I was at an all-time low in my life, and I realized I had to help myself.
I had high cholesterol.
Not to mention, I hadn’t worked out in years and I was way out of shape.
And, I certainly couldn’t do any of the fancy yoga poses and inversions that I am doing now. Even if I could have done it, I would have been too afraid.
Besides working out, I hadn’t read a book in years (besides children’s books to my kids, of course.)
I hadn’t done anything for fun in years… In fact, I didn’t even know what I liked to do for fun anymore. I hadn’t done anything for ME in years.
This all led to my rock bottom. Once I finally got to that point, the healing began.
Not an overnight success
Despite what many may think (or what they might want to hear,) this was NOT an overnight success. There was no magic, quick fix. That just doesn’t exist.
It was a process, and I am still continually growing and learning.
First, I began counseling to work on ME. Mindset. Confidence. Unresolved issues.
I also began working out slowly, but I didn’t quick jump into a diet and exercise plan. I just literally began exercising 15–20 minutes a day. Then, I replaced some, not all, of the foods that I was eating with healthier ones. It was manageable.
Within a year, I had lowered my cholesterol and was actually in really good shape.
Next, I started trying new things and doing things for fun. I joined a gym and took some classes. One of the fitness instructors randomly said to me: “You should become a fitness instructor.”
By this time, my confidence was on the rise, so I thought, “Hell yes, that’s a great idea.” And, a few months later I was certified to teach fitness classes.
I also started yoga. For fun. I wanted to switch up my workouts.
I was so impressed with what other Yoga instructors were doing, and I wanted to learn. So, I asked to be taught how to do a headstand. It was only about a year ago that I couldn’t do any kind of inversion. None.
But, I started slowly. I learned, and I practiced.
Again, I wasn’t crazy about it. I just practiced consistently, and I had fun. I challenged myself, but not to the point where it was stressful.
I eventually got certified as a Yoga instructor, too.
And, now I am having fun doing poses like this! Yes, that’s me!
Another thing I did was start a business. Less than a year ago, I started a blog. Since then I’ve helped HUNDREDS of moms who are dealing with similar challenges as me. Namely, “mom guilt.”
Just an average girl
I am not special. I am normal. Average. I am not an overnight success. All that I did was decide that I was making a change in my life. So, FIRST I helped myself.
I stayed consistent, took some risks, worked hard, and faced some fears.
NEXT, I helped my family.
And FINALLY, I helped others.
Because… You can’t give what you don’t have.
Trust me, I am super introverted. No, really. I am not one to talk to people I don’t know. In fact, I avoid it as much as I can. I consider myself a private person. BUT, I have talked to way too many moms that are dealing with feelings of not being enough, to NOT share my story.
We all have the power to do more
You are meant for more.
The secret is that you have to help yourself first.
But, if I hadn’t done anything different, and taken that first simple step, I would still be in that same place now.
So, I hope you start doing that. Today.
PS — If it’s been a while since you’ve taken time for yourself, and you are ready to get out of your comfort zone, check out the free 5-Day Challenge. ❤
Originally published at www.bridgettepetrino.com.
Originally published at medium.com