2010 was anything but normal for me. 2009 ended with the passing of my dear, sweet nephew on Dec. 31. January started on the premise of new beginnings. I was 36 weeks pregnant, had been sedentary and gained more weight than I should have. I was lost.
After my son was born, I battled post-partum depression alone for months. No one, not even my husband ever knew how bad it was. My son cried for hours without end every day for nearly 4 months. I had no one to talk to because I was told, and I truly felt that I had no right to complain when I had a healthy baby boy, while my brother and sister-in-law lost theirs.
My healing came in the form
of exercise and proper nutrition. It wasn’t just healing, it saved me in every possible way. I felt good, I lost nearly 50 pounds and started to feel again. The dark cloud slowly lifted and before I knew it, I was running over 6 miles in a relay race (severely undertrained but whatev…I finished my leg of the race upright and without medical intervention).
Then I did the unthinkable…I signed up for swimming lessons! Say WHAT?! You heard me people. I swallowed my pride, ignored my cellulite and saggy derrier, poured myself into a swimsuit and at the age of 30 (now 31), I swim. Booya! I’m not half bad either! I can see the progress in the number of laps I swim each week and though I take breaks every 2 laps, my lungs don’t burn anymore and my legs are jello 5 minutes into my lesson.
And let’s not forget that this blog was born and has been my constant companion ever since. I don’t know why I didn’t start writing sooner. I love it!
In short, I learned to live life (again), love exercise (again) and be fit (again). I’m not there yet but I’m heading into 2011 with some serious intentions that reek of awesomeness. I hope you are too!
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Stephanie Hamm. Stephanie Hamm said: How I learned to Razzle my Dazzle in 2010. http://ow.ly/3vFRY #mamavation #fitblog [...]
Wow, Stephanie… you’ve come such a long way, overcome so much this year and should be SO proud of yourself! I’m happy to hear you’ve found your groove now, or should I say Razzled your Dazzle
You’ve inspired me to consider taking up swimming. It’s something I keep thinking about, but haven’t done yet.
Keep on living and loving!
Thank you
it’s been a crazy year, that’s for sure! I hope you take up swimming. It is so hard but amazing at the same time. I just love the feeling of moving through the water. I can’t wait to get stronger and more confident as time goes on!
I’m so thankful that you learned to razzle your dazzle in 2010! You ROCK!