We will get through this together
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Hey Fam! I hope you and your families are happy, healthy and safe. My son (Mr. P) and I have been home since the shelter in place orders began on March 17th in our area. It’s been such an interesting experience. During these unprecedented times, we have been forced to adjust to a new normal. A normal where gyms are closed, our favorite walking trails & parks are closed and we are finding ways to stay fit right in our homes. This adjustment has been quite challenging for me as I am definitely an extrovert and prefer to participate in group classes with other smiling faces around me. What hasn’t changed in my will to survive and my commitment to being the very best version of ME!
For the first 2-3 weeks, I really struggled mentally, physically and emotionally. I was simply having a hard time adjusting to my new normal. There were lots of tears shed and cursing. I’m so serious! I’m normally the one who has it together and am prepared for whatever. No one could prepare for what was happening around the world. It’s been quite challenging. I have been very fortunate to be able to work from home during this time. Every day I am reminded of how blessed I am. These unparalleled times have created instability in so many ways. Some days I wonder how I will make it through. Daily, I thank God for placing amazing and supportive people in my life. Y’all, I’m not joking… I have people in my life that will take my calls no matter the time, let me cry on their shoulder, give me hugs, and pray for me. I say all the doggone time, y’all better get some friends that will pray for you! Those are the ones!
One of my biggest challenges was ensuring all of my hard work wouldn’t go down the drain. The first week of sheltering in place, I was so focused on my son receding educationally, that I was not taking care of myself. I wasn’t eating well. I didn’t exercise. I was just lost and it was too much. All of sudden, I had to wear more hats than normal. As a single mom, I already wear plenty of hats and now I needed to develop a curriculum and ensure my baby was still learning. Geez Louise! I simply didn’t have it in me. Finally, one of my good friends said “Tasha you have to let that go. Mr. P will be fine. Everything will not be perfect right now and it’s okay.” After that, I knew I needed to let go of some things. I had to give myself some grace or I was seriously going to lose it. “Miss Always Put Together” was seconds away from losing her sh*t! I knew I had to make some changes so here’s what I did.
First, I let Mr. P skip homework for three days because hell he needed a break too! He was also stressed. All of sudden, he couldn’t go to school or child care. He couldn’t see his friends or his teacher. He had to stay home. He couldn’t go to the park and play. He couldn’t enjoy the outdoors in general. It was too much for him and I was beginning to worry about his mental state as well. So, yes I let him relax for a few days and veg out on YouTube Kids, Netflix, Vudu and games on his iPad.
Next, I purchased some items I could use at home for a home workout. I knew I needed some variety so I tried to purchase some versatile but inexpensive equipment. Prior to the shelter-in-place, the gym I belong to has an awesome variety of group workout classes and that’s what I love and am used to. I needed to figure out what I was going to do because there’s no way I was going to allow myself to ruin all of my hard work. I allowed myself that week, then I had to get to work. First, I purchased a few dumbbells in three different weights. I bought Mr. P some 2 pound weights so we can exercise together. I also bought a step which is nice and doesn’t take up a lot of space.
When the shelter-in-place orders were extended, I purchased a spin bike because I was desperately missing spin class! I also knew at that point that even when the world opened back up, I would be home for a few more weeks before I ventured to the gym. So, I needed a short, long-term bike! LOL! Yes, I said short, long-term! I also purchased some resistance bands from Curvy Sexy Fit! OMG I love them. I’ve been able to try so many different types of exercises at home. Some days I feel like I have no idea what I’m doing but I never stop. Some days I write my workout on a post it note and give it a try later.
Now, I have settled into a great routine. I walk to Leslie Sansome’s YouTube videos for 20 minutes daily at my lunch time. Then in the evening, I’ll either ride my bike, dance to Hip Hop Fit with Mike Peele YouTube videos, step to Xtreme Hip Hop with Phil videos (just started today) or do strength training exercises. It’s been a rocky road but I’m on the right track now!
All of this to say, please don’t give up during this time. It’s hard as hell but we can do this. The community will be there for you. I will be there for you. We can be accountability partners. I will pray for you. Having all of the “things” we love (or at least we thought we loved) stripped away has made us focus on the things at our fingertips that bring us happiness and comfort. We will get through this and I truly believe we will be better people when this is all over. Just know that I love y’all!
Need to talk? Please don’t hesitate to drop me a line, comment below, email or PM me.
Take care of yourself!
~Tasha