Good morning, friends! How is everyone on this fine Tuesday morning? Staying warm and healthy? I am neither at the moment (thank you temperature drop from 67 to 39 in the span of 12 hours), but I'm still in a good mood, thanks to the fact that I get to spend my next two weeks hanging out with one of the cutest little babies (henceforth known at Peanut for blogging purposes) I've had the pleasure to meet. His older brother will be joining us for good at the end of January, so until then, I get to cuddle and learn how to speak baby-ese. Challenging, friends, very challenging, and very different from what I'm used to, but I'm enjoying it and learning a lot in the process. I'm thankful for the chance to learn Peanut's routine and cues without his older brother, too. It definitely makes it a bit easier, so fingers crossed I'm ready to go when both are home all day! Thank you so much for all the well wishes yesterday; they made my day :)
Today's freEDom post is a little different than normal. When I was thinking about what I wanted to write today for Sloane's campaign, nothing big came to mind, which was a first for me. Usually, I have at least one major struggle that I want to talk about, but for the first time in a long time, I feel really good about where I am. I'm not struggle free obviously, but I feel like I'm much stronger than I have been in a long time, if not ever, so I thought I would take the opportunity to share some freEDom progress points I've experienced over the past few weeks...a celebration if you will, which is a sign of freEDom progress in itself. Thank you for hosting as always, Sloane!
I see freEDom progress in...
...the fact that I had a salad for lunch twice last week and will only have one this week. That's huge for me, a proclaimed salad fanatic. While I do, in fact, love salads (especially when I load them with lots of different things like turkey, lentils, roasted potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, asiago cheese, avocado, carrots, hummus, and cherries to name a few), I was using them as a crutch, saving calories for things I never ended up eating. Not anymore, friends. It's making lunchtime much more fun, and packing leftovers is much easier at night than making a fresh salad...not a bad thing once or twice a week...but not a daily necessity right now, either.
...the fact that I let myself sleep in last Friday instead of going for a planned run. I woke up at 5 with a sore throat and feeling completely run down. I foggily knew that going out for that 5 miler would only hurt me, so I reset my alarm and slept for another hour and a half. Only thing I felt (besides slightly more awake) was pride in myself for doing what was best for me at that moment. Win.
...the fact that I went to dinner with a friend (and her friends) late on Saturday night rather than stay home like I was more inclined to do. My friend was going out to celebrate becoming salaried at her place of work and asked me to come along. If I'm being honest, I have a bad habit of isolating myself when left to my own devices. I've picked babysitting over going out with friends and cancelled plans at the last minute because I wasn't feeling up to it. While both are ok every now and then, I do it much too often, and I'm actively trying to change that. Relationships and trusting other people don't come easily to me (not in recent years anyway), but they are a necessary, important, and incredibly rewarding part of life, and I'm tired of letting the fear of getting hurt or rejected stop me. So I went out for a little...just for dinner, since I was fighting the same cold I have now at that time (and wasn't in the mood to drink in the slightest)...and was very happy to have done so. I also made definite plans to have coffee with a friend after work this week and am hoping to get together with some friends for the Pens game on Saturday.
...the fact that I've worn my PV Body smurf pants any chance I've had. Essentially, any night that I wasn't running the next morning, I was in those pants as soon as I got home (if it was the night before a run, I wore my running tights...just makes things that much easier when I wake up early to get out the door). They are so freaking comfortable, and I'm incredibly glad someone talked me into keeping them, even though I wasn't comfortable with how tight they were/how I thought they looked. Thanks babe.
...the fact that I've been talking honestly with the important people in my life. If I've had questions, anxieties, thoughts, or concerns over the past few weeks, I've shared them with Joe, with my family, with some friends, and with the parents of the munchkins I'm now in charge of during the day. This has been one of the hardest things to date, since I'm so used to "not needing help" and using the phrase "I'm fine" no matter what. Well, I do, and I'm not always, and I have random thoughts and ideas that I want to share...so I have been...and will continue to do so.
....the fact that I woke up yesterday morning and immediately changed my workout plan. Upon getting out of bed, I discovered that my left hip flexor was in a lot pain whenever I walked. Going for my planned run wasn't even a thought...the only thing I had in my head was to find the first yoga video I could to stretch it out and see if that helped. I discovered some YouTube Tara Stiles videos thanks to this girl and thoroughly enjoyed my hour long workout...and yes, in fact, it did help my hip a bit. I'm hoping/praying that I only slept on it wrong on Sunday night (since I was fine all day and night Sunday) and that I'll be able to head out for five miles this morning, but we shall see. I won't hesitate to do what's best for my hip and my health for probably the first time ever.
*Edited upon waking up this morning: left hip feels better than when I fell asleep last night but still sore/tweaked, so more yoga and core work today....think I'll actually hold off on running until Friday or Saturday now (and even then, ease back into it with 4-5 miles instead of the usual 6-9), just to make sure it's really ok again. And I have no problem doing so.
...the fact that I'm working on being patient with myself in learning the ropes for my new job. Peanut is the youngest human being I have ever cared for. I know I've said it before (and heaven knows I'll say it again), but babies can be pretty intimidating when you can't figure out what they need and why the won't stop crying. We did a-ok yesterday, but we still had our moments when I didn't do quite what he wanted when he wanted it. And guess what? We survived and were just fine. In the end, I figured out what he wanted/needed and gave it to him. I know we'll have our days, but I also know this is a whole new learning experience; I'm not going to learn it and be completely competent overnight, with no questions or help required. But I'll get there (as much as anyone who has/works with kids anyway), and I will continue to be patient with myself till then, enjoying everything to the best of my ability.
Progress, friends. Not perfection...but that doesn't exist, and I'm learning, accepting, and embracing my imperfections and life with everything I am.
Have a terrific Tuesday!
What are some freEDom progress points in your life? Have you challenged yourself in anyway recently? Suggestions for making friends/putting yourself out there (besides blogging, of course...that's a great one)?
...the fact that I had a salad for lunch twice last week and will only have one this week. That's huge for me, a proclaimed salad fanatic. While I do, in fact, love salads (especially when I load them with lots of different things like turkey, lentils, roasted potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, asiago cheese, avocado, carrots, hummus, and cherries to name a few), I was using them as a crutch, saving calories for things I never ended up eating. Not anymore, friends. It's making lunchtime much more fun, and packing leftovers is much easier at night than making a fresh salad...not a bad thing once or twice a week...but not a daily necessity right now, either.
...the fact that I let myself sleep in last Friday instead of going for a planned run. I woke up at 5 with a sore throat and feeling completely run down. I foggily knew that going out for that 5 miler would only hurt me, so I reset my alarm and slept for another hour and a half. Only thing I felt (besides slightly more awake) was pride in myself for doing what was best for me at that moment. Win.
...the fact that I went to dinner with a friend (and her friends) late on Saturday night rather than stay home like I was more inclined to do. My friend was going out to celebrate becoming salaried at her place of work and asked me to come along. If I'm being honest, I have a bad habit of isolating myself when left to my own devices. I've picked babysitting over going out with friends and cancelled plans at the last minute because I wasn't feeling up to it. While both are ok every now and then, I do it much too often, and I'm actively trying to change that. Relationships and trusting other people don't come easily to me (not in recent years anyway), but they are a necessary, important, and incredibly rewarding part of life, and I'm tired of letting the fear of getting hurt or rejected stop me. So I went out for a little...just for dinner, since I was fighting the same cold I have now at that time (and wasn't in the mood to drink in the slightest)...and was very happy to have done so. I also made definite plans to have coffee with a friend after work this week and am hoping to get together with some friends for the Pens game on Saturday.
...the fact that I've worn my PV Body smurf pants any chance I've had. Essentially, any night that I wasn't running the next morning, I was in those pants as soon as I got home (if it was the night before a run, I wore my running tights...just makes things that much easier when I wake up early to get out the door). They are so freaking comfortable, and I'm incredibly glad someone talked me into keeping them, even though I wasn't comfortable with how tight they were/how I thought they looked. Thanks babe.
...the fact that I've been talking honestly with the important people in my life. If I've had questions, anxieties, thoughts, or concerns over the past few weeks, I've shared them with Joe, with my family, with some friends, and with the parents of the munchkins I'm now in charge of during the day. This has been one of the hardest things to date, since I'm so used to "not needing help" and using the phrase "I'm fine" no matter what. Well, I do, and I'm not always, and I have random thoughts and ideas that I want to share...so I have been...and will continue to do so.
....the fact that I woke up yesterday morning and immediately changed my workout plan. Upon getting out of bed, I discovered that my left hip flexor was in a lot pain whenever I walked. Going for my planned run wasn't even a thought...the only thing I had in my head was to find the first yoga video I could to stretch it out and see if that helped. I discovered some YouTube Tara Stiles videos thanks to this girl and thoroughly enjoyed my hour long workout...and yes, in fact, it did help my hip a bit. I'm hoping/praying that I only slept on it wrong on Sunday night (since I was fine all day and night Sunday) and that I'll be able to head out for five miles this morning, but we shall see. I won't hesitate to do what's best for my hip and my health for probably the first time ever.
*Edited upon waking up this morning: left hip feels better than when I fell asleep last night but still sore/tweaked, so more yoga and core work today....think I'll actually hold off on running until Friday or Saturday now (and even then, ease back into it with 4-5 miles instead of the usual 6-9), just to make sure it's really ok again. And I have no problem doing so.
...the fact that I'm working on being patient with myself in learning the ropes for my new job. Peanut is the youngest human being I have ever cared for. I know I've said it before (and heaven knows I'll say it again), but babies can be pretty intimidating when you can't figure out what they need and why the won't stop crying. We did a-ok yesterday, but we still had our moments when I didn't do quite what he wanted when he wanted it. And guess what? We survived and were just fine. In the end, I figured out what he wanted/needed and gave it to him. I know we'll have our days, but I also know this is a whole new learning experience; I'm not going to learn it and be completely competent overnight, with no questions or help required. But I'll get there (as much as anyone who has/works with kids anyway), and I will continue to be patient with myself till then, enjoying everything to the best of my ability.
Progress, friends. Not perfection...but that doesn't exist, and I'm learning, accepting, and embracing my imperfections and life with everything I am.
Have a terrific Tuesday!
What are some freEDom progress points in your life? Have you challenged yourself in anyway recently? Suggestions for making friends/putting yourself out there (besides blogging, of course...that's a great one)?
progress, progress, progress! super proud of you girl, and i can't wait to celebrate with you in a week and a half! i'm glad your hip is feeling better but i am also really glad you're riding the yoga train (even if i NEVER ride that train despite knowing i should) and helping it get better. way to go girl. and i'm also proud of the salad thing because i totally get that. i've been eating wraps and sandwiches like it's my j.o.b. lately and i'm loving it. actually feeling full after my midday meal? how nice!
ReplyDeleteThank you darlin :) I'm pretty proud too...and I can't wait to celebrate as well! And yay for more food besides salads! Delicious they are...but they aren't everything..and being full after a midday meal is a great feeling I've been experiencing more too :)
DeleteI'm always proud when I see progress for you Caitlin! Changing up workouts, not overdoing the salads, figuring out your job...it's all awesome! <3
ReplyDeleteThanks love :) I get a ton of inspiration and courage from you, so thank you for that as well <3
DeleteYou have made some incredible progress! I'd say kicking that salad and running obsession is HUGE and I think that we've made a lot of strides. Honestly? Opening up and being honest with this freEDom campaign is what caused me to reach out and ask for help and I'm glad it has had such lasting impacts on you as well. You're awesome :)
ReplyDeleteI am so glad you said WE ALL, Sarah, because I truly believe the WE ALL have...I should have mentioned something like that in my post, so I'll probably start with that tomorrow haha...we're ALL awesome and should celebrate the progress we've made since none of us are in the same spot we were in when we met a few months ago! And I'm proud of us all
DeleteCan I just say how awesome it is that you recognize the progress you have made. Since I found your blog I have been so impressed by you. Especially since the holidays. I think your commitment to discovering your health and pushing your boundaries has just continued to grow and blossom. I really think this new job is going to teach you amazing things, as I am sure you know children (especially little babies) have a way of making us reevaluate ourselves. All of your plans with people sound so fun and I am so happy to hear about them! Not only will plans make the time until Joe comes home go by faster, but it will also expand your social life. I always find that the time I spend away from my little comfort zone and out with people allows me to free myself from all of those thoughts that sometimes consume me and really experience life the way I was meant to enjoy it.
ReplyDeleteThank you for all of this love :) I couldn't agree more, especially with the children part..they're going to teach me how to loosen up even more than they already have and I can honestly say I'm looking forward to it haha
Deletebeautifully put progression not perfection. I basically had to glue that to my head during treatment so that I didn't stress myself out. i think the salad thing is great, just make sure you aren't holding out on any of those low calorie bread crap that the world seems to think is acceptable for a nice sandwich. So lame. Keep rocking the new job!
ReplyDeleteThe only low calorie bread I own is that pretzel stuff and that has nothing to do with why I bought it...saw "soft pretzel" and immediately thought "mine!" so it went in the basket...it's fun to snack on but that's all I use it for...otherwise I'm all about the real stuff ;)
DeleteAll this progress is seriously incredible! I love that you're aware of how awesome you're doing. Sometimes, it easy to get sidetracked that you're not 100% "cured", but here you are, being an inspiration to me, reminding me that it's all about progress and not perfection like Alex mentioned. You rock, girlie.
ReplyDeleteExactly! Thank you love :) You rock as well, and I'm proud of the progress I've seen in you as well!
Deletegood for you girl! all of these are serious accomplishments :) you're amazing!
ReplyDeleteThanks love :) We all are!
DeleteI've been following you from basically the beginning... and jeez! You're basically a whole new lady! Crazy how far you've come...how much you've changed (in good ways). So you're my hero. And I also have bright blue tights I wear around the house and I'm glad you've grown to like them :D
ReplyDeleteI know! It's crazy for me to look back over some of the stuff I've written haha...not to say that I'll never struggle with it again (I know stuff will come up) or that I'm "better" now...I just feel so much more myself, and I think blogging has been a huge help in that...I've been myself from the beginning and found people who seem to like/appreciate me for who that person is, which has been amazing to see and feel :) So thank you for helping me in my journey <3
DeleteAs I always say, anything is better than nothing, progress is progress and definitely worth celebrating! Way to go girl- I think all of your points are headed in the right direction, if not already there! I love salads, always have an always will... Load on the toppings and serve them up with some sides, I'm a happy girl :) Peanut sounds precious, I hope you enjoy your baby-gabbing time :P
ReplyDeleteThanks love :) And I think progress is BETTER than perfection haha...perfection is boring, while progress keeps life interesting! And Peanut is precious...he's in his "gym" right now and moving his arms and legs like a wild man, giggling and hiccuping the whole time...it's hilarious haha
DeleteI'm so very proud of you for listening to your body and resting when you knew you needed it! I've recently adopted the philosophy that you only get one body, so you need to take good care of it -- and I can't tell you how thrilled I am to know that you're taking good care of yours. :) Good for you!
ReplyDeleteIt's in large part thanks to you for writing things that make me think and then encouraging me to do what I need to do, so thank you for that...and everything else :)
DeleteI want to comment on every single point you made but that would be annoying so I'm just going to say I'm so effing proud of you and happy for you. YOu have come such a long way since I "met" you and you are truly shining girl. Love how you are noticing the progress you have made and I totally agree that it's about progress, not perfection. Woop woop. <3
ReplyDeleteThank you darlin :)
Delete1. Yay for leftovers as lunch… but now Joe just needs to get back home so he can cook you more food to bring in since I’m sure your starting to run low
ReplyDelete2. Great job on just listening to your body & not forcing any extremes on it.
3. Glad you got yourself out there & decided to have some quality friend time. So wish I could be watching the game with you this weekend… sitting on different sides of the bar though Ha Ha
4. I love that your opening yourself & allowing others to come in. I know how hard it can be to ask for help, but your human, you can’t do everything on your own.
5. If I were you, I’d definitely stick with a shorter distance this weekend. You have plenty of time before your marathon to get in those miles
6. &&& I am just so proud of you for EVERYTHING you’ve accomplished
Amen to all of this (especially that first point...I want more chili now!)
DeleteI love all of these! I think it's so great that you're being honest and social when naturally that's what you don't want to do at that moment. I also love that you chose yoga as opposed to running when that's what you body wanted. I'm home sick today, and part of me just wants to kick myself for not getting my run in, but I'm sick! My body needs to repair itself and grinding out the grueling miles on the treadmill is not going to help!
ReplyDeleteI know this is a day late, but I loved this post too much not to say something :)