21 Day Challenge
So on Sunday I was pouring through the picture files on our computer looking for just the right shots. I realized two things.
First, like every second child in existence, there are way fewer pictures of him as a baby than of his sister. I feel a bit bad about it, but I do have an excuse. He was born just after September 11, 2001 and his father was deployed for most of his baby years. I was too busy chasing after a baby and a toddler to take pictures. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.
Second, the three of us have gotten so out of shape!
I knew we had, but to see it right there in photographic evidence was hard. I feel tremendous guilt for letting all of us get to this point. I think I was deeply in denial about our fitness levels and I was too comfortable using food as comfort to really confront the issue.
But I can't let it slide any more.
I have instituted a new program here in our house. I'm calling it our 21 day challenge. And this is day 1.
I've read that it takes 21 days to develop a habit. So we are committing ourselves to good habits for the next three weeks. We're eating healthy breakfasts and dinners at home. We're getting at least thirty minutes of exercise every day. We're also going to be sure to keep the good routines we already have in place like daily violin practice, dedicated homework time, firm bedtimes, and good oral hygiene.
I feel like I have made these resolutions before but never stuck with them. I'm honestly afraid to share my plans with anyone because I fear failing at them yet again. But we've reached a point break and something must happen now.
How did day 1 go? Well, great for the kids but not so great for me. I woke up sick and ditched my plans to go to the gym. I also ditched my plans to shop for healthy food and dined on peanut butter sandwiches for breakfast and lunch.
I could so easily fall into a pit of despair and self hatred right now. But I refuse. I have to do this for my kids.
Day 2 will be better than day 1. I have goals. I will succeed. For their sake and for mine.
Labels: activities, challenges, family, kids, life at home, parenting
posted by Major Mom at 7:57 PM
Karen is a military wife and stay-at-home mother to a seven-year-old daughter and a five-year-old son. A Boston native who’s lived in the Shreveport-Bossier area for eight years, she spends most of her time volunteering at her kids’ school, supporting her husband, playing with her friends and watching her hair turn gray. In between, she writes about her life here on her blog.
5 Comments:
By posting your challenge on this blog maybe it will help you stay commited. I also need to get back on track. In the spring after I realized I had gained 15lbs in 5 months we got on a healthy eating and exercising routine. It all went bye-bye when we went on vacation. I've gained 3 lbs back in 2 months. I know I need to get back on track. I'm 40 now and my youngest is 1 so I have many years of chasing and running left to do.
I think you're right. By declaring my intentions here I have found some motivation. This morning I went to the grocery store and stocked up on a full week's worth of healthy options. Now I'm headed in the right direction.
Thanks for your comment!
Okay...you've inspired me now! Darn you! LOL!!! It may take me 21 days just to lift my big ol' butt off the couch though!
And, BTW, peanut butter is not that bad for you! :)
Is peanut butter wrapped in milk chocolate bad for me? Because that sounds like heaven right about now. ;-)
I absolutely LOVE chocolate and if it has peanut butter in it YUMMY!
Anyway when I'm trying to watch what I eat I buy a bag of the miniature peanut butter cups or the dove milk chocolate and I allow myself one a day. It helps me to feel like I'm not depriving myself and I eat it at night after the kids are in bed it almost feels sinful.
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