Cheap Therapy

Fun while mama is away!

Over the past two years, I've been fortunate to develop  great friendships with other moms.  Having lived in the same 50 mile radius my entire life, making friends (outside of a work or school environment) was a completely new concept for me.  Two summers ago, my sister-in-law recommended that I find a good mom's group to get involved with and I'm so glad I took her advice!

Along came Stroller Strides. In a nutshell, it's a bootcamp style workout - with strollers. The kids stay put for the first hour and then can play once we finish. Basically a win/win situation for all.   I've always been a fan of group exercise and the opportunity to let Caroline socialize seemed like a perfect fit.  As it turns out, I've met some of my closest friends from this group of women. And as a bonus, I'm physically stronger today than I've ever been (think wearing a 19 pound baby for hours at a time is easy? ha!). And I've learned a lot about what really matters and what's insignificant when raising your children. 

Last year's group shot. Too prego to try. No group shot yesterday.

Another benefit to being a part of this fantastic group are the "mom's night out" events.  Time away from kiddos to decompress is sometimes the best therapy when you feel as though one more "whining" episode will send you over the edge.  Recently an event for paddleboard Yoga came up and I decided to go. The time was good (not too late for miss Abigail) and on a Sunday.  Only problem was I'm not a "Yogi" - never have been.  Many would think that signing up for a Yoga class... on water... on a paddle board... probably doesn't make the most sense.  But, I didn't see it that way at all. I just knew that the time would be well spent. On the water, mind clear, having fun. Yes, I would fall (and boy did I), but that wasn't the point.  It was about taking a moment away from the everyday and focusing on Me for a change.  Four hours later when I arrived back home, I felt better instantly. A little calmer, less rattled and more grateful. Just like that!

Not to mention, it's good for dads to have quality time with their kids.  And if that time is spent at Cabelas, where a little girl talks her daddy into a pink camo tent - then so be it.

Who knows, maybe this will be me next summer ;) 

Moral to the story is (and sorry Dan), I need to find time to myself more regularly. Time where I can go and let my mind clear.  And if I get to do it with like-minded women who also need the same brand of therapy, even better!!!

Highly recommend Float On Yoga! The instructor was really patient with all of my antics. If you know me, you know I like to crack jokes and be silly -even in a yoga class!
http://www.floatonyoga.com/home.html

And of course I recommend Fit4Mom!  They have classes for working mommies too!  These women are amazing :)
http://mckinney.fit4mom.com/