My second pregnancy (10 years after my first) was a difficult one, not because of any complications from the pregnancy, but because I was so physically unfit. Unlike my first pregnancy, I didn’t exercise at all and I ate whatever would quickly subside the hunger. In addition to that, I was very busy with my 10 year-old son, and I was struggling with my new roles as a wife and step-mother, as well as struggling with leaving behind my very familiar role of being a single mother. When my daughter was born, things got even tougher. The blending of the two families became more difficult and I had begun to become very depressed.
I wasn’t the type of person who would indulge in food when I got depressed, but I was the type of person who could barely pick up my head off of the pillow. The stress of it all was exhausting, and I fell deeper into depression. It was a vicious cycle, and I couldn’t break it. So many areas of my life were so out of control. Eventually, I was able to let go of those areas, and grasp a hold onto what was within my reach. My children needed me healthy, and I needed them to be in a healthy environment. My husband and I separated, and I hopped on the road to a healthy mind, body and soul. Being physically fit at one time, I knew if I could just exercise, it would help tremendously.
I began going for short walks around my neighborhood whenever I could fit them in and I immediately felt a huge change. These walks gave me quality time with my children, and if they weren’t with me, the walks gave me quality time alone. For the first time in a couple of years, I was able to see things so clearly. After a few months, when I felt up to it, I began working out to beginner DVD’s and then Cathe DVD’s. Working full-time, I found these difficult to fit into my busy schedule, but I knew that I needed to continue to follow them. I adjusted my schedule (meaning I set my alarm for 4:30am) to workout. It was SO tough at first, but I began getting used to it, and now I actually enjoy getting up that early and completing my workouts. My self esteem is so much higher, my mind is so much healthier, and my body is so much stronger, and I no longer struggle to lift myself off of the floor when I play with my daughter.
My husband and I have reunited and today have a beautiful relationship with a wonderful blended family! My life is still as busy as it ever was, but I can manage it all so much more efficiently! Thank you, Cathe, for all of your encouraging words that keep me going during your workouts!
Linda, you look amazing! And what a happy ending to a beautiful story! I hope one day I can be as committed to exercising as you are! Congrats… Its so good to see that exercising has helped you.
As a nurse, I see so many patients who suffer from depression come into the office. I can only limit my advice, but I always ask if they exercise, and the answer is always “no”. What people don’t realize is how the endorphins are affected by exercise and what that can do for them. I truly would love to print out your success story and post it in the waiting and exam rooms! My wife read this with me and has also been motivated by you. Good job and thank you!