Letting Yourself Go?

What do you think of the "Letting yourself go" part of this at first glance at this meme?

Me? I took it as "letting go" = hair, make up and clothes.

I also didn't really notice the  "try it sometime"  I guess that could be considered a dig at some, but I didn't really notice it at first, so this isn't about that.

A friend of mine posted this meme on her facebook page and got some pretty unkind responses. She took it as not doing hair, make up and wearing heels everyday while others took it as unhealthy (unfit, etc)

Let's forget what else the meme says and focus on the "Letting yourself go" part...

I am one of those moms who does put my kids 1st in the daily department. My needs are met, albeit probably not first thing in the morning but they are met. I'm happy. Truly, happy when it comes to most aspects of my life. So what gives?

Most days I don't get a shower in the morning, I have it when my husband gets home for work or mid afternoon when both babies are asleep.

Most days I don't wear a single speck of make up. I haven't since I was about 20. Not because I don't have time, or I'm lazy... Pretty much because I'm uninterested. Some days I feel like putting it on, and sure it makes me feel different but I don't feel I need it on a daily basis, especially when my time is mostly spent at home tending to the kids and household.

Most days I also don't do anything to my hair besides brush it and that's fine with me. I've NEVER been one to do fancy updos, or even throw my hair in a pony tail (I get migraines from them!) so my hair is mostly down, and often looking iffy because the heat does wonders to thick, wavy hair!

My clothes? Right now I'm still fighting losing all my baby weight so I mostly lean towards the black clothes often with a splash of colour... And jeans? Haven't put any back on since having Justin almost a year ago, but I'm comfortable and to me? That's what matters.

Does that mean I've "let myself go?" Not really, not to me anyway - I don't really care what others think. I wasn't put on this planet to please anyone, I care how my kids feel and how I project onto them.

I will say, in all honesty it wasn't until about a year or so ago when I really became aware of the fact my kids watch what I say/do very closely, and it all reflects back on them. I even posted a blog about it not long ago. I began watching what I say about myself negatively and made sure to ALWAYS compliment them even on the littlest things. If one of them says "you are so pretty mommy" I thank them, and giggle with them. To them I'm not only mommy but one of the two most important people in their life, so I go with it!

I know a healthy, happy mom = healthy, happy kids. But to some of us being happy doesn't mean wearing make up everyday, wearing the latest fashion or having fancy updos. To some of us it just simply means BEING US. No muss, no fuss.

Doesn't mean those who wear make up, the latest fashion trends or have beautifully done hair care about themselves anymore or any less and it most certainly doesn't mean they care anymore or any less about their children.

I was mortified when I saw the above meme turn into yet again another mommy war. Maybe someone felt guilty about their choices? I don't know. But one persons sweat pants may be another persons Jimmy Choo's. Who knows.

Also, just to explain Why I didn't think the meme meant unhealthy? Like maybe some do - Food, and body wise!? Because I know SO many people battling weight issues. Their own fault and/or not so I never know. I see people struggling and really trying so when things like this are said, being fat/unhealthy/unfit/ letting themselves go doesn't fall into that category for me at all. Maybe that's only me, but who knows.

I have discovered over the last (almost) 11 years of parenthood taking time for yourself is CRITICAL. You don't have to do much, but getting some time to yourself (a late night bubble bath, an hour to yourself to read or even time blogging or browsing Facebook in the quiet) is important and most needed! So if you can find the time, please do! If not for sanity's sake, then for you because you deserve it.

It doesn't matter at the end of the day what you look like or wear. It matters how you feel about yourself. As long as you are a happy, healthy mom that is all that matters. It all projects back on to those little impressionable minds that often times we don't think are watching, but they are!

What do you think?

Loving Where You Live

This August will mark 4 years since we moved to Toronto. We moved to Toronto from a much smaller city - 114,050 compared to Toronto (GTA) 6,054,191.. At  first I hated it. It was too big, I didn't have a clue how to get around anywhere and we had to take TTC public transportation because neither one of us drive! How fun right?  We lived in a 3 bedroom apartment, on the 25th floor of a shady building. I couldn't wait to get out of there - so we did, ASAP!

Well, now almost 4 years later I'm happy to say I absolutely love it here. I wouldn't want to move anywhere else, well... Unless somewhere hot all year 'round but that just wouldn't happen.

We moved to the house we live in March 2012.. I love where our house is located. It's close to a bunch of stores, a brand new mall, wal-mart, corner stores, little pizza joints, and its located right on the TTC bus and subway line, also the street car line. How perfect for us.

I honestly never realized how important it is to love where you live and what an impact it has on  overall happiness. At least for me, it's truly been an eye opener. Before moving into this house, and truly loving where I am living I was so different in terms of feelings, and how I felt every single day not just mood wise but health too, I haven't felt so good in a long while...

So Ava and I decided to take a stroll yesterday and take some photos to show you all where we live. How beautiful, peaceful and clam it truly is. People are quite surprised I live in Toronto when they see the photos because HOW? well, simple.. it's all about location.

 This is a pretty long pathway behind our house. It leads to our street and another street, but in between is a tiny little park.

The little park that is on the pathway. It's super small, but my kids love running to have a slide every now and then! Notice broken down trees? Those are left after the Ice Storm this winter that left a lot of us powerless over 24 HOURS.

At the top of the pathway, on our street a little sitting area. This little old lady across the road plants a ton of flowers and plants around it too.

One end of my street, I live at the other :)

This is my end. Way down there is a Dead End and my house, which you can see on the left near the end it's one of the bigger ones.

My street is full of little bungalows then you get to the end and it has some bigger houses, remodeled and redone... Which is where we live. It's very quiet, and mostly older people but a few small young families. We keep to ourselves basically, although our neighbours to the right are super amazing nice - teachers - we speak to them when we see them. Otherwise, we say hi to a few others but that's it. We like it and love our location.

Do you love where you live? Do you think it makes a difference with how you feel daily? I really do!