Meet Taryn!
Today is awesome, because we get to feature our next Movin’ Mama Taryn on her 30th birthday! Happy Birthday girlfriend, we hope this year brings you health, wealth & tons of happiness! Taryn lives outside of Boston with her husband, son & daughter…her idea of relaxation includes a very long nap, coffee and a beach (hello, heaven!). We asked how she’s Living Well today, and Faith & Self-Confidence are just 2 of her awesome pillars of strength as a Mama…
How do you typically start your day?
A typical day for me starts with hitting my snooze button a minimum of 22 times. By the time I actually wake up, at least one kid is awake (who then wakes the other one, who then wakes the dog). I try on way too many outfits, which usually ends with the good ole, “I can dress these yoga pants up again, right?” I proceed to let the dog out (whoever said you should get a puppy while having 2 small children must have been heavily medicated). My daughter puts the ice in the blender for my shakeology (I’m addicted!) and my son blocks his ears in preparation for the sound. For years, I’ve had these great goals of working out in the morning as the sun rises and the kids are still asleep, but for some strange reason that day has yet to come. For now, hitting the snooze button only 20 times will be my obtainable goal.
What is your favorite workout right now and why?
My favorite workouts are those that I can do with my kids. Whether that’s a walk or a workout video where they can participate, I love involving them. I think it’s important for them to see their mommy trying to have a healthy lifestyle and for them to recognize the importance of being active.
What do you wish you knew when you first became a mom that you know now?
The one thing I wish I knew before becoming a mom is the importance of spending time alone. I’ve always been someone who enjoys being around a lot of people, and I think I lost myself a little along the way. Being confident in who you are as a person and having a strong sense of self is something that I think is extremely important. The emotions that motherhood brings can leave you feeling overwhelmed. In the middle of the night when it’s just you and your newborn, you quickly realize the importance of being able to be alone with your own thoughts.
What are a few wellness tips you’d like to pass along to new Mamas?
Moderation, moderation, moderation! This pertains to so many aspects of our lives; food, exercise, mental health, confidence, losing weight, etc. I believe that a healthy lifestyle is a balanced one.
Limit social media. I remember bringing home my first born and browsing Facebook and Instagram as I fed him at night. I found myself comparing my body to other new moms, judging myself for parenting choices, etc. One night I was reading an article another mom posted on Facebook and it hit home for me. It talked about how social media has stolen the beauty of the here and now. I was spending so much time comparing and planning for the future, that I was missing the beauty in the now. Those little fingers holding my hand, his perfect eyes staring up at me and his newborn smell…what could be more important? I remember putting the phone down and just sobbing. Since then, I have made a conscious effort to put down my phone and enjoy the here and now. Our wellness has so much to do with our mind, and choosing carefully what we let in can effect our overall health.
Find someone you consider to be your “safe place.” Someone you can complain about your day to, someone who can relate to your exhaustion as a mom, someone who can keep you accountable when your about to finish that bag of Doritos, and someone who pushes you to be the best version of yourself. After all, you have these beautiful little human beings relying on you!
What has been your biggest challenge with wellness since the birth of your last child and how are you overcoming it?
Wellness has been something I’ve struggled with since having children. My biggest obstacle is finding balance…I tend to be an all-or-nothing kind of person and moderation is something I have to work on. For me, it’s about changing my mind set and setting realistic goals.
What is your favorite go-to healthy snack right now?
I have found that healthy snacks are crucial to staying full and having more energy. My go-to snacks are: almonds, yogurt with granola or an apple with peanut butter. My kids usually want what I have, so the healthier, the better.
Is losing the baby weight harder or easier this time around than before?
I had trouble losing weight after both of my kids. When my son was one and a half, I finally felt like I had my body back. That quickly changed as a positive pregnancy test brought on some major Ben and Jerry’s cravings. I have finally found that being happy with myself is more important than actually losing weight. I am a work in progress but I am continually trying to be confident in my own skin and be the healthiest version of myself. I have found beauty in my own body; after all, it gave birth to my two beautiful children and I wouldn’t change a thing.
What do you do when you want to have “Me” time?
My perfect “me” time would consist of a coffee in hand, a beach and a long, long nap.
Who do you lean on most for support when it comes to wellness, and why?
I lean on God for my overall wellness. I have found that my faith has gotten me through some tough times and continues to guide me through this crazy, beautiful and amazing thing called motherhood.
What Makes You Move, Mama? 