Last night I opened up my heart to my Instagram and Facebook followers. This morning, I realized that it only makes sense to share this same story on my blog as I can’t assume that everyone who reads my blog also follows me on my social media channels or is able to keep up with posts thanks to the lovely and often annoying Facebook and Instagram algorithms. The words of wisdom, feedback and comments I received on Instagram and Facebook gave me so much hope this morning as I started this fresh, new day. Perspective can come in all shapes, sizes and forms. Yesterday this perspective came to me in two forms and helped me balance the emotions that I’ve been feeling lately.
- Hearing our Baby Girl’s heartbeat and seeing her wave to us during our 36 week sonogram as we learned that she is approxiamately 5 lbs 11 oz and is healthy and happy.
- Receiving words of wisdom and advice from so many friends and readers, many of whom have never commented previously, providing guidance during this time of transition.
While I realize the below is perfectly normal for a person to feel during this time of transition, here are the feelings that have been weighing on my heart and soul recently as I have opened up my blog or social media platforms to post.
I have a lot on my mind tonight friends. Recently I’ve felt as if I’m at a crossroads. I still think of myself as a health and wellness blogger who loves to inspire others to lead a healthier life through a balanced love of food, wine, workouts and travel. But, as June 18th approaches, I feel more like a MOM and as if I’m approaching the beginning of a new chapter.
A few readers have reached out about my new blog header, saying that I’m claiming to be a mom before my child arrives. Others have asked how I can claim to be a runner, even though I havent run in months. Trust me, I’m living this identity crisis. Since September, I’ve been focused on providing a supportive, nurturing environment for our baby to grow ans thrive, so yes, I do feel like a mom already.
I find myself over-thinking every post, wonderinf if I’m isolating those of you who aren’t moms or not inspiring my runner and fitness friends in the way they once loved.
I don’t want to find myself in a place where I dread social media and worry about everything I write and say because then I wont be sharing my FULL self. Instead, I’m going to say that if you want to join me on the ride to see what the next few months and years hold, I hope you’ll stick around and keep engaging. I won’t make any promises, except to post on here and the blog more often, and do my best to continue to inspire YOU ALL, regardless of where you are in your life.
As always, please feel free to share your thoughts, advice and two cents with me! I read and value every comment and opinion
Photo credit Alexis Mera Damen
I’ve been a reader for awhile and I personally enjoy your blog because you aren’t just all running all the time. I really like your posts about cool workouts, your fashion posts (especially these because you’re basically my goal closet), and your travels. I’m not close to being pregnant, but I even enjoyed those posts because it will happen one day and I want to be as prepared as possible. 🙂 Like life, I think blogs should be all about balance and you’re doing an excellent job.
PS – You’re a runner. Don’t let anyone tell you anything different. We wouldn’t tell someone with an injury they aren’t a runner after some time off. 🙂
Aww Annie thank you for your kind words and support! I’m glad that you like the diversity of posts and that is something I hope to continue for both my sanity and for you readers. 🙂
I believe you become a mother the moment you see the positive sign on the pregnancy test. That’s when you begin to love and care for your child. You will never be the same after that moment, and the change intensifies once you actually give birth to your baby. You clearly don’t need to give up your whole identity when you become a mom, but there’s no arguing that it’s always a part of you.
You became a mom the moment you chose to become a mom. Who are they to call it a “claim”? Are they somehow ranking themselves ahead of you because their children are older or there are more of them? Well if they want to try and “pull rank” they can come talk to me. I have five so I guess that makes me a General or something by now. You do your thing and forget about the people who only want to pull you down or boss you around to make themselves feel better. As for running, it will always be there for you when you are ready. Runners are runners forever. Chin up and do your thing.
When I first read your thoughts on Instagram this weekend, I was really upset. Upset that people feel it acceptable to say those things to you about not being a mom yet, or that you’re alienating your readers. Ultimately, this space is yours, and healthy living, and lifestyle blogs focus on just that – life, living. Life is full of changes, and if people are unhappy with the changes happening in your life, maybe they need to look more closely at what makes them so unhappy in their own lives. You do you, boo.
I’m a new-ish mom myself (my daughter is 13months), and you can’t help the transition into your new role! I was an avid runner myself and even ran until 34 weeks, but still went to the gym (my water broke at the gym!). But once my daughter was born, I found myself embracing the Mom role with all my heart. No timelines to get back into shape, no worries about never running again. Because the truth is, you will eventually figure out this new mom-thing/health and fitness blogger. Just give yourself time and embrace this new journey! I’ll be here with you!
Thank you Kimberly for your kind words and congratulations on your baby girl! Thank you for reading, your support and your honesty. I know it’ll be a roller coaster and it’s one I’m excited to ride!
Beyond my comprehension why anyone would care that your blog header says that (hello, it’s a redesign so it’s gonna be there a long time) and that you call yourself a runner. What???!!! I know how stupid comments can get you down but clearly people are unhappy and need something productive to do! You are awesome and yes, you are a mom and a runner…can’t wait for you to have this little one…best day ever!
Oh Ericka thank you for your kind words. I’m sure, as a blogger, you understand what it’s like but yes, you’re right people are so judgemental and a bit crazy! 🙂 Thanks for your support!
I read your blog because I like reading about your life, esp your new journey as a mom! Those are my favorite posts!
Thank you Jillian! I enjoy this space especially because of people like you!
I’ve been reading your blog for I believe 7 years… That sounds about right… I originally came for the health/fitness- finding you through Tina and Theodora- but I’ve stayed for the all be it indirect camaraderie of life in our 20’s and now 30’s. We may not have mirror image lives- but that doesn’t mean I don’t garner from you a sense of ” Hey, me too!” at times.
Write this blog for you- this is your corner of the universe. Those who want to read and engage will, those who don’t for whatever reason will do so because of their feelings or needs- not due to your perspective.
Looking forward to reading about your new chapter
Aww Erin thanks for sticking around. Sometimes I can’t believe I’ve been blogging for so many years! I’m so glad you stayed for the camaraderie! 🙂 Thanks for your kind words and hope you stay for many more years to come!
It seems like you’re embracing motherhood, don’t worry about what others think. I know it’s hard, but there’s enough judgement in motherhood to worry about it.
Thanks Katie! You’re right – motherhood will DEFINITELY come with plenty of judgement and tough patches.
Your blog is perfect. Let’s not forget that’s its YOUR blog about YOUR life and this is what is happening in life right now. Are people who write blogs about exercise never supposed to suffer from injury and need a break? Are decorating bloggers never supposed to have life events that take them away from major home remodels? That’s crazy! Try not to let all of the negative comments take away from all the readers that enjoy your blog and the journey you are on!
Emily thank you for your sweet words. While I believe my blog is far from perfect, you’re right that it is MY space and my life. 🙂 Thank you for the inspiration!
People are really dense sometimes. You are a mother, runner, woman, wife, and anything else. You are a mother the moment the sperm and egg join. I say,”whatever!!” to those people who have too much time on their hands to criticize.
Of course you are a Mommy! As soon as you found out that you were expecting and that maternal instinct kicked in that is when you became a Mom. I love how social media makes everyone so brave and opinionated. Just because someone will never meet you it like it makes it okay to be harsh and mean. That is not okay!
I am sure that your blog will take a change of course in the next few months. And that is obviously because your life has done that the same too. It would be weird for you not to discuss motherhood and your life with a baby. It is your blog and you can discuss whatever you want. You do you!