Priorities

First things first...take a deep breath in and a deep breath out. Roll your shoulders down and back.. Now get ready to be REAL with yourself.

When was the last time you decided to take a step back and re-examine what you spend your time on?

With this in mind, why do you choose these activities?

Or the real question here is, what do you choose NOT to do?

I feel like here I should state something about the expectations of the culture on moms and go on a rant about how we are expected to do xyz, and if not, we are looked upon as a failure. Quite honestly tho, I feel like that is a lame excuse not to prioritize your family and your health. Feel free to stop reading if you don't agree or continue to let me explain. As a woman, you are consistently being judged..sure. But people judge people. It is what it is. But as a woman, do you EVER judge another one, especially a mom? Because even when I didn't have a kiddo, I ALWAYS had the utmost respect for all the mommas. Having a career and being successful is GREAT. But the money, the fame, the fortune, the success will always be there. Your kids? Will only be the size they are right now, ONCE. Why on earth would you miss out on every moment to do what exactly? If there is one thing I have learned in my small journey of parenthood is that your kids can do the things you do. Do I really want to run the trail? Of course, but if I bring the stroller or wagon, I can still run. OR better yet, let's incorporate the whole family and make it an adventure. Making health and wholeness a priority CAN be done with all ages.

Stuck at a ball field for hours? What else are you going to do besides play on your phone? Why not start a blog on your phone? Practice talking pics? Do a mini workout while you wait. Have other kids you need to entertain? Bring games, go for a walk, play tag, let them relax, and have some screen time while you get your mini workout in. There is absolutely no harm in allowing your kids to watch a PBS show or play a game that teaches them something.

Creating time within the already allotted time to prioritize exercise is WAY easier than we make it. We expect that a workout should look a certain way. In reality, moving your body and allowing your hormones to recolaberate while engaging your muscles is perfect, no matter the format.

As I have been speaking with my counselor, something came up that I was unaware I struggled with... I don't exercise because I don't feel worthy of being fit or accomplishing goals. Somewhere inside me is a lie that has formed. The awareness of it coming from people constantly leaving due to my unworthiness is quite evident, but it goes deeper. Somewhere along the way, the devil got a foothold on that ONE sentence and has used it to impact my thinking and worldview. Maybe you also have a lie swirling around in your head that also has a deeper meaning. My unworthiness also comes from the issue of how my life decisions affected many. I would rather do something that proves to the world (my family) I am not stupid, and I am good enough. Or, I refuse to fight and zone out on my phone playing games, justifying that if I get to a certain level, I will win money. Which is not a bad gig; however, when it interrupts my time with my child OR I choose to lie and scroll on my phone instead of stretch, meditate, or do yoga...THAT is where I see the lie come creeping in. If I just made this much more money, I would be worthy... if I just reached this one level, I would feel good enough... if I get enough rest, maybe tomorrow won't be so hard.

The truth is tho... healing comes from intentional time with family and friends. Seeking the face of Jesus. Choosing to move the body in whatever way you can. Because money will always be there to grab, but YOUR body deteriorates FAST. Your kiddos grow up in the blink of an eye.

Momma, even if you don't feel worthy... choosing to add one thing a month to prioritize movement of ANY kind is a great first step. Maybe we aren't too exercising yet... what about grabbing dinner with a friend who rejuvenates you? Maybe take a half day and pick your kid up early from school just to enjoy each other's company? Maybe stay up an extra 20 minutes to pray and journal? Maybe instead of listening to music, listen to a book that will help you find your lie or overcome it? Maybe listen to a podcast about something you are struggling with? Finding your worth is HARD, but when you choose to do things that heal, it is much easier to find your peace.