Learning Happy & Healthy: An Introduction to the Series

Last summer I was arguably in the greatest physical shape I have yet experienced. I had made my lifestyle into one that was active, happy, and fulfilling. I ate incredibly well and fresh, too, but I still enjoyed pizza and ice cream (as everyone should). It was a lifestyle I loved and flourished in, but it wasn't one that necessarily came easily. It took articulate, small, and well thought out steps to achieve, but it did eventually became habitual. I wish I was the type of person that naturally sought out activity, challenged myself physically, took care of myself mentally, and always picked healthy food first. As an introvert who struggles with anxiety and depression, I may very well be the opposite. It very easy for me to slip out of these habits, despite the fact that they make me feel good. And I did slip.

I came to the realization the other day, while I was standing among pine trees and filling my lungs with fresh mountain air, that it is simply silly to not take care of myself. I don't know how else to put it. I deserve nothing less than to actively care for myself and to seek out feeling my best every single day. My body deserves attention and nourishment and strength. I deserve to feel strong, healthy, happy, and confident because of my efforts.

You may remember that I made it a goal this year to create an integrative schedule to get moving. If you've been a longtime reader of Oh Whimsical Me, I'm sure you remember that last summer I participated in a fitness program, called Revolt Fitness, for 12 weeks. I documented my journey and experience here in exchange for free access to the complete program. This included meal guides, workout schedules, new daily workout videos, and a supportive and interactive online community. Before I was contacted to participate in the program, I had really embraced yoga, Pilates, and even did cardio a few times a week— so integrating this program was simple; especially since the Revolt workouts were all designed to complete at home in little time. I am all about workouts that I can do from anywhere with little equipment.

But starting from scratch again is always difficult; I kept putting off getting back into working out knowing how out of shape I had gotten. It was easy to discourage myself, knowing all the hard work I had to put in before and realizing I had fallen back into unhealthy habits. That is why it is important to start small. My goal is to take some of the important aspects I learned from Revolt (and the parts that I loved), add lifting and toning twice a week, and mix everything in with yoga and flexibility building. I am happy to say to that I am already well on my journey and have really started to integrate these things back into my everyday. I miss being fit and feeling strong, confident, and highly focused. But I will get there again. And I want to share my journey with you.

The Learning Happy & Healthy series will be a monthly or bi-monthly post featuring topics such as:
+ my workout from home tips
+ my favorite workouts
+ recipe suggestions
+ planning meals ahead
+ body image and body morphism
+ self love
+ mental health care
+ tips for managing stress
As well as many other topics, I'm sure. Of course, I can only speak from my own experience and the knowledge I have gained, as I am not a expert (or a professional) on any of these topics.

I'm excited to continue my journey and share a bit of it with you. Look for the first edition soon!
xx Emorie