Two weeks ago my world came crashing down. Well, actually it was the shelf in the hall closet that collapsed. It was the straw that broke this camel’s back. This time last year I was the fittest and healthiest I had been in years, competing on a German soccer team that practiced three nights a week with games on the weekend, running decent mileage every week, scheduling every health and wellness appointment possible, and even having a girls’ night out occasionally, all while my husband was deployed.

What changed? My husband returned from deployment. We moved from Germany to Virginia. We purchased a house that we are renovating ourselves. I started a new job. And, my three children enrolled in the American education system for the first time. 

As I stood looking at the disaster of a closet, utterly exhausted, and 25 pounds heavier then when we moved, I realized that somewhere during the chaos I had forgotten about me.

Prior to my husband deploying, I remember making a conscious decision to lead a balanced life and keep myself healthy and fit so that I could be the best possible mother to my children. Why did I take permission away to keep myself a priority? I haven’t been able to come up with an answer, but I have changed in the last two weeks.

I found a way to reconnect with the things that I love and eliminate the activities and volunteer time that were placing too much of strain on my already tight timeline. I now teach Mom Fit once a week which I was desperately missing. I only coach my daughter’s basketball team, no more individual basketball workouts. Once a month I join in the Independent | D.C. gathering. I only socialize with a handful of friends. I have ventured out for a few Team RWB runs. I absolved myself from working mom guilt by spending more time at the park with the kids and less time attending scheduled activities, which allow for little interaction. It’s not perfect yet, but it’s a start.

I have made a promise to myself that this will be #theyearofme and I won’t feel a single bit of guilt over it. Won’t you join me?

What changes could you make to start making your health a priority?