Health, I have learned is an all-encompassing prosperity that includes every area of your life. I am also reminding myself that a number on a scale doesn't always reflect your sacrifices and work to attain health either. That was my goal for this 90 day challenge; to not just make physical improvements, but to sharpen my mental, emotional, relational and spiritual standings. I wanted to create a balance within these aspects as well as their relation to each other.
Physically- I had previously lost a lot of body fat, so my goals this time were to build muscle and sculpt my body. I have never been strong. Growing up I was an endurance athlete, but 3 kids and multiple surgeries later, I had to find a different outlet.
I took up MMA
much to my intimidation. Now, several months later I have competed in a large tournament for Brazilian Jiu-jitsu and faced my biggest fear of people noticing me in a very public forum (I am extremely introverted). What an amazing feeling of accomplishment to not only compete but WIN an actual grappling fight against an unknown opponent.
I have also never pushed my body this hard before. I started the 90 day challenge with a debilitating shoulder/neck injury. It was a very discouraging way to start, but thanks to several professionals "in my corner" so- to- speak, we worked around it and with it to be able to continue attaining goals. I have also discovered that to gain weight in the form of lean muscle mass is probably the most challenging ambition I have ever attempted. I have been constantly sore (which was slightly remedied through nutrition and supplements). Mentally lifting rep after rep when all I wanted to do was lower the weight or skip a set was harder than I could ever describe in words. But I knew that with my goals, combined with the added obstacles of injuries and body type, I couldn't stop.
Mentally- My trainer has commented that I have a "do-it-anyway" mentality. In the face of skepticism, injury, fatigue, soreness, hunger, frustration, lack of natural ability, etc. I will do it anyway. I look at it this way- I am so blessed. My "excuses" hardly compare with a lot of other things people are facing. Everyday I wake up is another day to live it the best that I can; to receive as the gift it is and be a light to others around me so that they can be inspired and challenged to do the same. As a mother, I am always being watched. The little eyes of my 6, 4 and 2 year old see everything (especially since we homeschool) I do and don't do. They observe me waking up tired and sore every day and still push through to achieve something bigger. And if that is the only reason I do any of this- it's more than enough reason for me.
Relationally- My biggest concern with committing to a 2nd 90 day challenge in one year was that I didn't want it to negatively affect the relationships that are most dear to me. The 90 day challenge is a big time commitment and to do it with excellence requires so much of you physically and mentally. My goals this time of building lean muscle mass and then cutting even more body fat after I had lost so much the first time was one thousand times more difficult than the first go-around. My husband agreed to join in with me again this time so we could be a similar page when it came time to taking turns with the kids or making compatible meals. Having that continued support has made the impossible seem possible and I am beyond grateful for it. My children have also been on my side, keeping me accountable. Each day they know our schedule (12 workouts a week!) and delight in learning more about staying healthy. We can't expect healthy kids without healthy parents. We are, hopefully, training them to become and achieve even greater things than we ever could and health is part of that.
The least expected side-effect of participating in a second challenge is all of the other moms I have inspired to reach their goals. During my first 90 day challenge I started blogging about my fitness journey, mostly to keep a record for my trainer. Somehow, it has now reached thousands of people looking to begin their personal success stories. It is the most humbling, unexpected position to be approached by other moms who once believed they could never accomplish a physical strength, now excited to make extraordinary their ordinary. I am not a super athlete being paid to live like this. I am a normal mom who loves to work hard for my goals. And if just one person can look at my journey and think to themselves, I could do that, then I am doubly blessed.
Spiritually-
Even the strongest of us get tired and worn out. That is when we need a place of rest, peace and grace. Many of the desires in us, I believe, are too great a feat to accomplish in our own strength. If they are then we probably aren't dreaming big enough. Our lives should create ripple effects that reach farther and longer than we will ever come to know. I have learned during this 90 day journey to set aside times in my days, no matter how busy or tired I am, to reflect on the bigger picture. Our days can become so "daily", they are fleeting and short and I have learned that by choosing health, in all areas, the days slow down and become intentional. Gratitude takes time. And in that thanksgiving we can live the lives we were meant to live and be the people we were created to be.
