From the First to the Last

It's been a crazy, emotional week. Today is my son's last wrestling practice of his high school career. You other mom's out there know how this feels. It's like a series of flashbacks playing over all the times they've been on the mat since they were 5.

Do you remember their very first practice? The first time they won? The first time they lost? The first time he cried because it was all over and he just wanted to keep wrestling? The first time you thought he was injured? The first time he was... His first medal. His first trophy. His first time at State. His first placing at State. The list is endless... There are so many moments and memories. 

The lessons learned growing up are many, but the lessons learned in this sport are priceless. I know my son has learned humility and pride both for himself and the team. He has learned to keep going and never quit. He has learned hard work, dedication, commitment. He has learned that the real success is all the time you put into the "getting there" not just the win itself. He has learned that we all suffer failures, have bad days, and the winners don't settle there  and accept it. He has learned that the real winners in this sport are those that fight the hardest, over come the obstacles, and put all their Glory in God. The lessons learned from this sport are those things that have made him a better man, son, friend, brother, and a better leader. 

I want to just cry every time I think "last practice"... Tomorrow is the "last" State Tournament. Eventually, in the next three days, we will face his "last" match in high school. I have a feeling this may be the hardest three days that I have had in a long time. To those who don't have kids in sports or wrestling you may not get it, but believe me - this is way worse than watching them drive for the first time, go on their first date, etc... this is watching the "end" of a great season of their life. Watching the end of something that has been infused in their person for so many years... He will leave his mark on this sport. He has broke records, set records, and will wrestle more in his future, but this sport has also left it's mark on him, on all of us. 

I only pray that he will leave it all on the mat these last three days, as the saying goes, "Go big or go home." All that matters is that he uses his talents and abilities to honor God, and to do the best in all that he does. I pray that he leaves this wrestling season knowing that he did his best, that he got up when he didn't think he could, that he went farther then some thought possible, that he didn't quit, and that he didn't give up on what his dreams were. I pray that he sees the value of both the wins and the losses. The he realizes the true successes or often not seen by others, it's those horrendous practices, the grueling diet, and the ability to overcome it all and keep working towards the goal. Other than that, it's just another wrestling match, right? Bring me the kleenex... 

More than a Parent...

Today I got just a little worked up over something I read, and I apologize now for any feelings I hurt with my opinion, but here it is. My job as a mom is more than "just a mom". I was reading about a mom who was frustrated with her 12 year old daughter who was putting weight on. The mom thought telling her not to eat so much or sending her for a run (by herself???) should work. The mom is naturally thin and can eat whatever she wants and never work out.

Ok, I will be the first to admit that the good Lord has BLESSED me with highly active and athletic children. But they are MORE than athletes, they are smart, loving, kind, funny... (obviously as a mom I could go on). Our children should not be judged by their weight alone and if we as parents are frustrated with that then WE need to set the example. When I first started my journey with Beachbody and Shakeology my initial goal was to have more energy, so I felt like I could workout again, and to be a better role model for my family. About 6 weeks into it I was becoming obsessed with checking my measurements, the scale, etc... My 16 year old daughter one day asked why I was worried, and when I said I could still "pinch an inch" she said, "so can I and I'm a high school athlete, you are an almost 40 mom..." We then had the conversation (started by my daughter) about how societies views of weight or wrong. SHE WAS SO RIGHT! I was on the verge of setting the WRONG example for my 16 year old. She needs to know that health is not the number on the scale. There are so many eating problems in young girls already, and I don't want to go down that path. I started this journey to feel good and have more energy and to be an example to my kids about healthy living. Watching a number on the scale is not what my daughter needs to see. She needs to know that I love her no matter what the number may be, and that if you feel good, are active and are eating right then that is what counts. This was about a month ago and since then I have not stepped on the scale. I feel great. My pants are loose again, my belt went to a tighter notch, I have energy galore, and my kids have noticed the change. Mom isn't tired all the time. Mom is working out again. Mom is making us healthy dinners and saying no to fast food... etc. There are so many people that struggle with their "weight", but is weight really the opponent? Shouldn't all of our goal be to be the best ME? Whether that means at 100 lbs or 200lbs?

Back to the original story, as a mom who wants her child to be healthy, your goal (my goal) should be to set the example. I'm not just a mom and because I say so, do it. Telling your 12 yr old daughter "go run" because she needs to lose weight is not the answer. I can tell my kids they need to eat better and stay active, but if they don't see me do it they don't have an example to follow. I. AM. THE. EXAMPLE. I am the one making meals and making plans. If we want our kids to be healthy, then we need to make time to "play", take a family walk, play wiffle ball in the yard, go for a bike ride, go for a run, let you kids workout with you and see what it is about. We need to set the table and teach them healthy eating habits, teach them "why" their bodies need all this green "crap" we tell them to eat. If I live off McDonalds then they are going to eat off it with me. Take them grocery shopping, teach them about reading labels. Our job is to make sure they are ready for the "real world" when they graduate. Isn't their health one of the biggest components of their life? It affects everything. I was so upset reading about that mom earlier that I have probably rambled a bit, but COME ON MOMS (and dads)! I know we are busy. I know we all struggle with  our own inner demons. I know that healthy foods cost more. I know there is not enough time in the day. I know... I know... There are a million excuses you can find as to why not be a healthy example. But the one reason to be that example, because of them! They are your world right? I know mine are my world. I want them to make it through college on more than pizza and beer. I want them to make healthy choices. I want them to be the best person they are capable of, the person God created them to be. I want them to be good examples for my someday grandbabies (good god did I just say that??) ten years down the road of course!

We are more than just a parent. We are the person they look up to (yes even our teens still do at some point). Set the example! Be the BEST. YOU. Make the changes in your health that you want to see in theirs. It's not easy, of course there will be days you want to curl up in a ball and just sleep and eat chocolate (been there), but that's a part of it to. They should know that yes we all have bad days, but those days don't define us. That number on the scale doesn't make me the best me. So go out and show your kids the meaning of "healthy". Don't just expect them to learn it from society because we all know where that road leads...