Being truly present in all aspects of your life is easier said than done. As a mother, wife, teacher, and health partner, I intimately understand how the demands of these multiple roles can quickly consume you, leaving you short on time for one or more of them.
Despite my natural inclination towards organization and planning, I found myself slipping through the cracks of my own health and fitness journey.
It was when I was a mother to two children under the age of three that I decided to take control and seek a balance amidst the daily demands of adulthood.
I'm still on that journey of discovery, but I'm grateful to be doing it within a community of like-minded individuals who share my values and beliefs.
Together, we navigate the challenges and strive for that elusive equilibrium.
Who is Rachel?
I grew up in a family of six, and it didn't take long for me to realize that I had assumed the role of the "health advocate." This might seem somewhat ironic considering my mother was an operating room nurse, tending to others' well-being professionally. However, I observed how constantly giving and pouring into others before taking care of oneself could become both exhausting and all-consuming.
Even from a young age, as early as elementary school, I found myself encouraging my mother to opt for healthier food choices or join me for walks so she could feel better. These concerns stemmed from my worries about possibly inheriting the same eating disorders or struggling with the yo-yo weight fluctuations resulting from the fad diets prevalent in my household.
As I grew older, I didn't adopt any sustainable lifestyle changes. Instead, I unconsciously embraced habits that led me to my lowest point. At that juncture, with two boys under the age of three, I realized I needed change not just for my own sanity but for the well-being of my family. How could I care for them if I could barely muster the energy or focus to tackle daily tasks?
It was through social media that I stumbled upon a fitness community that granted me access to workouts and nutrition guidance from the comfort of my own home. I made a commitment to myself, promising to become a healthier version of me. Interestingly, the more I showed up for myself, the more I found myself showing up for my family, friends, coworkers, students, and community. I began to develop a newfound passion for helping and sharing with others.
By practicing clean eating and incorporating a daily active lifestyle, I witnessed a profound transformation in my relationships with those who mattered most to me. This journey has been a game-changer, not just for me, but for those I cherish.