"Me" by Melissa Schwab, Gold's Gym Challenge Participant

This challenge has showed me how hard it is to make your self a priority. As a wife and mother, I feel guilty taking “me” time. Despite my husband’s assurances that it’s OK for me to take time for me, I feel guilty asking for help. I feel guilty taking time away from my family. I feel guilty putting my kids in the child care room because I want to workout. And don’t forget about our endless lists of tasks waiting for us like grocery shopping, cooking, laundry, bills, and cleaning that have to fit in around school and work schedules. I feel like I got so busy taking care of everyone else’s needs that I forgot to take care of myself. But if you don’t take care of yourself, it’s hard to take care of your family. For the past month, I found that when there’s a will there’s a way. I’m amazed at where I’ve been able to squeeze in a workout when I really want to. I even went to a 5am spin class this morning, and anyone who knows me knows I am NOT a morning person. I realized the laundry and other tasks will still be there when I’m done with my workout. I realized that a “date” with my husband at the gym can be fun too. I realized that my kids will be fine in the childcare room. (A shout out to Michelle and Caryn in the Wenatchee childcare…my kids love you!) And I realized that I’m making a happier, healthier wife, mother and ME.

Comments

[Laura]

I feel exactly the same and I feel so guilty when I know they have been in there in the morning and then we go back...but you know what I just realized.....they never have a problem going in there...they love it...it is me who has the guilt. So I have let go of that and I am much happier as a result:)

[Rose]

I'm glad to hear somebody say it!! Most people do not make themself or their health a priority and sadly if we don't make our own health a priority then what are we teaching our family, our kids, our friends and our co-workers. If we stay healthy, then we will be more apt to push others to be healthy, mentally and physically; thus more positive and able bodied. It is so important to keep progressing and bettering ourselves. Thanks for being an inspiration to all of our readers Melissa. You are a GEM!