside the house. Even though his medical problems are stressful and expensive, he is TOTALLY worth it.

 

I am focusing on continuing my journey to fitness. I have made a lot of progress in the last year, but I have a good bit further to go. There are moments when I am tired of the “slow and steady” pace and just want immediate results. More often than that, I want the “easy” button. It would be nice if I could just take a pill and not have to change my diet or exercise habits. But as much as I want to be “thin,” I want more to be healthy and for my results to last. I’m not going to lie, I probably have cheat meals more often than I should, but how awesome is it that I am STILL getting these results with splurging? I can’t tell you how excited I get when I step on the scale after spending an entire weekend gorging on “country cooking” or sweets. Almost EVERY time, I still lose weight. That’s when I know that I am losing my weight the right way- I don’t have to live in fear of what a few calories or carbs will do to my body. I don’t have to sit and stare as other people are able to enjoy eating cake. I can eat cake too without it having repercussions. Sure, NOT eating the cake would help me achieve my goals faster, but having the cake won’t wreck everything I have worked so hard for. I will probably do an entire blog on this subject later.

 

I am working 3 jobs. Yes, it is VERY overwhelming and exhausting, but here are some truths.

1. I have a full time job where I make salary/benefits, work with some awesome people and am able to put money into savings. That is a gift.

2. I am still doing hair. While it may not be what I envisioned or even how I wanted to use my license, my hands are still in hair. I have been blessed with some very dear and loyal clients who are willing to forgo the traditional salon atmosphere so that I can continue doing what I love on the side.

3. I am able to help others achieve their health/fitness needs. While being a coach is definitely my most recent endeavor, it absolutely is worth the added stress in my life. Aiding people to realize that their genetics or pre existing health conditions don’t define them is such an exciting thing. I am incredibly blessed to be apart this discovery and never even thought I would be in this position.

 

So there it all is. Yes, it is a lot. Yes, it is overwhelming at times, but I wouldn’t change any of it. I had intended to sit down and write about my health journey thus far but I guess that wasn’t what needed to be shared today. All this was to say, I would love to be a one stop fitness guide blog for all you who read this, but I am not in a season of my life where that is feasible. Who knows, maybe one day it will be, but for now, I will continue to write what is going on and relevant in my life. No more pressure to perform. J

Thanks for reading-
Sophie