I hosted a “Sip and See” (a baby shower held after the baby is born) for a friend last week, and as a thank you, she gave me a tank top with the words “Well Balanced Mom” emblazoned on the front. I loved the shirt, but it got me thinking: Am I well balanced? I wore it to one of my classes and felt like I needed to explain that I don’t necessarily think I’m well balanced and that it was a gift.
As a mother, I think we all struggle with balance in our lives, whether it is work/life balance, or balance between time with our spouse and our children; but what about a healthy balance with regard to fitness. I work hard to stay healthy and model a lifestyle that promotes fitness to my children. I have lost both of my parents and I am not even 38 years old. I feel that I need to do everything I can to extend my life and be around to raise these incredible little people. However, where does the balance go awry? What is the tipping point from health to vanity?
I just ordered a one-piece bathing suit for the first time. I can still wear a bikini, but I would feel a whole lot more comfortable if I lost a few pounds. Should I even care about whether I can wear a bikini? I am, after all, a mother of two and almost 38 years old. Is foregoing the occasional glass of wine or dessert worth it to lose a couple of pounds? Should I spend another hour a day at the gym to fit into my favorite pair of skinny jeans? If so, who would have to sacrifice that extra hour, my husband, my children?
I saw a Victoria’s Secret commercial with all the models saying, “I love my body.” Of course they do, they are Victoria’s Secret models, what is not to love. However, what about the rest of us? Should we workout until we can all say “I love my thighs,” no matter how large they are? Or is that unrealistic? Maybe we should just accept our flaws and love our bodies for all of the wonderful things they allows us to do? What do you think?
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