I admire Jillian Michaels. I know getting in shape for her was, once, difficult. It is extremely inspiring to see how she took her mission to be healthy and ran with it (no pun intended). Sometimes I wonder if I’m doing the right thing — taking an hour or two out of my day to exercise. I know it’s good for me. But is it good for my family? Is it okay to drop T Junior off at day care so I can go run? Will the 30 minutes I spend doing my workout DVD (Jillian Michaels’s 30-Day Shred, in fact) and not hanging with Mr. T affect my marriage in a negative way?
Someone randomly signed me up for Ladies’ Home Journal. Or they sent it to me for free. Not sure. Anyway, I finally opened one of the copies of the magazine today. Jillian Michaels is on the July 2012 cover, and inside is a Q&A about her new role as mommy to recently adopted 2-year-old daughter Lukensia from Haiti.
One of the questions the author asked the health guru was about her mother, who raised Jillian alone. “My mom has been a role model for me,” Jillian said. But it was what she said next that stuck out to me.
“…And she always did what she wanted. If she wanted to go to the gym, she’d leave me with the housekeeper. Instead of feeling neglected, I saw a woman who took care of herself and it was a good example for me.”
It’s okay. Thanks, Jillian.
10 comments
Ug. I always wonder the same thing. Thanks for posting, very timely. Did she happen to comment on why she is so strange in “Ripped in 30?” What was she on?
Wow! Thanks for posting and thanks to Jillian! I always get the “maternal guilt” but I strongly believe it’s important to also keep one’s own identity that exists outside of parenthood.
I used to question myself as well, and came to the same conclusion. I just remind myself that I am setting an example for my children by showing them it is ok to make yourself a priority and that exercise is important. Plus, I am a much nicer mom and wife after I have worked out 🙂 It IS ok!!
I agree..so good to be an example. Life is all about balance!
I always enjoy your blog and find them inspiring and useful. Thank you especially for this one! Sometimes as a full-time working, single momma I do feel guilty about anytime I take away from my son. I do try to get my work outs done before he wakes up and the work (or his school days) begin. That’s a challenge! Lol but for the long runs I’m away for 2+ hours for one day a week…so thanks for sharing this one especially! Keep up the great work here!
This is good for me to read/hear – especially as we start to think about having a family. I KNOW I’m going to want to run and go to the gym and workout. And I’m glad it’s okay that moms can do it 🙂 Thanks for sharing this (plus, like you said, I admire JM and think she’s super cool)!
Love this! Sometimes we need to know that it is okay to take care of ourselves. Wish I had a housekeeper:)
Thanks for posting this! I think this is something a lot of mamas struggle with out there–be it for taking time to exercise or just do something else that’s purely for them. It’s hard live a life devoted to taking care of and nurturing others and also find time for yourself. Like I tell my family though – happy mama, happy home!
There are a lot of blogs and articles saying that mom’s need time to themselves. Oftentimes it seems the advice is to “get away” and eat, drink or some other indulgence. I think slipping away to work out will make better, happier moms. And, they’ll look better for their hubby! 🙂
Great post! I have those thoughts sometimes too. I feel selfish, but then my boyfriend tells me he thinks it’s great that I have a passion for something and loves how committed I am. 🙂