“This post is sponsored by Specialty Retailers, Inc. As always, all opinions are my own.”
“The most powerful thing a woman can do is love herself.”
2018 has been such an incredible year for me. As strange as it sounds, I feel like this was the year of my rebirth. Not only did I grow professionally with my business, but I learned so much about myself as a wife, mother, daughter, and woman. I stepped outside of my comfort zone, became a risk-taker, learned to accept failure in a positive light, became more present with my loved ones, and most importantly, started practicing self-care without feeling guilty.
In fact, I owe so much of my success and happiness to this and wish I had started sooner. This October, I’ve teamed up with Stage Stores to help raise money for Breast Cancer Awareness Month through their #ipinkican campaign. By sharing how I gained back my confidence through acts of self-care, I hope to encourage women to make themselves a priorities for a stronger, healthier self.
Like most mothers, self-care isn’t a natural trait we inherit. In fact, it’s a conscious deliberate decision to do something good for yourself. By nature, it’s in our genes to put ourselves last. We’re so busy making sure everyone else is OK or saying ‘yes’ to more commitments that we can handle, but what about our needs? How are we making ourselves a priority?
I’ve been pretty open with you guys about this in the past, but for those just joining in, it was a rough 1st year as a mom of 2. I constantly lived with mom guilt because I wanted to do it all and felt so guilty for not having enough hours in the day to make it happen.
Ultimately, I burned myself out and knew I couldn’t keep living like this. So, I made plans for a better ‘me.’ Whether it was scheduling time to workout, carving out a few minutes to meditate, or fixing my hair for the day, I had to actively remind myself every single day to make the time. Was it work? Most definitely, but it was the best kind of work because it has shaped me into a better person.
The one self-care tip that has completely transformed my life has been getting back in shape. It wasn’t the mindset of wanting to hit a certain weight or jean size, but to feel healthier from the inside out. I wanted to feel confident, strong, and empowered again and I knew working out would get me there. Moreover, after seeing my own mother battle cancer and undergo a stem cell transplant, it became more evident than ever how good I have it. I have the ability to workout, the choice to make it happen, and option to make it count. If that isn’t a blessing, I don’t know what is.
Outfit: Gaiam Sports Bra | Gaiam Leggings | Nike Jacket | Adidas Shoes
To help keep me motivated, I live by these 3 fitness self-care tips:
- Never miss a Monday
- Sweat Every Day – even if it’s only 10 minutes
- Celebrate small wins
What’s a mantra you’ve been practicing this year? Does it involve living a healthier, more fit lifestyle?
To celebrate Pink October with Stage Stores, I am helping to raise money for Breast Cancer Awareness Month and you can help! By visiting their stores, you can shop their “pink” items where 50% of the purchase sale price will go to cancer research. This entire workout outfit is available online and so comfortable and stylish. Whether you’re into yoga or crossfit, this outfit will make you feel like a boss babe while working out. I love the back detail on the sports bra and side detail on the leggings. Plus, the leggings are high-waisted so there’s plenty of tummy support. This Nike bomber jacket is the bomb! (See what I did there?) It’s lightweight and perfect of layering in this weather. And, you guys know how in love I am with these sneakers and they’re less than $70!
You can also get involved online by sharing your #ipinkican moment with this hashtag on Facebook or Instagram during October and Stage will donate $1.00 to support Breast Cancer Research Foundation. You can find out more information HERE. So, here’s to strong women! May we know them. May we be them. May we raise them.
Photography by Hayley Jackson Photography
I love your motivation tips, especially “never miss a Monday”. It’s also a rule I live by, it sets me up for a good week
It’s so important to take care of ourselves! We can’t care for others if we aren’t well ourselves!