Wednesday, June 22, 2011

365 days...

I was given the gift of time... 365 days of it. I have been mulling this post around in my head and writing things in my journal trying to put into words what this last year has meant.
I admit I was super nervous for my maternity leave. We were in a great groove and I love my job. I was nervous that the boys and I wouldn't get along and that motherhood to a newborn would be as difficult emotionally on me as it was the first time... I mean I know I was already one up on it having only one baby.. but I had no idea what my hormones would do to me. Thankfully I didn't have to worry too much... depression did not seem to be a problem this time around. So thankful.

Of course in true Heather fashion my maternity leave did not start off as planned.. I never even got to finish my last week of work since Jett was in a hurry to make his appearance.
Someone gave me a picture they had cut out of a magazine - they felt it was for me. It was awhile ago and at the time I wasn't sure what it meant.. looking back I know exactly what it was. It was for me.. for this year. This is the photo.. it's on my fridge to remind me...

I enjoyed life this past year probably more than I had in a long time. I made choices to not worry about the little things (as much) and focus on the time I had. I had a few goals and some more latched on along the way.

In the kitchen I focused on creating healthy meals... I would say this got into full swing around November when I started working out. I made a conscious effort to really get healthier and it's stuck. I love cooking out of Jaime Olivers Food Revolution as well as Rocco Dispirito's Eat This Now.. and of course other online resources. Speaking of the kitchen I had made a goal to master yeast... I won't say I necessarily mastered it but I have enjoyed exploring different dough recipes. I would say I finally have a good from scratch pizza dough recipe that works and tastes good!

I joined a women's group at another church.. this fueled my spiritual life. It was a big step not really knowing people well... but a step I would never regret. I grew in leaps and bounds.. I found a friend in Jesus that had been gone for too long. I am so thankful for the new friends I made and the way I grew. It all just made me a better mom.

And after the spiritual me was thriving better I made a huge lifestyle change and began to get serious about exercise. My life has changed because of The Tyson Method. I joined my first bootcamp in November.. I was a hot mess. I was so out of shape. I could barely do the moves. I stuck with it and was so happy with after 6 weeks how much stronger I was. I decided to do the fat shredder and my life changed. I learned so much about how I was letting food control me. It was eye opening to finally have the battle with my self confidence brought to the light so I could learn how to really live again. Food does not define me.. it fuels me. I also fell in love with working out. I'm telling you The Tyson Method makes it EASY. They have a 20 minute workout each day... and 20 minutes was something I could.. it's easy to waste 20 minutes. It became part of my day... the best part. I had energy and I was seeing my body change. I felt strong. Confident. It was after my next bootcamp that I was given the opportunity to do something I would have never imagined... become a trainer!!?? What??!! ME?? It was humbling and I felt so blessed to be given this opportunity. If it weren't for a friend and her words to me outside bootcamp one evening I'm not sure I would have done it. She spoke truth to me and encouraged me to grab on and go for it. I went home and told Dave and asked what he thought.. he said "Well that's a no brainer" He's been my biggest fan. He constantly encourages me. SO... currently I am in week 2 of training. It's intense for sure and super scary BUT I feel it's such a God thing... I am feeling stronger than ever and so passionate to share with other women this gift. My journey was not easy and I worked hard.. I am so proud to say I have lost 14.5 inches so far. Can't wait to partner with Amanda & Tracy to bring more bootcamps to our area in fall. It's going to be AWESOME.
Dave snapped this photo of my tonight after my training call... I probably should have changed out of all black.. but oh well. It's me. I feel so much stronger than ever before.


I've spent May and June doing something I never thought I would do.. GARDEN... I have always told myself that I am not good at it and can't do it.. well it turns out I can... I've been loving getting my hands dirty and making my flower beds beautiful.


My days are not always easy and I don't always succeed. I fail often and get down on myself too.. the difference is I don't feel like I'm sinking anymore. I may slip and flail around a bit but I feel stronger and more able to come back to the surface. Just to continue to peek into the gifts He has for me... Can't wait for more.

I asked Dave a few months ago if he could see the change in me... he turned to me and said "Yea you are happy." I am. I really am.

14 comments:

joanna said...

Oh boy, oh boy... am I ever happy to be the first to comment on this post... I am bursting out of my skin with joy for you in every single area you wrote about - inches, yeast - gardens - happy. Really. I relate to much of what you wrote about and I am so excited to hear more about you being a trainer, and I love Dave's response. It is gratifying to see how your faith in yourself and God and your ability to do things you thought you could not is spreading to all different areas of your life. Keep going, you are wonderful! I wish I could hug you in person!

Jennifer said...

What an inspiring post! You sound like you are bubbling with joy! Being a trainer sounds very exciting. Perhaps you will be training me come fall-I need some boot camp in my life!

Anonymous said...

I'm so happy that you're happy Heath!

Amanda said...

So happy that this year turned out great for you. You look awesome and seem very happy and for that, I am glad. :) Congrats on the inches lost. Feeling strong and in control is such a great feeling!

Holly said...

loooove this post! i am so glad you are happy! and holy canolies you are in amazing shape! look at those legs! can't wait for you to kick my butt in fall :D

carol said...

I'm so glad you are finding success in so many areas. I'm totally jealous. You've worked hard and good things are coming to you.

The Nilsen's Journey said...

Heather, what a phenominal post! And what a great year! Well done friend! You look very good - your strength & joy just radiate from that pic!

Emily Deu said...

Heather, I am so proud of you. You are a true inspiration! I'm so happy that your happy. Love you!

Tam said...

:) God is smiling down on you! And I have yet to tackle yeast. lol.

Wenona said...

Such a great post Heather! It made me smile to think of the accomplishments you have made and the changes you have made that are making you happy through and through! It's so awesome when those around you can actually see the changes inside AND out!!!
I am so proud of you for taking the leap of faith and going for it with all your heart - you will succeed!! Blessings my friend!

valerie said...

Tears. Heather, it's been so awesome to see the transformation in you. God is working through you. He is in YOU! Giving you energy, and strength. So blessed to call you my friend...and can't WAIT to boot camp along with you :)

Stacey said...

LOVE IT!

patti said...

this made me all warm and fuzzy!

Eva said...

yay Heather...so many good things!! :) Maaaaybe one day you'll see me at boot camp. ;)