Real Women

I usually share some recipes on my Sunday blog,  a "pick of the week" that is a favorite of my family's.  While looking through magazines this week in search of new ideas and menus, I became a little down and wished I was in better shape and looked more youthful.  All I saw was young women exercising with almost perfect bodies.  I get it, the magazines need to sell and fit,young bodies are selling points!  I read the articles and try some of the exercises suggested.  I particularly like the recipes and always enjoy trying out some "new" moves.  But this made me start thinking.  It's much easier to be fit and healthy when you just have yourself to worry about.  Maybe you have a demanding career and a significant other, but there seems to be more time for yourself.  Things begin to get more challenging when you are trying to balance a career, partner, family, and yourself.  Many women tend to put others first and take care of themselves last.  YOU need to make yourself a priority.  When you take care of yourself, it is easier to care for others.  You have more energy and become more successful juggling your many tasks.  You also become a role model for your children and they in turn will make health and fitness a priority.

It's easy to look through magazines and compare yourself to the models wishing you were more toned, and younger looking.   Then take a step back and look at what you have accomplished.  Being healthy is what matters most.  There is no such thing as perfect.  Aging gracefully is a good thing.  It shows that we have lived.  So don't hate your stretch marks or wrinkles.  Wear them proudly because we are real women who balance multiple tasks and still make time for ourselves!

When you do make time for yourself make it count.  Think about why you want to exercise and set real goals.  You do not need three hours, 30 minutes can be enough time to get your heart racing and muscles tired.

So next time I am flipping pages of a magazine instead of feeling longful for my youth, I will remind myself of what I am able to do and keep things in perspective.  I hope you do the same!


Best,
Donna