Weight loss for pre-empty nester women who don't like working out
When Will was just 5 weeks old, I decided to go back to work. I packed him up in the car with his pack and play, my breast pump, bottles, some toys, and drove 45 minutes to our office.
I just knew I was going to kill this “working mom” thing. I’d work from home and go into the office when I needed to. Problem was, I lived 45 minutes from work, it took me about 45 minutes to feed him, I was hormonal, Will only slept in his crib, and most of our work was done via paperwork (google docs came later).
I left Day 1 feeling defeated. I was failing at being a mother and failing at work. I decided one had to go, so I quit my job. Why couldn’t I do both like all those women in the movies with their power suits and briefcases, hair blowing in the wind ready to take on the world?
When Jake was 6 months old, I was approached with an opportunity to sell an upscale clothing line out of my home. Since Jake was quarantined to our home until summer (which was 8 months away), I decided it was the perfect time to do something while the boys were napping and playing. My first two shows went great considering most of my friends had more of a Target budget, than a Neiman’s budget.
After the first show, I was reading a bible study book and audibly heard God tell me to quit selling the clothes. I politely declined. (Yes, the Lord God was speaking audibly to me for the first time ever that I’d heard and I was arguing but that's another story for another day.)
I mean, I finally had something for myself and I loved what I doing.
He laughed and said, “Do you not think I’m going to take care of you?” Duh. Of course He would.
I called my husband and told him that the craziest thing had happened and God told me to quit. My husband said, “Good! I’ve been telling you that the whole time!” I don't recall ever hearing him say that to me, but it was clear in that moment that there were some obvious failures on my part while trying the “working mom” thing since my husband (oh, and God) thought I wasn’t doing the work/family balance thing well.
Four years later, I was approached with the Beachbody opportunity and immediately I said no. I mean, I’d already failed twice at that “be a mom and work” thing. A few months passed and the opportunity was presented again. I prayed about it and asked my husband if he was on board. I decided to try for a third time this whole “mom who has a side hustle” thing.
I’ll never forget one of my first corporate meetings in town. I had to leave early to go see my son’s soccer game. I looked around to get permission but realized I had no boss to ask permission. I got to choose the pace and time I would spend on this business. I realized that the third time really WAS a charm. I was finally able to be a successful mom and business woman. Only instead of a power suit and briefcase with my hair blowing in the wind, I’m wearing Lululemon yoga pants, carrying a Louis Vuitton crossbody, and my hair is in a ponytail.
Maybe you’ve “failed” a time or two. It doesn’t mean your dreams are over...it just might mean they look a little different than you dreamed. And, different can also mean better.
