I didn’t write my post on Sunday like I had planned because I was working on homework that I had admittedly put off till the last minute. I had several random thoughts I wanted to include and now they have escaped me. Â
Instead I will focus on something that Rachel & I have intimate knowledge of – the dreaded WEEK 3/4 for the Mamavation Moms.
This was a really rough week for me personally during my campaign.  I know this round of mamas are doing BEYOND awesome but don’t let that fool you into thinking that they are having an easy go of it. Even with the tools and support received as a Mamavation Mom, it is still up to each individual
- to make it happen. Â
- To find time to fit it all in.Â
- To remain open, honest and even vulnerable in their vlogs, blogs, and daily nutritional journals.
- To dig deep when it seems like it is all too much.
Leah has reminded us to be extra supportive during this week and I honestly couldn’t agree more.  Change can be difficult – what we as moms are doing (and I do mean all of you sistahs, not just Amanda, Angela, & Kimberly) is even harder –
- We are not only changing OUR lives, but the lives of those around us. Â And for some it can be a bit like dragging a 200lb anchor as we try to re-program our own mindsets as well as the mindsets of our spouses. Â
- We balance the demands on us from numerous angles – although different for all of us, still a juggling act between nurturing our marriages, raising our children, excelling in school, advancing our careers (in or out of the home) and still managing to take time out for ourselves.
- We are re-training YEARS (some of us more than others :p) of mental programming and for some of us it means learning that what we KNOW to be true… isn’t.  For some of us it means ignoring the negative self-talk and embracing the positive encouragement we receive from others.  For some it means that we are infants again learning how to move and eat… When we were infants though, we powered through each stumbling block because we didn’t know any different… now, we have our old, bad habits that once felt so comfortable that it would be EASIER to crawl back in…and we must resist that.
- We have to remember that while there is a competitive nature to part of this (especially the MILI Challenge) we are all in this together and each person will lose at her own pace. I have a hard time with this one still…
So, if you haven’t already – check out the daily journals that each of the moms post to Bookieboo.com.  I know first hand that the moms are probably feeling a bit alone in the web-isphere and could use some extra encouragement.  Read their weekly posts and watch their vlogs for added insight to their journey. Tweet encouraging words to all of the sistas because no matter where you are on this journey, I promise you it is easier with help and support to carry you through the moments that are tough.
To those of you in the MILI Challenge and to the Campaign 7 Moms – I’m BEYOND proud of all you are accomplishing.  You are making lasting changes and are doing such a remarkable job!  Not only that, but you are helping your families and those of us watching from the sidelines make similar changes.  You are ALL so AWE-some and inspiring. Keep pushing through when it gets hard.  Keep your beautiful, positive attitude.  Keep your head up because no matter what that pesky duck says, you CAN do this… you already are. You are beautiful and I love each and every one of you.  I hope you know that 🙂
***my scale pic will be posted later this evening – it is at home and I am not :p.  no need for a shout out though – no change in my weight and I’m MORE than ok with that.***
Thanks Shelley! That’s all I can really say. What I needed to read today.
I needed this post. It’s seriously like you can read my mind. I’m having a bit of trouble getting back on track after a week of being sick. This is the emotional motivation boost I needed. I love you, Shelley!
It’s not mind-reading… just have been in your shoes 🙂 Love ya girl!!!
I love you! You always have such inspiring things to say. You are so right though. We need to be there for each other and help support each other through this journey.
Support is so very important! It’s a tough journey alone 🙂
You know how much I love you, how much you mean to me! This has been a hard week and I know its only going to get harder, but your right its worth it! The climb, the jounry, the outcome. I am so glad to have you. You know I love you, Thank you for being here for me! You give me so much, and I am so grateful for that. I can not wait to pay it forward next campaign.!
I know how hard it is and let me assure you that you are doing WONDERFUL! Hang in there because it does get easier as you continue to find your balance 🙂 HUGS!
I completely agree with the need and importance of motivation and support needed by all of us. That’s the beauty of mamavation. You are a great support to all of us. Hugs!
I love the support and encouragement – that’s what Mamavation has always been about to me and I treasure the friendships I’ve gained through it – LIKE YOU!!!
Definitely a week to “Shut the Duck Up!”
Yes, learning to love myself includes learning the rate at which my body loses weight. Sometimes the reality sucks! (excuse me) I wish I was an uber loser, but I am a slow and steady kinda gal. The main goal is of course a healthier me… and I am getting there… One pound at a time!
So glad to have a knowledgeable and helpful Mama to remind us of the realities of our journey. Thanks for the great post and I hope you have a great week!
slow and steady truly does ‘win the race’ and the best part is, it will stay off because you are changing your life. Not just going on a diet 🙂 So proud of you!
Wooooot! You are so inspirational. And congratulations on your new “JOB” – I am sure you will be fully enjoying it! Since I had half way blah week, I hope this one will be so much beter
it will get better 🙂 you have a BEAUTIFUL attitude 🙂 HUGS!!!
Hi! I love your blog and wanted to share the Stylish Blogger Award with you.
thank you 🙂
Thanks so much Shelley! I will be the first to admit, I had to eat my words at the end of last week. I was feeling great, then Thursday, Friday and Saturday were horrible. Thanks so much for your time and support. It means the world to us. I know (now) how much time being a Mamavation Mom takes out of your schedule, and for you graduates to give US more of YOUR precious time during our campaign makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Big hugs and lotsa love! You are one of my #1 girls! <3
I think all those who have gone through the campaign have had to eat our words. I think we all go into it thinking – that won’t happen to me… I’m glad you are being honest about your struggles – you are HUMAN!!! HUGS BABE!
That was awesome. You are so motivational and really hit home what Mamavation… and really being a woman is about! I think that women are so good at finding like-minded women and helping each other.
Thank you for this. I have a feeling I’m going to be reading it often this week.. Especially “We are re-training YEARS (some of us more than others :p) of mental programming and for some of us it means learning that what we KNOW to be true… isn’t.”
I’m so glad that my words could reach you exactly when you needed to hear them. I’m always here… or on twitter… if you need to talk 🙂 SUPER BIG HUGS!
Thank you for the reminder that we’re all in it together. I was so excited this morning when I weighed in and had lost 2.8 pounds and then I saw all the posts about 3.8 pounds and more and kind of deflated. I told myself it was ok but seeing it here helped reinforce that. I am so glad that Angela pointed me in the direction of all these wonderful ladies and I am so glad to know that I’m not alone in my struggles. Plus, it feels almost as if you’ve taken me under your wing which while it may not be true, feels great too! *hugs*
Just remember that it is NOT a competition. Everyone loses at their own rate and your are doing so well on this journey. I’m always here for you 🙂