I am strong. (And why I almost didn’t post this.)

Truthfully, I almost chickened out and didn’t post this to Substack as planned. I thought, Who actually wants to read about my workout plan and reset? And to be honest, it’s a gloomy, chilly Sunday, and I’m feeling a little blue—not exactly strong, as the title of this post suggests. I overindulged this weekend, didn’t move my body enough, and, well…I just feel blahhhhhh.

BUT—I’m rallying and posting this anyway, exactly as I wrote it a few days ago. Why? Because in that moment, I felt strong, confident, and joyful. And putting this out there creates accountability to stick with my plan. If I have a healthy, strong Monday, I’m more likely to carry that momentum through the week.

So, here it goes—my vulnerable self, sharing anyway.

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A few weeks ago, I made a decision: to prioritize myself and my physical health in a way I hadn't for months. It wasn’t a New Year’s resolution or a grand proclamation—it was a quiet commitment to reclaim my strength. Today, I’m celebrating three weeks of sticking to a personal plan I created for myself, and let me tell you: I feel strong. Not just physically, but mentally, emotionally, and yes, even socially.

A Reminder to Care for Myself

Like many of us, I’ve been busy. Busy making (and selling!) checklists for my kids, getting them into new habits, and ensuring their days run smoothly. While I’ve been diligent about their routines, I hadn’t applied the same care to my own. Sure, my mental health was in check—I journal regularly and reflect deeply. Socially, I feel fulfilled especially given my work at Sunny, which is all about social well-being and connection. But physically? I felt off. I wasn’t strong.

My wake-up call came from an unlikely source: a minor concussion I suffered this past fall. It disrupted my healthy morning workout routine and knocked me out of balance. Since then, I’d struggled to find my rhythm again. Add to that the changes in my early 40s—weight gain, hair loss, and the buzz in mom groups about perimenopause—and I realized I needed to take proactive care of my body. I needed to be strong.

A Spark of Inspiration

A friend’s Instagram story became the catalyst. Rachael, someone I admire for her strength and health (and being an amazing momma!), shared an episode from the Huberman Lab podcast. I didn’t comment or like Rachael’s story, but I clicked and listened. The episode featured Dr. Stacy Sims who specializes in women’s nutrition and strength.

💡Dr. Sims' advice resonated with me, particularly her guidance on morning workouts and nutrition. She recommends starting the day with protein instead of fasting—a practice I had followed for years. This is because women's cortisol levels peak approximately 30 minutes after waking, and consuming caffeine and exercising on an empty stomach can exacerbate this spike, placing additional stress on the body. 💡

For months, I’d been waking up early, forcing myself to work out, and feeling groggy and unmotivated. Her advice gave me permission to reimagine my mornings. I realized I could honor my routine, my family, and my health by simply rethinking my approach.

My Daily Plan

Armed with new insights and a desire for change, I did what I do best: I created a plan. I designed a daily schedule that worked for my body and my life. It’s not perfect, but it’s doable.

Here’s what my plan includes:

• Morning Movement: A 10-15g protein boost before my early workout with Jen’s Get Fit Group.

• Family Connection: Time carved out for breakfast with my son, making my daughter’s lunch, and talking about our days with my husband.

• Macro-ish Nutrition: I’m tracking protein goals in a flexible way—enough to be mindful but not obsessive. I’ve even enlisted ChatGPT as my macro sidekick, helping me plan simple, healthy meals without overthinking.

• Hydration and Vitamins: Three full water bottles (32oz. each) daily, plus vitamins like D and magnesium.

• Gentle Accountability: My checklist keeps me on track, but it’s forgiving. I don’t need perfect; I need progress.

My Daily Plan

Why It Works

What’s made this reset different is the balance I’ve struck between structure and flexibility. I’ve been down the calorie-counting and app tracker rabbit hole before, and while I loved the discipline, I didn’t love what it did to my mental health—or the example it set for my kids. This time, it’s about being macro-ish and focusing on how I feel, not just what I see.

The results? I feel stronger. I feel more energized. And I feel proud—proud of the plan I created, the habits I’m forming, and the balance I’m achieving.

Sharing My Plan

If you’re looking for a reset or need a little inspiration, send me a note and I’ll share a template version of my plan (I didn’t quite get my act together to post it to Etsy just yet). Take it, tweak it, make it yours. The beauty of this approach is that it’s adaptable—it grows with you. And if something isn’t working? You have permission to change it.

A Final Note

Sometimes, all it takes is one post, one conversation, one spark to inspire a meaningful change. My friend Rachael probably has no idea her post nudged me into action, but it did. That’s why I’m sharing this story here.

It doesn’t matter how many people like or comment on your post; what matters is the potential to plant a seed. You never know who might need to see or hear your story today.

So, here’s to strength—in body, mind, and spirit. And here’s to the plans, habits, and small steps that get us there.

If you’d like to try my daily plan, send me a note. Remember, it’s not about perfection. It’s about showing up, trying your best, and giving yourself grace. Because every day is a new day to be strong.