taking back “normal”

I’m easing back into normal life right now.

And while part of me is still grieving, MOST of me is completely at PEACE.  Like it’s almost eerie and I know it’s not from me.  It’s God-given.  Quite literally, I am in a place where I feel a PEACE that surpasses all my understanding (and I know you’ve heard that scripture before).  I’m so thankful for it, because my tendency is to release myself to heightened emotions.

Some truths:

• I miscarried at 10 weeks.
• I still don’t understand why.  I never will.
• Miscarrying one child does not mean that I’ll never get pregnant again.  I know we’ll get pregnant again.
• I know that even if we don’t, there are children in our future via adoption.
• I know that more hardships will come.  And I know that I’m armed and ready for them.  That’s what faith will give you – TENACITY.

After 10 weeks of being pregnant, my body had a lot of hormones and changes that happened.  Some more truths:

• I was sick every day (as you know because I complained about it every day).  I was left with no appetite.
• I haven’t eaten a single vegetable in three weeks.
• My abdomen started to get a little rounder – not fat by any means, just a little softer.
• My breasts are sore.
• I’m healing from the D & C.
• I lost probably 5-8 pounds, give or take.  I notice it in my legs.
• I lost strength (physically).
• I gained strength (mentally).
• I haven’t broken a sweat in three weeks.  Aside from walking, there has been very little activity.
• My body is dehydrated.
• With my heightened sense of smell, I haven’t opened my refrigerator in three weeks.  The pantry either.
• My family has suffered right along with me.  The kids were more on edge.  Travis had to step up to fill in the gaps that I had left.
• My co-workers have had to pick up my slack too.  I’m so thankful for my team at the gym.

TOTALLY NOT COOL!!  Reading back over all of that stuff is so dang depressing.  I’m ready for NORMAL.  I NEED NORMAL.

So what does “normal” even look like??  I’ve almost forgotten.

Here’s how I’m taking back my life.  Taking back my normal.

Family

Like I said before, things have been rough around the house for the last three weeks.  Family meals have taken a backseat to quick (odorless) foods like cereal or string cheese – yes, that was a meal to me.  I’ve just barely managed to keep the house clean – Travis has had much more on his plate.  Homeschooling has not happened in two weeks.

Taking Back Normal:

• Start back with homeschooling (15 minute segments – 4-5 times per day).
• Take back over all of my chores/housework.
• Start packing for our move to the new house.
• Kiss/hug my husband daily (I honestly couldn’t really stand the smell of him.  He smells superb again.)
• Cook more meals at home.

 

Workouts

My plan is to “ease” back into fitness by not really easing back into it.    I woke up yesterday with more energy than I’ve had in long time and I definitely took it out on my body.  I did a “500 rep” workout and finished with a Burpee EMOM.

 

If you don’t know what an “EMOM” workout is, all it stands for is Every Minute On The Minute.  So yesterday, I did 14 burpees (Crossfit-style) starting at every minute mark.  With whatever time you have left in the minute, you catch your breath, then go again when the next minute hits.

The 500 workout + Finisher took me around 40 minutes.  It was great, sweaty fun.  Then I taught Aqua Power for an hour.

Easing back in….riiiight.

Taking Back Normal:

• Do whatever my body can handle and that will make me happy mentally.
• Rest 2x per week.
• Avoid over-exercising.

Eats

I finally have my appetite back!!!  It’s amazing really and I’m finding myself ravenous – I love it.

Thank you for the meal, Susanna!

Taking Back Normal:

• Eat more vegetables.
• Drink 100 ounces of water per day.
• Minimize eating out.
• Eat lots of ice cream and sweets.

Attitude

I’m slowly regaining my perky attitude.  I’d honestly been depressed with my all-day nausea and it was effecting every aspect of my life.  I finally feel like a fog has lifted!  In the last two days, I’ve felt more like myself – and I like myself, so that was needed.

Taking Back Normal:

• Be thankful.  Be generous.
• Continue to read my Bible daily (it’s amazing how we turn to the Bible through hardships but less when we are riding high.  I don’t want to be a fair weather Christian.)
• Be awesome.

———–

Actually, that last point, “Be Awesome” – that’s the very definition of NORMAL to me.  I excel at it.  ;)

QUESTION:  What does “normal” look like for your life?  What’s your favorite way to get back to “normal”?

splendid…lindsay