2012 is poised to be an epic year in the Fit Mom world. Fit Child number 2 is set to (hopefully) make an appearance in the next few weeks, plans are already in motion for a return to full out active living (read: I will be in a waddle-free zone), and just the general excitement/anticipation/nerves that come with being a mom of two kidlets.
If I come off sounding very optimistic and perhaps a little naïve, trust me when I say it is not the pregnancy-related hormones talking (believe me, those bad boys sing an entirely different tune all together). I’ve learned a lot in these past months about myself and the changes that are going to take place in my life in the very near future. What I have come to realize is that no plan, no matter how epic, is full-proof and there will always be bumps along the journey. That’s part of life. My attitude amidst those bumpy times is what will be the difference maker.
Here’s how I am preparing myself for what lay ahead:
Resolve and Acceptance: I’ve got my goals in place for the year. Knowing ahead of time that I’m going to be busy, tired, overwhelmed and probably not very motivated at times, I’ve resolved to make the smartest goals I can by identifying what I would like to accomplish, how I can accomplish it and what might prevent me from getting there. No blinders here. It’s going to be tough and there are times when I’m going to want to give up. That’s when the mental fight has to take over.
Reality and Priorities: Life is what it is sometimes. I need to be realistic in what I can do and what’s just not going to happen. I plan to get back to running as soon as I can. I plan to conquer a half marathon before the year is up and I plan on improving my running/swimming/strength over the year. The reality is that I will have 2 kids at home with me who need me. I am first and foremost a mom and their needs will always trump mine without hesitation (but perhaps with a bit of grumbling). I want to instill in them a healthy lifestyle that includes them. The last thing I want is for them to resent that lifestyle because mommy was always out for a solo run and not with them playing. The reality is that I likely won’t get in all the training I have hopes of doing. But I will work hard when I do have the time and make those times fun for my kids (jungle gym mommy anyone?) because the ultimate reality is that they are my everything and I couldn’t do life without them.
Ultimately, this year will be one of challenge and change but my resolve is to climb as high as I can, as best as I can. I can’t ask or expect anything else.
Great thoughts on post-pregnancy! I did the same thing before my daughter was born, mapped out some general fitness goals and it helped me to feel like I had some control, or at least a well-meaning plan.
Hope the transition goes smoothly! I’m nervous about adding a 2nd child to our family, but we also want our daughter to have a sibling at some point… moms just figure out how to balance it all, I guess!