Have you ever experienced the challenge of getting back into a fitness routine after a long break? Perhaps you were once a dedicated jogger, hitting the pavement daily, or maybe you were a regular at a local bootcamp. Then life intervened—maybe you suffered an injury that required weeks of recovery, or you took a pause for motherhood, only to find that returning to your former self felt insurmountable.
For many, this journey back is not just physically demanding, but emotionally taxing as well. The once seamless mile now feels daunting, and a set of squats leaves you breathless. This was my reality when the pandemic hit. As a creative mother navigating life with a toddler while my husband traveled frequently, I thrived on our daily adventures—exploring new places and crafting together. But the world shifted dramatically, and so did my role.
With my freelance writing gigs evaporating one by one and my husband now home as a temporary contract worker, the familiar support systems we relied on disappeared. Our community playdates and outings vanished, leaving us isolated. The loss of those connections was palpable. Suddenly, I found myself overwhelmed, questioning my ability to parent effectively without the usual help.
Initially, I embraced the challenge of quarantine with enthusiasm. I organized neighborhood scavenger hunts and kept our spirits high with creative activities. But as days turned into weeks, the stress mounted. I struggled to maintain a semblance of normalcy, often resorting to screen time just to get through the day. A meltdown over a favorite snack became too frequent, and I found myself compromising on choices I once deemed important.
Yesterday, my husband shared a thought-provoking post on social media that resonated deeply: “You’re only unproductive by the standards of the world we lived in two months ago.” It struck me that our current reality is not defined by previous expectations.
Are you still getting out of bed each day? Is your child safe, fed, and loved? Maybe today you aren’t whipping up gourmet meals or engaging in elaborate educational play, and that’s okay. Even the smallest acts—like lifting a can of beans for a bicep curl or offering a hug—are significant.
Remember, your worth isn’t measured against how you performed in the past. You are doing your best, and that alone makes you a rockstar. In time, things will return to a new normal, and we’ll find our rhythm again.
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Summary
Life has changed dramatically, and our standards for success must adjust accordingly. Embrace today’s challenges and recognize that even the smallest victories matter. You are still capable and worthy, even when things feel overwhelming.