I am not good at putting myself first… I am always active, in motion, and constantly doing something. My calendar is jam-packed and often overpacked (<— see I admitted it). In a previous post I already shared how hard it has been for me to get my running and workout mojo back. However, one thing I am proud of being consistent with is my (our) training sessions with Kyle, our Personal Trainer from the YMCA. Courtney and I have been working out with him for a YEAR!

When we first started, Courtney and I were only training with Kyle once a week, and just recently started to train with him twice a week. And let me tell you, it has been the best thing I have done for myself. Not only do I get to hang out with my BFF twice a week, but I get to work on me: physically, emotionally, and mentally. I never once thought that taking another workout adventure with Courtney, would lead me down a path where I started to believe that I really am stronger than I think I am and capable of more than I give myself credit for.

Kyle has this wicked, yet funny laugh, and you know when that laugh comes out, shit is about to get real. But no matter how real, hard, or heavy the next workout is… giving up or stopping is not allowed. Yes, Kyle gives us breaks if and when we need them (even if they are only for one minute), but he reminds us, “you WILL finish that rep”; anything other than that, is unacceptable. Kyle always threatens that he “will wait all day” if necessary and “you will finish this rep.” When I think something is too heavy for me or I tell myself I can’t lift it (which is more times than I would like to admit), Kyle reminds me that I AM S.T.R.O.N.G.E.R. (we are both stronger) than I think I am (we think we are).

Another activity I choose for self-care is any outside activity with the family. You see, I love doing activities with the kids, especially ones where we can go outside because I feel like I am inside ALL of the time. I love the feeling of being outside (unless it is below zero degrees!) and the smell of fresh air. With technology today, most kids – mine included – want to stay inside, watch Netflix, and chill. But when I am not at work, doing my homework, or helping K2 catch up on their schoolwork, all I want to do is get outside with them. Again, this is another method of self-care for me.

We are very lucky that our whole household has off for the holiday and don’t go back to our respective schools until January 4th. The other day I told my family that the full week between Christmas and New Year’s Day I wanted to choose a Delaware State Park to explore; I want to go walk their trail; I want to do something new and different. While they have all agreed to my plan, I think I am the only person so far who has started to look at what parks I want to explore. The photos below are when we all ventured outside after the stay at home quarantine was lifted in the spring. We rode bikes along the C&D Canal and had such a great time.

What do you do for self-care? What will you do this holiday to slow down, or take a break? Hopefully I haven’t created too much of a To Do List for us… 🙂