I’ve gained weight. Yes, you are reading that right. I have gained weight since I started working out at Empowered Living Company. But for the first time in my life, I’m able to say that in one breath and in the next tell you that I have never felt better. Seeing the scale go up played tricks with my mind no doubt, but it has helped me to assess my true fitness goals and to answer the question “what is my why?”
Why do I want to workout and eat “good for me” food even when, for me, the numbers on the scale were not going down?
#1-For God. I believe that I am called to care for this body no matter what the scale says. I’ve discovered that being disciplined and having self-control in this area has helped me in many others.
#2-For my husband, Joe. Someday way down the road, we will be empty nesters and I want to continue to try and beat him in a race, even when I’m 60 🙂
#3-For my kids, Ayden, Mya, Lola and Brecken. I want to set a good example to these 4 lives that have been entrusted into my care. I don’t want my kids hearing me complain about my imperfections but instead loving my body right where it’s at. I want to be fit so that I can keep up with all of them now. I want to play with my kids, be adventurous, and teach them that the possibilities are endless!
#4-For me! I get to wake up every morning and workout alongside the hottest workout partner ever aka my husband. Starting my day with a workout wakes me up and gives me all the energy I need to get through the day. I choose early mornings because nothing else can come up at that time of the day and no excuses can be made.
So even though I have gained weight I have gained so much more. I have learned to accept that on this side of heaven I will never have the dimple free thighs and the washboard abs I see in magazines. But these imperfect legs have gotten me through workouts I didn’t even know I could do. When I’m hearing the clink of the Barbell hitting the floor between reps I am reminded that this body is capable of so much more than I ever imagined. Hello pull-ups and handstand push-ups. I also know I’ve gained weight because I’ve gained muscle. Plain and simple.
I’ve gained the title of a morning person. My morning workouts have positively impacted me physically, emotionally and spiritually. I am stronger and have more energy, I have more positive thoughts than negative and an overall feeling of peace, happiness, and thankfulness. I work hard each day because who knows what the next day brings!
I have gained a new community of friends. I honestly look forward to seeing my crew and sweating alongside them. Without them I would not push myself as hard. And when any one of them sets a new PR or crushes a workout, I feel the joy right with them.
I’ve gained a new view on food and see it now as fuel for my body. Like the saying goes, you are what you eat. I want to put good in so I can put good out.
I’ve gained the opportunity to push myself outside of my comfort zone every single day. I have been a stay at home mom for the last 13 years. I am very much comfortable in a room full of babies, preteens and everything in between. That’s my jam. But tell me that I have to do 150 wall Balls for time and every part of me wants to run out that door. Or signing up for the CrossFit Level 1 Course with 50 strangers and a written test to pass. Now that was stretching me for sure. But all this has been so good for my soul. I’ve gained confidence, courage and a pretty sweet CFL1 certificate with my name and a frame 😉
Don’t even get me started with Cate. I’ve gained an amazing boss, coach and friend. She is sweet, sassy and truly one of the most selfless people I know. Her dream for this space was for us. She pulls herself out of bed every morning for us. She stays late and misses meals, for us. She wants everyone that walks through the doors to succeed and it’s a beautiful thing to see one person impact so many lives. The community of Morris is very blessed to have this lovely lady. Thank you Cate for creating this space and raising the bar high. For teaching us, pushing us and stretching us.