ARE YOU A PRIORITY?

Does anyone else have the Timehop app on their phone?  It’s probably one of my favorite apps simply because it reminds me of where I was and how far I’ve come - and it’s not one that I can get sucked into (unlike Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest).This time of year is especially hard on me though when I am looking back at those photos.

• 5 years ago, I had just gone back to work after having my first baby
• 4 years ago, my daughter had her first eye surgery to correct her lazy eye
• 3 years ago, I was at the PEAK in my training (and is a constant reminder that I’m not quite there yet)
• 2 years ago, I was at my very lowest, only 6 weeks postpartum with my 2nd baby and dealing with undiagnosed postpartum depression

Just looking back on those 5 years this past week has been a great reminder of just how far I have come in my life.

• Our daughter just recently has her second eye surgery and we are seeing AMAZING improvement in her eye strength and are hopeful that was her last surgery!
• My SPEED is coming back and I am CONFIDENT that I WILL set a new 5K PR!
• I am probably the happiest I have ever been in my life - because I’ve finally taken some time to invest in myself and set my priorities so that I am no longer feeling stress and overwhelm.

Five years ago, I never would have thought I would be where I am now.  And I honestly owe a lot of that to running.  Running helped me through those lowest points in my life.  It was my outlet when I wasn’t confident enough to talk to my husband about my struggles.  (Which is so stupid because he is an AMAZINGLY supportive man who will hold my hand and wipe my tears no matter what.)  It was my self-confidence booster when I wasn’t confident in my job, my parenting, or my life, in general.  It has proved to me that I am able to do anything I put my mind to.I know, as a busy mom, running can be a struggle.  It’s just ONE MORE thing on our already full schedules - and at times it seems like it is not a priority.  We have work, family responsibilities, a house to clean, dinner to make, errands to run, etc., etc., etc.  Running usually gets pushed to the end of the list, when really, we DO need to make it a priority - not just for our health, but for OURSELVES, as well.

Are you making YOURSELF a priority?  

I’d be lying if I said finding time for myself didn’t mean having to sacrifice other areas of my life.  There are absolutely times when I lack sleep (most nights, really) or get home a little later because I decided to sleep in and did my run after work instead  But, I know that when I take some time for ME, I am a happier, more pleasant person to be around.If you are struggling to fit in some me time, sit down with your planner or calendar and figure out where running can fit into your busy schedule.  See if your spouse will take the kids for an hour so you can get a run in.  Or ask a friend or neighbor.  Stop neglecting yourself - Spending an hour running + working out every day will not only help you clear your mind + get some much needed “Me Time”, but it will make you a better spouse, parent, worker, and friend.