I spent the entirety of my twenties as a committed couch dweller. Late mornings? Absolutely. Breakfast of champions? Four chocolate-filled pastries, please! Evenings were typically spent binge-watching sitcoms while indulging in snacks.
I was never particularly dissatisfied with my appearance or fitness level, despite consistently wearing plus-size clothing and feeling breathless after climbing the two flights to my apartment. At 25, I married a fitness enthusiast who had embraced my sedentary lifestyle since we first met at 18. Since he was content with my body, I felt little motivation to change.
When I turned 28 and welcomed my first daughter, the couch potato routine seemed perfectly suited for the demands of new motherhood. By the time I had my second daughter at 31, I surprised myself by signing up for my first half marathon. Initially, I loathed every single mile. I was motivated by the need to shed some lingering pregnancy weight, but more importantly, I wanted to keep pace with my energetic daughters.
On race day, it was the sight of my girls cheering me on that pushed me forward when I wanted to give up. I made it a point to focus on instilling values of strength and health rather than the pressure of appearing “skinny.” These concepts are vital in my conversations with them, as I aim to shield them from the unrealistic beauty standards they will undoubtedly encounter in society.
At 33, I unexpectedly welcomed a son into our family. Juggling the needs of a five-year-old, a two-year-old, and a newborn, alongside a husband launching a new business and battling postpartum anxiety, left me feeling overwhelmed. Running could have been the first thing to go, but I recognized that it was crucial for my son’s development. I want him to grow up appreciating strong, confident women and to understand that self-esteem should stem from capability rather than appearance.
It’s essential for my children to understand the importance of health and to realize that women can be both strong and self-assured. I want them to enjoy life’s pleasures—including the occasional fourth chocolate pastry—without guilt.
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In summary, my journey from a sedentary lifestyle to prioritizing health has been transformative, not just for me but for my children as well. By becoming a role model of strength and self-acceptance, I aim to equip my kids with the tools they need to lead healthy, fulfilling lives.