My Beachbody Experience and Now What?

Besides LOTS of walking (I met my walking goal every day, usually before 2pm) at Disney, which more than not, included carrying my 40 pound daughter & doing occasional yoga, I've not worked out for about a month.

At first I felt guilty about it, but I no longer do. I have everything I need once I feel like working out again...and I will. I never want to feel weak and unsure of my own body again like I did a few years ago, but I'm not sure I want to workout at home every day either.

My year with Beachbody was great. I wanted to see if I could add muscle to my long frame and I did. It was cool watching my body change. However, I didn't change drastically. I don't look much different now, after not doing the workouts for 4 weeks. I look the same and my weight is the same as well.

I had much success, at least to a point, with Beachbody. I can see why people love it and stick with it. The challenge groups are great, especially for the military wives who move a lot and may have trouble making and keeping friends because of constant relocation. For me though, something was lacking and it wasn't until I found myself wanting to run to the woods every free second, that I realized what was missing.

The whole.reason I started was because one year I wanted to go rock climbing, but found myself afraid that I wasn't strong enough in my upper body. I wanted to rock climb...In the woods, under the trees.

While working out at home or the gym or wherever can strengthen the body, it didn't feed my soul like I needed. That was the piece that was missing.

So, I've got to figure this out so that I have balance. I never started working out to look any certain way. I worked out to feel good & to feel strong. So, I don't see the purpose in working out at home daily when I can go do other things.

Now, I did run and that was enjoyable, but again, running through the city is not as refreshing as hiking in the woods or running on the beach.

One thing I stress is reverence for Mother Nature. I need time to chill. Time to enjoy the views and sounds of nature. I didn't get that by just doing challenge groups and popping in DVDs. However, if that's your cup of tea, go for it!! I think you'll love it.

This reverence for Mother Earth is something I'm passing to my daughter. I passed it to my sons, but they are grown now. One thing I've taught my daughter is to stop and appreciate the changing sky. Now, she wakes me every morning with, "Mommy, look at the pretty sky!"
This morning's view was lovely.
My apologies for the telephone wire.

The point is: it's all about balance, babes. If something doesn't feel right, adjust it until it does, like I'm doing now.  If you can't find that balance, let it go. There may be time later, or you may find something better suited. Don't try to force a square peg into a round hole. 

So, now I'm on to what I used to call the next chapter, but now recognize as the next LAYER. I used to think I did things and quit and moved on, but this year I realized this is absolutely not true. Everything I learned along the way has been utilized this year: writing, quilting, exercise, healthy cooking/eating, natural living, connecting to Mother Nature. Everything is going together, I just have to make sure the result suits me and that it's all balanced. 

That said, I wonder what the next layer will entail? 

My husband and I want to move out of Cincinnati. Perhaps that will be part of it. ♡