My Weight Loss Journey: Can I have it ALL?


My-Weight-Loss-Journey--Can-I-have-it-ALL-

I had a wonderful Mother’s Day celebration with my family! As I reflect on my role as a mother, I often think about my other roles as wife and friend. I wear so many hats that I wonder if I’m successful in each role while I’m on this weight loss journey.

Looking for ways to strike a balance between health and your day-to-day?

Today LaKisha is discussing how to take time for yourself while still being a mom, friend, and everything else in between.
Taking time for ME takes away time from my other roles. Can I have it ALL on my healthy living journey?

Wife

I have an amazing husband. He’s my #1 cheerleader. We’ve been together for almost 21 years and married for 19 years in July. I’ve always been the ride or die chick! Whatever he needs, I got it! I’ve always supported his dreams, and he has BIG dreams.

I try to honor our vows to be the godly wife that God has created me to be. I want to help him fulfill his God-given purpose on earth. And together, we will accomplish something greater than we could on our own.

Over the years, I had forgotten that I also had dreams and purpose. I’ve felt guilty for thinking about my needs. But I’ve learned (and am still learning) how to accept my husband’s help with making my dreams come true. He’s the one who helped me set up my blog.

He’s the one who encouraged me to do my first LIVE video broadcast on Periscope. He’s the one who takes care of the kids while I’m working out or getting out of the house for my ME time. I am so grateful for his support, assistance, and encouragement. He’s helping me! This helps make my journey a little smoother.

Mother

I am a stay at home mom with three children (16-year-old son, 12-year-old son and five-year-old daughter). They are truly a blessing to me; my miracle babies.

I suffered complications with each pregnancy and delivery because of my weight issues. They are truly precious to me. My children have different personalities and temperaments. They have different learning styles and abilities. But I get overwhelmed at times because I feel like I’m not doing my best.

I work out during the day. I have to fight for this time. There are days when the house is a mess, the kids are running around not listening, and I’m sitting there wondering if this journey is worth it. Sometimes I just want to forget about working out so that I can take care of the house and spend more time with them.

But then I realize that I can’t take care of the house and my children if I don’t take care of myself. The house won’t burn down within 45 minutes! LOL. The kids will be OK. Instead of always putting myself last, I must put myself first!

I must show my kids that they need to put themselves first also by taking care of their health. In fact, they sometimes join me on my workouts. They love eating my healthier recipes!

Friend

I’ve always been the loyal and faithful friend. I’m the encourager. I’m the shoulder to lean on. I’m the good listener. But when you’re always there for others, it’s difficult to allow someone to be there for you.

I would neglect and discount my needs so that I could be there for them. I would allow guilt to convince me that my needs could wait since their needs were more pressing.

I’ve learned (and am still learning) that I can’t do everything for others while neglecting and discounting myself. Taking time for ME to take care of myself is not being selfish. I can’t make others a priority, without making myself a priority.

When I can’t answer a phone call or respond to a text or email because I’m working out, having ME time, etc., I won’t feel guilty. I’m not ignoring my friends. I will respond later. But I know that I must seize the moment and take care of myself. If not, it won’t happen.

I’m blessed to have close friends who have been supportive of my transformation. While the dynamics of our relationships have changed, the foundation of love and support is still there. I am grateful!

Can I have it ALL?

Guilt was the underlying factor that determined if I could have it ALL on my journey. I’ve realized that I can’t have it ALL if I wallow in guilt. My relationship with Christ requires that I live in FREEDOM, not guilt.

Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”

~Romans 8:1 NASB

I’m learning that ALL doesn’t have to mean ALL at the same time. I am God’s daughter first before I am a wife, mother, and friend. He created me as His masterpiece. He made me fearfully and wonderfully.

So I must honor Him first by taking care of myself spiritually, mentally, emotionally AND physically. Then I can be successful in each of these roles.

I can be the best wife that I can be when I spend time with my husband. I can be the best mother that I can be when I spend time with my children. And I can be the best friend that I can be when I spend time with my buddies. It all begins with me being the best ME!

Balance is key to being successful on this journey. I know it sounds easier said than done. That’s why life is a process, instead of a project.

When you allow yourself to be transformed, everything around you shifts to welcome the NEW you. This includes your true relationships. There may be some growing pains. But you’re able to pour out to others from an overflowing cup because you have been taking care of yourself. Everyone wins!

How can you have it ALL on your journey?

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