Personal Post… why 2018 was my best yet also a bit of a tough year

As we get ready to say goodbye to 2018, I’ve been thinking and reflecting on the year. I have so many happy moments that make it my best year yet. However, I also have to acknowledge that the end of 2018 was a bit tough for me, which I’ll go into detail on in this post. The reason I wanted to share this is because I know I am not the only one who has highs and lows. I know many of you struggle with a bit of anxiety, down days and tough times, so my hope is by sharing my new plan and perspective for 2019, we can all make it an even better year.

 
2018 – THE HIGHLIGHTS
Before bed the other night, I told my husband, “2018 was my best yet also a bit of a tough year for me.” The words almost didn’t make sense coming out of my mouth, but it’s true. 2018 has been filled with my highest of highs as well as many personal obstacles and difficult times. Perhaps that’s just part of adult life?! Or, is there something we can do about it?
In 2018, I watched my little baby Leo grow into a smart, determined and sweet as sugar toddler. The memories we created as a family couldn’t have gotten better. We found out about baby boy #2 due in February. Overall, we had a really fun year filled with a immense amount of love and joy- doing life together.

 
2018 – THE TOUGH STUFF
The last half of the year, I noticed myself experiencing some completely new struggles. My closest friends and family would characterize me as  someone who is able to go with the flow… someone who has a lot on her plate yet handles it well… someone who maintains a positive perspective through whatever life throws at her. Yet, for at least half of 2018, I really didn’t feel that was me anymore.
We all go through different seasons in life (one of my most popular blog posts is on that… you can read it here). There are seasons in which we are slammed at the office and our social lives suffer, seasons in which family comes first and we struggle to make it to the gym and do date night, seasons in which we seem to have a lot more free time and are fitting in everything flawlessly… you get the point.
Well, a good part of this past year felt as though I was struggling to stay afloat. Work was busier than ever. My family demands were greater. Socially, I felt pulled in so many directions and letting people down. I found out I was pregnant and physically couldn’t keep up the pace I normally go at. When I look back on how I prioritized everything, I noticed that I was at the bottom of my priority list.
The other night that I referenced when I was talking to my husband before bed… he responded to something I said with this: “you’re such a great person and you care so much about everything and everyone but I notice that you almost think more of how others will feel than how you will feel.”
#TruthBomb
I can think of Saturday mornings that I said yes to social plans (because I didn’t want to let a friend down) when all I wanted was to relax after a long work week, 4 doctor appointments, a house that had not been picked up, etc.
I can think of work opportunities I said yes to (because saying no would mean that the person on the other end didn’t feel prioritized) when all I wanted was to say no and use the extra hour each day of that week to get to the gym. 
It’s very clear to me that I didn’t prioritize myself enough in 2018.
There are things that need to be prioritized. If you want to live life comfortably, you have to work and earn a living, right?! (at least I do… if you’ve found another way, let me in on it lol). I chose to be a mom; it’s the best, most demanding job but my children will always take the top priority spot. That’ just how it is.
Yet, you can’t pour from an empty cup. You need to make sure you’re feeling well so you can perform optimally.
Otherwise…. you may end up feeling how I did for a good chunk of 2018…

• stressed and anxious
• having breakdowns and more difficult days than you’d like
• not enjoying moments because you’re too overwhelmed with what’s next
• rushing from thing to thing
• feeling as though you’re always working yet not moving forward
• losing confidence in yourself

Fortunately, I’ve improved my life so much in the past that I know exactly what it takes. I know what to do and how to do it. Most importantly, I know that it works so I have complete faith that if I just execute, so many areas of my life will get better.

 
WHAT I AM CHANGING IN 2019
A long time ago, I changed my life through health and fitness. I began working out every day (not just on days I felt good) and I decided to consistently eat healthy.
I learned that those two things alone are sparks that ignite a positive cycle in life. 
When you workout, you can chemically change what’s happening in your brain and body. It’s science. We know that you literally trigger chemicals called endorphins that make you feel happier. 
It works. Sometimes, you just need to start small to make big changes and that’s exactly what I intend to do.
I’ve let my workouts become really relaxed, but no biggie… I’ve got so many new programs in the works for 2019 and it’s all the motivation I need to get back into it.
If I am being really honest… my nutrition has been a bit laughable. I kid you not I ate 12 cookies in 24 hours, and a day later a full bag of chips (family sized lol). But, this is a change I can make.
Actually, in creating this new food challenge I’m sharing in January, I realized that if I can make a plan that is so easy to follow, I’ll actually follow it. Back to the basics, you know?!
Overall, I’ve got to place a greater important on what I know helps me feel like me. Health and fitness has always been that for me. The endorphins, the stress-relief, the look good/feel good approach, the structure… it just helps me achieve so much in other areas of my life.
 
WE ARE TRULY IN THIS TOGETHER
I felt compelled to share this because I know there are many of you who may be ending 2018 thinking that you really want to make some changes in the new year but don’t know where to start. I want you to know that 1) you’re not alone of 2018 was filled with some difficult times and 2) that I am here for you in 2019. I am not gifted in a lot areas but I know one of my best traits is that I can create plans and help women execute them, so I am here to help you with that. Here’s to a year in which we BOTH make improvements and enjoy the journey.
All my love,
LG

ON A POSITIVE NOTE…

I wanted to share an end of the year sale on any and all programs. You know I’ve got a new plan + food challenge coming in January but until then, please enjoy!

CODE: LG2019