This post may contain affiliate links
I’m in a rut.
A blogging rut and a life-in-general rut.
Everything in my life seems to revolve around baby related activities. Like poopy diapers. And pumping breast milk. And feeding/changing/napping/holding/walking with the baby.
But just because I’m a mom now doesn’t mean that this is my entire life — it isn’t my single defining characteristic.
So, yeah, I’ve been in a rut. I need to break out and do other things that challenge and excite me.
Plus, I’m feeling the effects of being seriously out of shape. For the first time in my life, I’m really, really out of shape.
So I’m taking back the other aspects of my life to feel whole again.
Physically —
I was cleared for exercise last week during my six-week postpartum appointment. I’ve already started working out again, but I plan on kicking it into high gear this week. I’ve got my eye on a new pair of running shoes and I am going to a 6am power yoga class at Yoga Bliss this morning.
When I set a fitness goal, I plan on reaching it. So I have no doubts about getting there; it’s the starting it that’s difficult.
And I’m cutting out all the bad food.
See, while pregnant, my gluten allergy disappeared. In fact, carbs were the one food that settled my always-queasy tummy. So I ate them. And then I ate them more. And I just couldn’t stop. I was enjoying the freedom of the temporary relief of a gluten intolerance!
My gluten intolerance hasn’t returned postpartum — yet. Perhaps because I’m breastfeeding? Who knows. But I’m still mostly cutting them from my diet. I’ll pick + choose my carbs based on how healthy they are. Like our homemade spelt and wheatberry pizza doughs/breads/pancakes. Oh — and Ohio City Pastas. Those I will still eat, too!
Mentally —
I’m challenging myself to get out there and meet new people. There are several Ohio Blogging Association events this month that I’m really excited to attend. But I’m not gonna lie — I’m nervous! In Syracuse, I was super involved in the social media community. Here, I’ve been mostly an observer. I haven’t quite taken the plunge. But I’d like to change that. I need to change that and finally meet some new people.
And yoga. It won’t only be helping me physically, but it’s mentally and emotionally challenging. I’ve been seriously missing it.
I know I’ll be out of my little life rut soon enough. 🙂 And don’t get me wrong, I love being a mom. I just don’t want to forget about the things I loved before I became a mom.
Good for you for setting goals and getting out there! I’ve been looking at some prenatal yoga classes in Auckland and am thinking about signing up. I’ve never done yoga so I’m a liiiiittle bit nervous about it!
I’ve heard of intolerances/allergies changing as your body change, so I’m not surprised that you are doing okay with gluten. Your healthy carb choices sound delicious!
…and come on out to an OBA event – we’d love to have you! And who doesn’t love a cookie swap? 🙂
I think you’ll be back in shape in no time, I know how determined you are when you have a goal 🙂
I wish I could actually go to the OBA events, they’re always too early on a week night to actually get there. Downside of not actually living in Cleveland, where they’re held. I’m super nervous about the event tonight, I will probably end up turning into a mute..
Hope to meet you very soon!!!
You will definitely get back to where you were before soon. I’ve been following your blog for a few years and you have always been the type to get out and workout somehow, even through injuries and setbacks. I have total faith that you will find your fitness groove soon. I’m not a mom yet, but I totally understand the need to do your own thing as well as being a mom. I think that is a tough adjustment with a first child. You’ve spent 26+ years doing your own thing and being yourself and now you have to dedicate every waking minute to someone else. Try and carve time out to do at least an hour of the things you love a day. You and your little boy will be better for it! *hugs*
Good for you for going back to yoga. It took me a year after having my son to go back to yoga. Mostly because of how frequently he would nurse. When my son was a few months old my husband bought me an elliptical. I would put my son in the baby carrier and elliptical at home. I developed a gluten sensitivity after for ant six months. Im doing fine with it now. Also I don’t know if there is any science to back it but most nursing moms I know crave carbs and sweets like crazy while Bfing. There were days I would just eat peanut butter and honey on toast (udi bread) because that was all I wanted. Not very nutritious lol! My son is my whole world but I do appreciate the few hours a week I have on my mat at yoga. Exercise and coffee are key to keeping me from going crazy!
i saw your yoga check in, you’ll be back to normal in no time! i’ve never birthed a child but i have lots of friends who have and what you’re feeling is totally normal – you got this!
setting goals is really important! get out there and do what makes you happy!!
I’m glad you have goals, but remember to take it easy. And not be too hard on yourself. It really does take a while to healthily get everything off and get back to where you were. And BFing takes a ton of calories so don’t cut too much:)
It gets easier…they get more predictable and start to get a schedule and you will be able to do other things. Hopefully, you’ve also had a little time to go out on your own, too…it really helps.