Random dodgy lighting and striped rainbow socks

I had to laugh - the light coming in the window makes me look like I have a super skinny waist 😂. Looks very weird lol

So happy to be properly back in the gym and moving on with my current program. I need more plates though - I had to double up some smaller ones because I'm using the big ones on the lat pulley. Oh well 😉

Oh, and stripey rainbow socks for the win - I am in love and need more, even if my husband said I look like Sesame Street 😛😂.

#2015bestnine on Instagram

Well, there you go. I finally figured out how to do the ‪#‎2015bestnine‬ 😉 But not one food pic?? lol

This is my body

Inspired by the photo and post by Molly Galbraith the other day on Facebook.

This is my body.

I am not a fitness professional. I'm 'just a mum'. I work, I organise kids school and extra-curricular activities, help with homework, I support my husband through a double masters program. Sometimes I even manage to clean my house and catch up with friends for a coffee or *gasp* dinner!

This body has dealt with primary and secondary infertility, miscarriage, anxiety, depression, stress, fatigue. It has struggled with an eating disorder and been both very underweight and overweight.
It bares the scars and tiger stripes of two full-term pregnancies and c-sections. It breastfed two babies for almost 2 years each. It also manages the effects of PCOS, GORD and other minor issues on a daily basis.

But this body is MINE. And it is loved.

In the past it screamed out for help as it dealt with pre-diabetes, constant migraines, sickness, infections and the complete inability to walk up a small flight of stairs without becoming out of breath.

But this body is strong.

This body loves movement. It also loves fruit and vegetables and crisps and cupcakes.
It loves push-ups and pull-ups and leisurely walks along the beach. It also likes late mornings followed by bacon, eggs and strong black coffee.

This body tells MY story. Every wrinkle, every crease, every grey hair, every smile.
I don't want to look like anyone else. I don't want someone else's body (or legs or nose or abs or whatever).

Because then that body would not be ME.

This year I am determined to love this body more. To cherish it's story, to love it's abilities and adore it's individuality.

In a way only I can.

 Because this body is mine.

Keeping things simple. Thinking about my goals for 2016.

I've been doing a little thinking and have realised that this year, I've made no goals about changing or 'bettering' my body.

I'm happy to keep on doing what I'm doing, listening to my body and I know and trust that I will improve over time in terms of strength and ability.

Appearance and even performance related goals haven't even entered my mind.

My goals this year have focused more on little habits that make my life flow better, that help me to incorporate work, kids, school and life all in together.

It's funny how things change and evolve over time.

Hello 2016

Good morning 2016!

I bought a new yoga mat the other day for upstairs. The idea is to do a little bit of stretching and light yoga when I get up on some of my non-lifting days.

With the sun streaming in through the balcony doors, it's a lovely way to greet the day.

And yeah, we need another bookcase 😉😂