Let me just point out, I look nothing like Maria Kang. I'm thin, yes, but I'm not a fitness model or a wellness coach. I don't have three kids under the age of three. That's pure insanity and kudos to those who can manage. Odds are this woman was in fantastic shape prior to getting pregnant and during her pregnancy. You don't just pop into the gym with an 8 month old, much less two other small children, and manage to look like this. But I digress.
What's my excuse?
Well, I don't have one.
I have reasons. Three really good reasons that fill up my newsfeed or Instagram account on a daily basis. Three really pretty reasons, if I do say so myself. I also have a small business and a church that I give some time to. Up until last semester, I was also in school part time. By the time I lay my head on my pillow, around midnight usually, my day has been filled with projects, clients, homework, cooking, cleaning and diapers. And I love it. That's my life. That's my reason.
She's recently been under fire again with a new picture and a new "no excuse" campaign. She's attempting to be "inspirational" and not understanding that her priorities don't equate to everyone else's priorities and that's really what this is all about. She. Just. Doesn't. Get. It.
You can read the entire article here: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/03/07/maria-kang-photo-excuse_n_4918766.html.
I go for gusto in everything I do. To look like this I would have to spend a few hours a week in a gym. That means something in my life would slip. I'm not willing to give up that time with my family or my business or my church to make sure I'm a "hot mom." Sister, we aren't all built to be "strong, not skinny." These images and this "campaign" is unintentionally shaming people into thinking we don't do enough when the truth of the matter is that we all do too much.
In the article she says that to raise a healthy child you must be a healthy parent. Well, duh. But healthy isn't all about the body. My daughter doesn't need to see me pose in my short shorts and my sports bra to get the idea that eating right and staying active is healthy. She needs to see me live a life of faith. She needs to see me take care of her and interact with others in a positive way.
If these images motivate you then by all means use them!!! If they don't, then don't. My problem is this: these things have a way of burying themselves in your subconscious. They pop up when you're doing something as insignificant as putting on your jeans that you don't wear like you did before the last kid. Let's think about the definition of health and the definition of excuse. Put these two things in perspective before attempting to "motivate" the world by insinuating that we're all a bunch of fat losers if we don't look like you.
Bitter? No. Irritated? Yes.
My life is not her life. My path is not her path. My family is not her family. I look the way I look and live the way I live because I want it that way. No excuse to be found.
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