There are some days at home with a newborn where the day literally gets away from us.
We might have the day free and have every intention of doing something ‘nice’
But kids have a way of changing those plans don’t they!
I’ll be playing with the older one trying to give mum a rest. Later she’ll come downstairs hoping to finish the 3rd round reheated coffee I gave her hours ago.
Have a shower, feel a little human again – eat something & get out the door
What if the baby refuses to go down after the feed? Poo explosions, oh the washing machine just finished. The older one’s getting frustrated now after being told you’ll play with ‘him in one minute’ 40 times in a row.
If you’ve got/had kids you know the feeling.
Anyway, the day went on like this. We never really made it out. It was late afternoon – Georgie had just had ‘enough’ (as you do at this point in the day.)
I was out in the drive with Asher on his scooter, hitting tennis balls against the wall (my new love atm). I gave Georgie the racket and challenged her to 6 forehand shots in a row, no double bounces.
5min later I could tell she was lighter. Her mood shifted and this left her more capable to deal with whatever was thrown her way next – not less.
This simple 5 min shows how powerful movement can be.
Never in these moments do we feel like exercise or movement, nor really want to.
But after? We wish we’d done it earlier or more often.
That little voice telling you it’s selfish to prioritise yourself.
That other people need you more.
More than you need a workout
More than you need an early night sleep
or 10 minutes to yourself to think clearly.
Don’t believe that voice for too long or you’ll lose yourself.
Not only that – but you’ll also lose the ability to show up as the person you want to be for the people you’re prioritising
Read that again.
Movement IS what you need.