Jackie: We’ve Only Just Begun
Written by admin // April 12, 2011 // Mommy Fit // 11 Comments
There are just so many classic ending lines – “parting is such sweet sorrow…”, and “now, the time has come, and we will close the final curtain.” But you know what? I’d like to quote the Carpenter’s (flashback moment for me) and say “We’ve only just begun…” Because I think that line says it all. This has been an amazing transformation for all of us, and I don’t think anyone is ready to walk away from it. For me, it’s a beginning and I’d like to say that over the last eight weeks, I’ve discovered a lot about myself.
For instance… I do not like to get up at 4am. No matter how hard I try, it’s not going to happen. As a result, I’ve discovered that working out at night makes me alert. But then when I sleep, I sleep the sleep of the dead – something that just plain feels great. I like spinach, mini frittatas ROCK! and I still don’t like tuna. I can find ways to fit exercise into my daily regimen even on the absurdly long workdays. All it takes is a trip downstairs to the gym for a yoga class. I do not like the medicine ball. (repeat as necessary) but I love the way I feel after a tough workout is completed. Seriously, I get why people do this stuff. It’s for that incredible high you feel afterward. O.K. so sometimes it takes until the muscles stop shaking and my skin turns back to the right colour, but still, it feels GREAT!
For me this challenge was part of a larger journey. I had goals – to wear a size smaller (check!), to be able to better keep up with my boys (check!) and to learn how to eat better with correct portion sizes (check again!). They weren’t extravagant goals. Rather, they were part of my path to a healthier lifestyle and achieving them is like reaching the top of a mountain and planting my flag. I totally want to yell out to the world that I did it. By the way, if you were disturbed late last night by a crazy neighbour yelling about mommyfit2011… it wasn’t me.
I want to shout out to the world that for the first time in, gosh, well over six years and probably much longer, I didn’t have to shop the plus size clothes! I fit into regular sizes. If this has ever happened to you, you know how big a deal this is. I was so happy I danced around in the change room! And of course I told everyone within hearing distance what had happened. I also continue to share about the Mommyfit2011 challenge, because it changed my life in a very positive way. Before this, I did not exercise. I didn’t like it, I couldn’t (wouldn’t) make time for it, and other than the occasional yoga class, I just plain didn’t do it. Now, I want to get up and get moving. I’ve joined two different classes at the gym for my workdays, I’m joining a third with my sister for one evening of ‘sister’ time, I’m going to learn how to dive, I’ve got a friend who wants to go walking and I plan on using my Total Body Revolution
Package a few times a week because I know it works. Add to that the fact that I actually want to get moving with my kids (instead of fantasizing about it and cringing at the thought of being active),I think I’m in a pretty good place now. The tough part will be in the scheduling as I want to do so much.
I have a long way to go in this journey, but since I allowed myself a year to make all the needed changes, I have no problem knowing that at this steady pace, I will get there. It’s no longer a dream. It’s my reality. And, really, just how cool is that?
You can continue following my journey on my blog: www.findingmethejourney.blogspot.com
-Jackie Mandzac
Jill Amery is a mom of 2 monkeys/stormtroopers and Editor and Publisher at UrbanMommies Media. Though she's based in Canada, her palette is mostly French and her fashion sense is decidedly Italian. When taking a break from her busy travel schedule, she can be found hosting complicated dinner parties or surfing ebay for obscure vintage gowns.
11 Comments on "Jackie: We’ve Only Just Begun"
Wow, Jackie, good for you! I am awestruck by your intentions!
Awesome! Inspiring and Fantastic! seriously good job Jackie!
Good for you Jackie, I don’t know you girls other than through these post and I’m so proud of all of us!!! Let’s continue this fabulous journey!
Congratulations, Jackie! I’m so proud of you and you’re a great inspiration to many of us on our little healthy living list :) I love hearing about your success and your new healthy lifestyle, and am trying to be like you!!
Good job Jackie. I’m proud of you. Keep up the good work.
Jackie…I am so proud of you.You have done a fantastic job setting goals and taking the steps to achieve them.Congratulations on getting out of the plus size department.I know the feeling oh so well.I know how busy you are being a full time working mother of two young boys.What an accomplishment for fitting in me time along with all of your responsibilities at home and work.
Jackie,
You have done so well on this challenge! I’m beyound proud of you! You amaze me every day with all you do for your family – all while working full time also! You are a winner in my book every day!
Linda H.
Yea Jackie! You are inspirational in all you’ve achieved these past few weeks. Keep it up girl!
You are such an inspiration – working FT, keeping up with 2 little boys and a hubby (does that make it 3 little boys?!), and finding time to take care of yourself by eating healthy and exercising – is so admirable! You keep going, Girl.
Now that I have my Kleenex, thank you for this amazing post. What a transformation you have gone through Jackie. I’m so happy for you, you are an inspiration for us all.
You are such an inspiration! I can’t believe how quickly this time has gone by. I know you will take this experience with you in the future!