So Now What? The Transition Back To Reality - Everyday Life

So the show is over, life as I know it has continued on. Back to the grind. And mine is husband, children, home, church and clients.

Quite often in the weeks following a show or competition of any kind, the competitor can become depressed. I have in the past experienced this. It was after my first year of competing. You have worked so hard, put many fun things aside all to attain your goal. You do you competition - whatever it may be, and then you wonder what next? Now what do I do? And you think you cannot top that experience. Perhaps in your pursuit of your goal, some people have left you behind. And you are left picking up the pieces and getting back into the swing of real life as you know it.

For me, that year was tough. I did loose a few friends over my choice to compete. Many did not understand. And many just didn't want to wait through my "no time for them" attitude -because I couldn't find my balance between my life and my hobbies/goals.
It was difficult to transition back into healthy food habits as well. I found myself eating my six meals a day, but not all of them were complete, healthy meals. And, I even stopped working out for almost three months -November thru Jan 2007.

For me, the most difficult part was getting control over my erratic eating. It is a lot like what yo-yo dieters experience. You reach your goal, then think I can eat this, do that....but the reality is - You Can't! I felt terrible inside and out. It did take me the next season to "get my act together" or find the balance between family, friends and my hobbies.

Now two weeks from competing in the Arnold Amateur, I have "eaten through" the garbage I picked up that I really wanted to have and taste. I have gotten over the fact of "I can't have it - so I want it" and transitioned through " I can have it in moderation" and "I really don't want it anyways". I am eating my 5-6 meals a day like I always did, with some snacks. And, you will see me eating a half donut here (I really don't like donuts but it seems to be the choice of snack for Sunday School) or a cookie there, because I want it. And, because I live the lifestyle of everything in moderation.

I make eating healthy an everyday choice. An everyday choice for me, for my husband and for my kids. I urge you to do the same - through small changes. Baby steps...that is how you will be successful at attaining your goals.

So what is the key to a easy transition back to the "reality of life"? Knowing that you are going to make mistakes, knowing that you are not perfect and giving yourself time to adjust. Hummm, just like what I said in the previous paragraph with regards to eating better.
It also helps to have a support system, and patient friends!!

I do have plans to compete, as I have mentioned before - for June at the Jr. Nationals. But, right now, my target goal for my body is to train hard, and enjoy the challenges of training hard. And not to focus on June - til very late April or May.
My personal goals are to be the cool fun mom, and loving wife to my husband.

Stay tuned for more on whats ahead...as the trip to the Arnold proved very fulfilling business wise and contact wise! I cannot wait to share the news to come!