The Snapback Ain’t Real… but it is about to be!
Women are the backbone of the world and without us (and of course, GOD) NOTHING is possible. I am constantly astounded by the female body. As mothers, we create, carry and birth life into this world. After that, we’re capable of nursing and nourishing our babies from our own bodies, if we choose to go that route. The post baby admiration is often short-lived because then come the pressures of society to snap back to your pre-baby body in 3-2-1 seconds. For some women, the snap back is real, quick and quite natural. Kudos to you if you fall into that category… it’s all love! For other women, their career, image and livelihood rely on their physical appearance so they feel inclined to snapback with the quickness.
On XM radio, the other day, the on air personality was discussing @ciara’s fitness regimen to get back in shape after giving birth to her daughter. Y’all, this woman trained three times A DAY, post baby; and it shows! She looks absolutely amazing. Obviously, the demands of her career require her to be in top-notch physical shape. However, it’s unfortunate that women, who don’t necessarily have the same means as these notable celebrities, feel pressured to snapback; even though they aren’t quite mentally and/or physically ready. We oftentimes allow our partners, family members and even social media to dictate how we should heal and deal after giving birth. That has to stop. The added pressure to snapback, whether it is intrinsic or extrinsic, has led to increased post partum mood disorders, which are literally killing women.
For me giving birth (twice), has been the most miraculous yet traumatic thing that my body has endured. I was practically on the verge of death due to preeclampsia and pneumonia after giving birth to both of my children. I was readmitted to the hospital within a week of giving birth both times… the exact same scenario. With the maternal death rates continually rising in this country (especially among black women), my focus wasn’t necessarily on my waistline, but instead on making it out of the hospital so that my children wouldn’t be left motherless. (That’ll be a whole other blog post, I’m sure)
Now, 9 months after giving birth to my son, I finally feel like I have adjusted to being a mom of two. I finally feel like I am juggling my other roles such as wife, as a creative and career woman well enough that I “want” to focus on my physical health and get my snapback. With my daughter, I didn’t get back to my pre-baby weight until almost two years later and then I immediately got pregnant again.
For me, this journey back to being physically fit had to start mentally. I had to come back to this place on my own. I wish that more women would allow themselves the freedom and the time to get back to “themselves” (whatever that may be) on their own without succumbing to the pressures of our peers, family, society and the little naysayers in our minds.
Whether you’re six weeks postpartum or six years, if it is your desire to get physically fit so that you can be your best self for you (first) and your family, please join me in #thesnapbackaintrealchallenge, starting Monday, October 15, 2018 – Friday, November 30, 2018, as I commit to:
1. Exercising at least 3 times per week
2. Maintain a healthy daily diet (Details coming)
3. Stay hydrated by drinking at least 64oz of water and reducing alcohol intake
4. Meditating, journaling and/or praying as a part of your self-care routine
I want to be encouragement to other women who may be beating themselves up, mentally, for whatever reasons. My goals this time around aren’t necessarily to get to a certain weight. However, I’m more focused on being healthy overall and actually liking how I feel. Everything on this journey is MIND over MATTER. We’ve got this, ladies! I can’t wait to share my successful milestones along the way with you all and I am excited for all of the successes you all will encounter, as well. #thesnapbackaintrealchallenge
Peace and Blessings