NEEDING BALANCE...

My life is all over the place. Great way to start a post, right? For the past few years, I haven't been able to find much balance between raising my children, going after things I enjoy, running my business, having a social life. I'm literally starting to feel like life is running me (does that make sense?).

A few weeks ago, I was cleaning out the garage, yet again, and I jokingly said to my husband that I wanted to give being a housewife a try. His reply was "that would be awesome!". I know you're probably wondering what I meant by that since many of you that read my blog know that I am a stay at home mom. I guess what I was getting at was letting go of trying so hard to be EVERYTHING and do EVERYTHING except for the what my husband and I agreed on years ago. When we had our first son 9 years ago, it was decided that I would stay home and take care of him and our home while my husband worked. Great, right? Except the fact that felt like I wasn't bringing much to the table by doing "just" that. I have been going against the grain ever since.

So, what am I getting at with this post? Well for starters, I am tired. I'm tired both mentally and physically. I'm slacking as a mom and wife. My business is not as exciting as it once was. My home is a mess ALL OF THE TIME. My brain does not have a calm moment. This "try hard life" I've been living for the past few years is really about to send me over the edge! I turned 31 two weeks ago and I seriously feel like I've had a long hard life of straight hustling and bustling. I'm sure there is someone out here that can relate, right?

Needing balance... I titled this post that because that's what I'm feeling right now, but how do I have/create that balance? I've considered a few things like editing my shop down to only a few of my favorite and most popular pieces, giving myself time frames in which I can be on social media outlets, devote certain days to hobbies (like decorating my house... Geesh!), and a few other things. My family/home needs are at the top of my list and I figured by cutting back on all of the other things, it would help me the most.

 

It felt so good to be able to share this. I walk around day in and day out just thinking about how out of whack my life is and figured maybe I should just say it (or write it). First start to fixing it? Hopefully!

Tired of your own try hard life? Figured out a few ways to fix a few areas or add balance? Please share!

Happy Wednesday:-)

L.D

 

MY WEIGHT LOSS JOURNEY: pt.2

Thank you for your positive feedback on my last post. It's hard to be so open about such private things especially when you're sharing it with "the world".

 

I get asked a lot about how I stay motivated and if its expensive to lose weight. Well, I honestly think its more expensive to eat crap and gain weight. I also think "mind of matter" is huge when you're starting out. If you keep telling yourself that you can't do something, chances are, you won't do it.

 

My motivation comes from looking back at my progress. You know, the horrid before photos and then comparing them to my afters.

 

Above is me holding a pair of size 24 jeans that were starting to be too tight.

Above on the left is after I had lost 22lbs back in November and the right is a few days ago.

This picture shows where I started back in September. My stomach measured 49" around. I had purchased those jean Bermuda shorts too small a few years ago and said I'll lose weight to fit them. They're an 18 and they're starting to be a little too big:-)

 

 

Like I mentioned above, my stomach measured 49" back in September. It's almost a 36" now. I'm always anxious to see what the next week will bring. 2lbs here and there may seem like nothing, but boy do they add up quick! How can you not stay motivated after watching yourself literally "shrink"?

 

I don't know who all I'm inspiring or motivating with these posts, but I just felt the need to put them out here in blog land. I would love to share more if you'd like. I think what people are wanting more of are my daily meals. If so, let me know!

If you would prefer to remain anonymous, feel free to email me at lakeitha_duncan(at)yahoo(dot)com

I'm also on Instagram @lakeitha_duncan

L.D