Lucia discovers that caring for her health doesn’t mean deciding between her family and herself in our ongoing series, Transformation Stories.
Q: What transformation, if any, have you experienced?
A: I had defined motherhood as a complete dedication to my children. As a stay-at-home mom, it was indeed my job. Rarely did I do anything with myself in mind. When I first began working with a health coach, I had to separate care for myself into a different zone. I cooked separate meals for myself and prepared something totally different for my kids. I did all my exercise while the kids were at school. It was my own private journey. It felt good to do something just for me.
Q: What inspired you to seek out health coaching?
A: With my 40th birthday looming and my youngest child off to kindergarten, I looked at myself in the mirror and knew I needed a reset. It was a “now or never” moment. I had gained 40 pounds, but had completely lost my sense of self. I vetted a few health coaches and I ultimately chose MaryAnn because I felt she heard me.
Q: What surprised you about the process?
A: Health coaching challenged me beyond losing weight, to envision a new reality, to move to a new place. I couldn’t go back to my old self before kids, nor did I want to. I wanted to go someplace new.
Q: What have you found most valuable about your health coaching sessions?
A: During one of our sessions, I came to realize there doesn’t always need to be a choice between “them” and “me.” I could integrate what I needed into my life, with my family. Now, we all begin the day with exercise. My children and husband have joined me in my smoothie obsession. This fall, I started walking my son to school in the morning to get a jumpstart on my step goal for the day. I no longer feel isolated or on my own journey. It is truly “us!”
