Self Care for Mama Bear [Part 2]

Thanks for checking back in! This story is pretty personal and I'm sharing because this gets me fired up. I want to help others that may also be feeling lost in some way.

So my epiphany...

March 2015: I am literally feeling like crap, physically and mentally. I know Spring & Summer months are upon us. Pool parties, beach days and other reasons to be seen in small pieces of fabric. My maternity clothes were getting holes in them from me wearing them for almost 2 straight years. I needed my old wardrobe back. I needed my confidence back. I needed to feel like myself again.

My old friend from high school and Nursing school, Meghan, had been posting about health and wellness on her Facebook. For the most part, I would read her posts and be happy for her and wish the same for myself. In my mind, she had super powers that gave her the will power to be so "strict" and to work out every day and 'eat clean'. Surely, I did not have these super powers and was too much of a wimp to even try to live a healthier lifestyle.

I believe I reached out to Meghan after her coach posted her transformation story on Facebook. It was inspiring to not only see her 'before' and 'after' photos but also to hear her story. I could relate. She was a normal mom like me... no super powers [well, she does have a few]. I could relate to Meghan and realize that she started at the same place I was currently.

Maybe she could help me?

So I messaged her and asked to meet up for a kid's play date. It seemed non-threatening enough and then I could pick her brain in person.
We met up at "Jump on Over" in Middletown. It was the first time I had seen Meghan in years. And she looked FANTASTIC. She had work out gear on and I remember thinking, "wooowww, Meghan looks amazing. I want to look and feel as great as she does."  
After asking her some questions, I learned that she "eats clean" and exercises daily and her journey started with the 21 Day Fix.  She could relate to my feelings of "blood sugar crashes" and feeling exhausted all of the time from before she started the Fix. She assured me that removing sugar and processed foods from my diet would make me feel like a new person.   She was really inspiring me.  No other infomercial worked like hearing her story and seeing her in person.

But, what is Beachbody?
What is the 21 Day Fix?  
I honestly had never heard of either.  I had heard of P90X and Insanity but had no idea they were products from a large company called Beachbody.

Meghan explained to me how she became a coach to help others and that I could join her 'April Challenge Group'.  Pshh, if Meghan would be my coach? No brainer.  I want to FEEL energetic and vibrant. I wanted to get my GROOVE back. I wanted to look great in time for short weather.  I wanted to be healthier for my family and also help MY family get healthy at the same time.

So, I did it.
The whole 'then do something about it'.  I was doing it. I signed up for the 21 Day Fix Challenge Pack and joined Meghan's April Challenge Group.

For 21 Days I committed and saw the results I wanted thanks to the support and accountability from our group.  Seeing the other challengers and realizing we were in this together...that motivated me. 

I realized that, all along, all I needed was that support & accountability. 

I simply could NOT do this alone. 

Left: Christmas time. You can see the extra weight on my face.

Right: Serena got her groove back. The day the Dr told me I'm down to my pre-Xander pregnancy weight and my blood pressure was the lowest it's ever been in his office. 

Andy... I did something about it!!

I share this story because I realize other women are not thrilled with their bodies or the way they feel. We are definitely our worst critics. Maybe you've had babies or maybe life has been crazy and your eating habits have spiraled out of control. 

If you can relate and if you'd like to join me on this journey of being a strong & healthy woman, wife, mommy, etc... please PLEASE message me. Email me ---->  serena@saryanllc.com. 

Don't be shy. Don't feel embarrassed. You seriously have nothing to lose and EVERYTHING to gain.

I would love to chat with you and help encourage you throughout your journey. 

Of course I HIGHLY recommend trying the "21 Day Fix" since that is what worked so well for me and all of my challengers that have lost over 70 pounds (collectively) over the past 2 months. 

Meal planning is so important! And fun with colored pens.

21 Day Fix approved pizza. Delicious!

I have a love affair with Shakeology. No secret there.

I love using my containers. They are so helpful and really
help with portion control. 

I am running an August Challenge Group that starts on August 10th! There are still a few days to purchase your challenge pack in time to have it by the 10th. 

Today is the LAST day of the "21 Day Fix" sale ---  meaning that for today only, the 21 Day Fix Challenge Pack is $140 and tomorrow the price will go back up to $160.  It is totally worth it for the value and that is all you will have to spend this month (besides food of course) to get healthy, and lose weight. I promise.   I haven't seen this program fail someone yet. 

http://www.teambeachbody.com/serenaryan

Click this ^ link to check out my Coach page and browse the products under "Shop" or "Beachbody Challenge"-> "Challenge Packs".   

I WANT TO HELP YOU. Don't know how else to get that across. I am in love with the way I have been feeling and I can't remember the last time I sat up in my room crying. I truly feel like the old me and having that time every morning for myself has done wonders for my mental health. 

I want that for you.  So check it out.  Email me/ message me on Facebook. Comment. Whatever you need to do. 

You can have the old you back.  You can regain control over your body. And you can have fun doing it with me and my other challengers! 

Self Care for Mama Bear [Part 1]

Most of you know me but I will give a little introduction to those that may not.

My name is Serena and I am "mommy" to Alexander (3 yrs) and Theodore (1 yr). I am learning the ropes of motherhood and taking it one day at time. I am a Registered Nurse that has had to recently scale down hours to care for my mom and the kiddos. I am mainly a stay-at-home-mom. I also help my husband run our Online Marketing company while working on building my own business. I recently learned some valuable lessons by taking quality time to make myself a stronger, better person for my family. I am passionate about helping other moms find time to work on 'self care' and doing those things that they enjoy.

So, how did I get to where I am at today?

Flashback to 28 year old me.

I know, I look thrilled. 

Crying in my bedroom. Sad and depressed. Unsure of why I am feeling so bad. I have an amazing husband, two perfectly healthy children, a roof over my head, food in my pantry, great family support, amazing friends... the 'Serena's life is awesome' list continues.

WHY IN THE HECK WAS I CRYING? 

I felt lost with no confidence.
When did I become so pathetic? When did I lose sight of my interests and personal hobbies? How did my eating habits spiral out of control to the point where I am gaining weight by just looking at food? Why was I getting sick? When was the last time I exercised?
And WHY am I sitting here crying when I have a family downstairs that needs me?
Then all of the "I used to's" come into play.  
I used to be so interesting. I used to dress cute. I used to have time to do my hair and make up. I used to have time to shower every day. I used to find and listen to new music. I used to go dancing every weekend which helped me stay slim. I used to have time to exercise. I used to have plenty of alone time to recharge and relax.  (Que all of the guilty feelings and emotions that go with feeling sorry for yourself & then blaming yourself)  
Wah wah wah.   I know, TOTAL First World Problems.  I just couldn't shake these toxic thoughts and I carried them around with me every day.

//   I realize I may be the only woman that has had these bad thoughts but I am secretly hoping I am not.  //
//  And if you can relate with my story, I'd love to chat over coffee [or wine] sometime. Ok?  // 

It started to affect my family. Andy was getting frustrated with me and he, like most men, would try and help me find ways to FIX my 'problem'.  I'd cry that my clothes didn't fit and I was so frustrated with my body and he would say "then do something about it".  

It sounds so easy when you put it that way. Do something about it. Of course. Yes...let me go 'do something about it'. Let me go strap my sneakers on and go for a run.  Let me go buy all of this organic food and whip up some Pinterest recipes. Let me get right on it.        OR NOT.

Months went by. A long winter went by before I decided I was depressed enough to finally suck it up and actually do something about it.

But what was I going to do.... ?  What was I going to try not to fail at this time? Where would I start?

How would Serena get her groove back?  [See what I did there?]

Stay tuned. More to be revealed tomorrow on my blog...

Stitch Fix #7

I was so excited to receive my 7th Stitch Fix this week! I asked for "festival outfits" as I am getting ready for Firefly that is [gasp] a week away!!

I am unsure of a few items and need some opinions. Also, if you see anything you particularly like, I am willing to sell a few of these items.

Let me know what you think!   And don't mind my cheesy smiles and face sans make up.

THML Escarpa Embroidered Top

I wasn't sure about this top but it is REALLY growing on me. Definitely a perfect Summer top and so comfortable. 

I love the beautiful detail. 

What do you think?  Keep or sell?  ^

Market & Spruce  Bruce Double Strap Blouse

I think we all know I love purple. And if you didn't, I love purple. 

This top is a winner for me. It has cute buttons down the front that originally made me think it was the back.

I like quirky so that detail, alone, sold me. 

This one's a keeper! 

Pixley Alisa French Terry Split Back Tank   &

Gilli Alina Printed Maxi Skirt

This is an interesting one for me. 

My stylist told me to pair these together and I wouldn't normally do that.

I did pin this shirt on pinterest and loved it for a festival look with shorts or skinny jeans.

I love the concept of the split back...

the material is SO soft (terry cloth on the inside)...

and it is one of my favorite shades to wear: GREY. 

However, once on my body--  Eh?! 

Andy agreed the crew neck cut off isn't a hot look for me. 

And the skirt... oh this skirt. I LOVE the material and how when I spin, it fans out.

But the print...isn't my style.

I can't see myself wearing this skirt so it's for sale OR going back to Stitch Fix. 

What are your thoughts on the grey shirt? 

Yes or Ehhh ???

Mystree Smith Maxi Dress

Oh, another torn moment. 

This dress is SO soft and fits great.

I want it in about 10 colors/ patterns. 

Just not this one. 

The colors just aren't my style. 

Give me this dress in black- SOLD. 

As torn as I am, I think I will be selling this or sending it back.

Want it?!

I'm so corny but I had to show this awesome slit.

Definitely my favorite part of the dress.

There is also a nude slip that goes down until the slit starts.

I mean... this dress is awesome, right? 

Just not really me.  Really bummed about this one. 

My stylist wrote a sweet message with ideas of how to wear these looks.

She did a pretty good job but we still have some tweaking to do. 

Have you tried Stitch Fix yet?

If you are interested in giving it a go, click on my referral link and schedule your first Fix:

https://www.stitchfix.com/referral/3042022

If you are interested in buying any of these items, give me a shout!

Unexpected Awakenings

Disclaimer before I embark on this blog post: This is a long post. Very long. TLDR long. I do not mean to make anyone feel bad or guilty with this post. I truly hope everyone loves themselves no matter what size jeans they wear or what the scale reads. I have not been happy with myself for a long time and needed to make some serious changes. I have high blood pressure and there were other health concerns on the rise. I am sharing my story in hopes that someone will be able to relate to this and not feel alone. I share this so others that may have gained weight and developed unhealthy habits (baby or no baby), know that it is possible to make serious changes & see progress in a few short weeks.  I'll leave this blog post right here in case someone someday asks me how I began living a healthier lifestyle. 
I know my current weight loss isn't life shattering, but it's about so much more than a number to me now. 

Guess who's back?

I cannot believe it's been over a year since I last wrote on here.

I don't think I was even pregnant with my second when I wrote my last post.

Geez, since 2013, a lot has changed. I've been blessed more than I could ever imagine. [Even if I fail to realize it at times]
I now have an incredible new little boy to love on, Theodore "Teddy" Andrew Ryan. He is 9 months now and getting bigger by the second. Our firstborn, Alexander, will be turning 3 this weekend. What? 3? Yes, 3.
We live in a different house [renting] while still trying to get rid of our old house. That is too long of a story for this blog. My husband's business has changed. A lot. He has a different focus and really, a new confident attitude to go along with it. It is inspiring to watch and I am a very proud wife.
I left my old job that caused me stress and anxiety and joined an awesome new company. I am still a homecare nurse but it is a very different job. I love my manager, coworkers, and clients. I was actually considering taking on a larger role within the company until... my mom became hospitalized in December 2014.  She was in the hospital for 8 weeks and just came out last week. She was very sick, both physically and mentally. She is slowly on the mend but has a long way to go.  I made the tough decision to move her from being an hour away to 10 minutes away. I am an only child and the only person that is able to care for her. I have my own family to take care of so the only way to do everything was to move her closer to me. It has been quite a transition for everyone and we continue to work through the kinks. I am in the process of managing her finances, helping her retire, bringing her to numerous procedures and Dr appointments regularly, and reminding her to check her blood sugar and take her medicine. It has definitely been a lifestyle change for my family. Considering I only talked to my mom about 2 times a year before, seeing her everyday is something new for me that I am still getting used to. I have to pray daily for patience and grace. Although I'm a nurse, it is tough caring for my own mom. I continue to work on forgiveness and understanding every day.  

Whew, it feels good to get all of that down on "paper".

Lots of exciting things are happening and I am ready to have a great and prosperous 2015!

I am still working on my "goals" list for this year. I am going to start by trying to remind myself everyday that I don't need to be perfect.    That is hard.        
I need to start giving myself a break. I need to let go of the unrealistically high expectations I set for myself. As a wife. A mom. A daughter. A Christian. A friend.
And just live life fully.  Be present in the moment.  Stop getting in my own way.
I am going to start today.

a new month full of change and progress

Hello, August.  Every year I wish this month would fly by so the Fall will be here sooner.
This year I am embracing each new month. I am going to enjoy every last day of Summer.
I want August to be a productive and memorable month. We are planning on moving in the next few months so there is so much to do around this house of ours.

Since becoming a mom, I've struggled with some identity issues. I have lost track of my goals and desires outside of being a mommy. Being a mom is the best job I have ever had and I am still working on being the mom my son needs me to be. I am still learning the ropes and I have a long way to go before I am, "mom of the year". I can confidently say I am trying my best and doing my research. I am always searching for other moms that inspire me. Moms that resemble the mom I always wish I had.
Outside of being a great mom, I always saw myself doing other big things. I always pictured myself being a superstar mom while pursuing my dreams and helping others.  What are those dreams? What other things do I want to do? How will I serve my community while serving my family?

I'm lost.  I just don't know those answers anymore. I thought I knew and now I know I'm not sure.
I am a registered nurse and I have a bachelor's degree.  I could get a new job.  That would mean spending less time with my family since, right now, I only work 3 weekends a month. That wouldn't help.  I could go back to school and get my master's degree. But, in what?  Would it matter? What "dream job" would I be working towards? I don't think a degree can get me my dream job.        what is my dream job?

So, I've established I am not sure what I'm doing most days. I have no routine and no schedule. I have no short term and long term goals that I am working towards right now. No focus.  What is my focus?  Why do I do the things I do each day? Why do I act the way I act? What is the big picture?
I wasn't sure what direction to turn.
Lucky for me, I accidentally stumbled upon Lara Casey one day on Instagram. I have been following her for a few months now and have been hearing amazing things about her "PowerSheets".  So, after talking myself out of buying them for dumb reasons, I went ahead and took the plunge.
They came in the mail over the weekend and I am SO excited. Like, Christmas morning excited.
I have not started writing yet but today is my day.   I am ready to focus on my goals and dreams. [whatever they may be] I am praying for direction and grace in this process, I am looking for inspiration and trying to stay positive and give myself some credit. I can be so cruel to myself. I sometimes treat myself way worse than I would ever treat another person. I realize that and am working on many changes.
Changes.  Positive changes.     I'm ready to start today. 

An early preparation...

As I mentioned in my post yesterday, I am already in the Christmas spirit (2 months early)! 
Heck, I am in the Christmas spirit all year long. 

http://www.naptimediariesshop.com/

I was so excited to see that Jessi from Naptime Diaries has created an Advent Calendar. It is just what I have been searching for. This will be the perfect way for us to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas every day during Advent. Meaningful and stylish...it will be a great addition to our holiday decor. 
Please go and check out her online shop.
Lucky me, I was able to get a FREE print for ordering the Advent Calendar today. 
So grateful.  

'Tis a great day! 

Happy Friday, everyone!