Take a moment and think back… before the kids, before the wedding, before college… waaaaay back to those angst-filled teenage years. I know, the horrors! But nestled in between the broken hearts and questionable fashion choices- was a unique individual carving a place for themselves in the world. What was important to you? What was your thing? What were you passionate about? Was it music? Church? Theatre? Academics?
I was really into sports. Well, not sports– my level of coordination didn’t allow for anything more than running fast and turning left. But I was good at it. Really good at it. I was a good student, involved in music and theatre (it was a very small high school) – but running was my life! I loved everything about it – my coaches, my teammates, and that feeling of speed – of being in perfect motion. Winning was nice too, but mostly I loved the way running made me feel.
My love for the sport fueled me. Training wasn’t work, it was joy. Surrounded by best friends (teammates), incredible coaches and my ever supportive parents, I set goals, trained hard, and grew into an elite athlete. I maintain that you couldn’t pay me enough money to go back to high school – but ask me to go back to a high school track meet and I’d hesitate.
Then I grew up. I graduated college. Found a job. Met a boy. Fell in love. Got married. Had babies. I discovered new passions, set new goals, worked hard to achieve those goals. Running remained a part of my life – when I had time (or wasn’t waddling) – but somewhere along the road I went from being a Runner to someone who used to be fast.
In November of this past year, I joined a workout class. Babies are wonderful- but they destroy your core. I’m in my mid-30s, I know there are two directions I can go… I’d rather get my behind back in shape! I carved out some space in my life, prioritized my resources, and put myself first. I never thought I’d be one of those women who gush about their gym, but let me shout it: “I LOVE Burn Bootcamp!” I love the supportive all-female environment, I love the encouragement I receive from my coaches, and I love the changes I’ve seen in my body. I am stronger, faster, and I can almost do a full burpee.
This is not a story about a skinny girl who got back in shape. This is a story about a woman who rediscovered her passion. A mother who through hard work, incredible coaches and a supportive family, again feels the joy of her body in perfect motion.
But enough about me. What was your thing? How can you get back to that thing?
Were you in the band? Consider re-starting music lessons, or go to the symphony! Watch the conductor, appreciate the music…
Was it art? Can you carve out some space and time to get those paints out again? Or sign up for a photography class?
Do you have a love of learning? Why not take a coding class? Or audit a history class at a local university.
This is your life, don’t be afraid to make space for what is important to you. Laundry can wait, and groceries can be delivered. The 13-year-old you would be proud.
Ahhh! Love this Jocelyn! We’re about to bring baby 2 into the mix, and my hubby and I have had some serious conversations about our love of movement and fitness and our goals to remain healthy for ourselves and our kids. It’s crazy how it all feels like yesterday and yet so far away. Getting back at it will be tough, and I’ll have to be forgiving of my old self, but we’ve agreed to make it a priority for us both and that to me is huge! I can’t wait to be able to bend over and tie my shoes for a workout. Great post!