What am I doing right now? Where am I right now in my own life?

This topic has been on my mind for a long time. I thought I’d only lost myself when I became a mother. But no—all the personal growth I’ve worked on over the past few years has shown me that I’ve been quick to push myself into the background and live a life I didn’t really want for almost my entire life.

I never used to notice this, but after I became a mother and my days and nights blurred together, I began to feel more and more that something wasn't right. 

Fatigue, a lack of “me time,” and the constant need to be on the go—it was really taking its toll on me. 

Now, looking back at the photos from years ago, I can see what I could have done better and where I should have set boundaries.

But if I hadn't had these experiences, I probably wouldn't be here today. I wouldn't be who I am.

There’s no doubt that one of the best things in my life is being the mother of four wonderful children, and another is that I’ve found the path that allows me to be myself again—to be the person I’ve always wanted to be.

The journey here hasn’t been easy, and this isn’t the point where you can say, “I’m done—I can sit back and relax.” No. It can’t be, because if you don’t constantly strengthen your self-image, if you don’t take care of your mental and emotional well-being, then the well-built “EVERYTHING IS FINE RIGHT NOW” state can collapse like a house of cards at any moment. 

I have to keep taking care of myself. Sometimes this way, sometimes that way. 

I’ve been planning to get myself in shape—both inside and out—for a long time, and now, in September, the perfect time has come, since I’ll be turning 40 in half a year. 

And by the time I turn 40, I want to be in the best shape of my life. 

But how do I do it?

Continued. Next.