“You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.” – Buddha

There has been an incredible shift in the fitness industry; gone are the days of the never-ending pursuit of perfection. It’s all about love for our bodies these days, and I dig it. There is one idea that I can’t get behind though; the idea that we need to accept our flaws. Let me elaborate.

I was in the best shape of my life when I discovered I was pregnant; 163 lb, 15% body fat, lifting 5-6x/wk, cardio twice a day, everyday, nothing but chicken, veggies, and brown rice.

Looking back, my body was rockin, but it was exhausting. I can’t say I hated my body, but I always sought to improve it; if only my abs showed a little more, if only my saddlebags were a little smaller, and it was never enough. Then I got pregnant.

During my pregnancy I was lucky, I was able to stay very active. My workouts did change throughout my pregnancy, but I was able to go hard up until I delivered. I lifted 4-5x/wk and would walk or hike every day. Obviously looking good was no longer a priority, but I wanted to stay strong, for the pregnancy, for labor, and to hopefully recover with a bit more ease.

I was 183 lbs when I went into labor, 20 lbs heavier, and I told my husband, "Give me 3 months and I'll be in better shape than before."

Enter Jameson; my daughter, my world.

My body has changed.

At my last doctor appointment I was 140 lb, body fat percentage; who freaking knows. I get little home workouts in, 15-20 min, whenever I can. Jameson and I try to go for a walk every day, but being that it’s winter here in Santa Fe, some days are just too cold.

As mommas, it can be hard to embrace our new form. There are marks, saggy skin, maybe a completely new shape. Some might see these as flaws, but not this momma. My body has changed, without a doubt, but it has changed in the best possible way. I look at my body now and I am in awe. I am forever grateful for this incredible body of mine; it protected and nourished my daughter for 9 months, it pushed her out into the world so I could finally see her, snuggle her, smell her, and watch her grow.

My stomach is squishy, and the skin has clearly been stretched. I didn’t have a lot on top to begin with, so I thought I would be immune to the post-breastfeeding boob sag, but alas, my tiny tatas hang low. And the stretch marks I have across my breasts, as a result of producing the sustenance my little girl needs to builds her immune system and aid in her growth, they are my hard earned tiger stripes, and I wear them with pride. And momma, you should too.

“Your problem is you’re… too busy holding onto your unworthiness.”

- Ram Dass

I think the miracle that is childbirth has been lost on the masses, because we’ve been doing it since the beginning of time, but momma, you brought another human being into the world. You are a freaking rock star. You are more than marks. You are more than squishy skin and saggy breasts. And you are so much more than the number on the scale.

My favorite part of this new mom bod? I love my biceps. When my clients ask how to get sleek arms, I always suggest carrying a baby around all day.

I will always love lifting and feeling strong, and I will always seek self-improvement (in all areas, not just fitness), but I will never look at my body with the same critical eye I once had.

This is my best body; marks and squish included, and I couldn’t be more proud.

XOXO –

Jules

“To love oneself is the beginning of a life-long romance.”

- Oscar Wilde

Life can be tough, there's no doubt about it. Unfortunately it can be all too easy to let an imperfect situation get the best of you. It can be so easy to react. Reactions are driven through emotion. They are impulsive and lack cerebrate. Of course, we’re all allowed to have a bad day, and of course you’re allowed to vent when you need to, but you’ve got to be able to pick yourself up and move on. Life rarely goes as we have planned. It is going to throw curve balls. Don't be a victim of life; you have to have the mental fortitude to adjust and keep moving forward. When you break it down, life is 5% what happens to you, and 95% how you respond.

Like most, I find it difficult to be around negative people. Being around someone who is constantly in the negative is draining. You might not even realize how much it affects you until you finally let them go. Every relationship you have; friends, significant others, family… they should be about love, support, and empowering each other. In true partnerships, and real friendships, we lift each other up, challenge each other, and always push to make each other better. It’s about nourishing each other’s light, and helping each other shine brighter. But you must keep in mind, it is so important to cultivate your own happiness, and shine bright on your own, before you can ever hope to help others shine. And you cannot look to others to bring you happiness. True happiness has to come from the self.

I have always lived my life by one particular rule; if you do not bring something positive to the table, if you do not influence my life in a way that lifts me up, I don’t have time for you. I give everything I have to the important relationships in my life (as most of us do), and if you’re not going to give me that same love/respect/support that I give you, you’re out. I know it sounds harsh, and sometimes it’s easier said than done, but when you’re finally brave enough to let go of whomever it may be that is dulling your sparkle, you’re going to feel like a new person, and your light will once again shine bright.

You have every right to a beautiful life, so shine bright, show the world just how amazing you are, and never let anyone dull your sparkle. The brighter you shine, the more you’ll positively influence the people around you, and that means you can affect change across the globe.

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, 'Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?' Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” - Marianne Williamson

Shine on.

XOXO -