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.