Today I went to the zoo with my three kids. You read that correctly: Three. Kids. The oldest of which recently turned seven. Three kids, and no husband. Sounds a bit crazy, right? Six years ago, I would have thought just that. As a first time mom, I was insanely anxious to even make the simple journey to our local Target with just one non-mobile infant. Yet, today I ventured an hour away to a zoo with a seven year old, three year old, and a seven month old. What’s the difference between old me and today’s me? A few things, of course: there’s some experience in there (first-time-mommying is literally the hardest), but most notably, I now have a village – a village created through Fit4Mom Reading. A village of moms who are crazy enough to take a last minute trip to the zoo with me and a bunch of our kiddos. Because here’s the thing: As moms, we need those trips to the zoo, possibly more so than our kids.

After my first kiddo, I struggled mentally and emotionally. I have always been a very independent person, so I figured I could handle whatever comes my way as a mom. We are told that we can “do it all,” in a sense. Career, kids, happy marriage…the works! But the world doesn’t tell you the costs and struggles that come with trying to do it all. There’s a catch: when you try to do it all for everyone else, you tend to lose yourself. With my first, I did everything “perfectly.” Everything we did was pinterest-worthy, the pictures were amazing, all of the food was homemade and organic, and all of the “rules” of perfect parenting were followed. But, the reality was that I was miserable.

As simple as it sounds, the thing I needed was to take care of me. I’m not talking about a massage or haircut. I’m talking about my soul – I needed something for me to feel whole again; to feel like me again. A friend of mine recommended something called Fit4Mom Reading when I was expecting my second (a daughter) and again when I was a few months postpartum with her. I looked at it briefly online and kind of shrugged it off… It looked like something for “those” fitness junkie moms (which I most certainly am not). I mean, I like to be active here and there, but I can just go for walks and jogs with the stroller, right? However, in that whirlwind of the postpartum period, I felt myself slipping again and, armed with the experience and wisdom gained from my tough postpartum period with my first, I decided to do something about it…so, I took a risk. I decided to try the Fit4Mom Reading classes to get out of the house and hopefully out of my funk.

Turns out, Fit4Mom Reading was just the thing I needed when I didn’t even realize I needed it. It’s often hard to put into words why Fit4Mom means so much to moms. Because, on the surface, it’s workouts. Pretty simple. Moms exercising with strollers/kids allowed. Big whoop, right? But what I didn’t initially realize is that when you show up for one of those workouts, you’re actually showing up for yourself. You’re doing something that is meant to nurture YOU. Yes, the “surface” physical you. But, our physical health is one of the most basic needs that we have, and it’s often the first thing we push to the side in order to take care of our families. When you tell yourself that you’re putting YOUR need – that basic human need of physical health and well-being – in the forefront, something awesome happens: you feel strong and empowered. You start to remember that you do exist as a person with their own needs, who deserves to have those needs met, even when you’re constantly making sure everyone else’s are taken care of.

And what happens next is really beautiful: you meet other moms who encourage and support you because they share this realization. And suddenly, you have connection. Connection with moms who see you during a toddler meltdown and grab your belongings and help you get them in the car, without asking. Connection with moms who cheer you on when you run your first mile in 10 years. Connection with moms who ask about your child’s first day at daycare because they know how anxious you’ve been. Connection with moms who let you borrow their stroller because you forgot yours…again. Connection with moms who say nothing when you need to plop your kid in front of a screen. Connection with moms who offer to watch your kid in a pinch when you’ve gotten stuck without childcare at the last minute. Connection with moms who save your butt when you realize all of the water needed for your baby’s next bottle of formula has spilled while they scream in hanger. Connection with moms who know your toddler’s favorite color/game/show/shirt, etc. Connection with moms who know that all mommying is hard, whether you work or stay at home. Connection with moms who smile and are happy that you showed up, even if you are on zero sleep and have to modify every single exercise to the bare minimum. Connection with moms who pass on their kids’ outgrown clothing because they know how hard affording life is these days. Connection with moms who don’t even blink twice when your toddler has a potty-related accident. Connection with moms who remembered bandaids/wipes/diapers etc. when you forgot yours. Connection with moms who can make you laugh and understand when you need to cry.

It’s the connection we all need as moms, and it is precisely that connection that many new moms are missing. When you find that connection with other moms, you shine… physically and emotionally. And you emerge a better mom for it. Sure, at Fit4MomReading we all come for the workout; but we stay for the connection. So, I encourage you to connect with our Fit4Mom Reading village. And maybe you and your littles can join us on our next trip to the zoo.

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FIT4MOM is the nation’s leading company for pre and postnatal health, wellness, and fitness programs for every stage of motherhood. From pregnancy through postpartum and beyond, our fitness and wellness programs help make moms strong in body, mind, and spirit

Kaitlyn Day-owner of FIT4MOM Reading, believes that by providing mom with the support, community, and self-care she needs during pregnancy, postpartum, and throughout every stage of her motherhood journey, these moms will raise healthy and strong families. FIT4MOM is more than a fitness program; we build communities through connecting with local families, businesses, entrepreneurs, and neighborhoods.

Learn more and try your first class for free at: reading.fit4mom.com Kaitlyn Day kaitlynday@fit4mom.com