Authentically me – Dear beautiful Mum in my care
30.04.2016

Dear beautiful Mum in my care

I see you at the side of the group, trying not to get in anyone’s way.

I see you trying your best to do the movements I have prescribed.

I know you are barely keeping it together.

I feel your frustration at a body that doesn’t do what it used to.

I feel your disappointment in yourself for blaming your body.

I know that you want to love yourself again but are finding it hard.

I see you struggle to get your children out of the car and wrestle them and their bags/pram/toys safely across the carpark and in the doors of the gym.

I feel your sadness when you apologize for your child screaming/yelling/laughing/crying/being a kid during class.

I know that you are worried about how your child’s behavior will affect others in the class.

I see it in your eyes when your child runs through the group and you hope that no-one else is disrupted.

I know you love your children.

I know that you care about what others think of you.

I know you are in my class/session because you want more energy to be a good Mum.

I see you cringe when your child isn’t as kind as you would like to another.

It’s not a reflection of your parenting skills. Your child is being a child.

I hear the tiredness in your voice as you tell your child to climb down for the 10^th time.

I see the fatigue in your eyes as you try to muster the energy for one more round.

I feel your sadness when you want more than your body can give you.

I see you when others ask you for advice but forget to ask how you are.

I see you avoiding the mirror because you are not happy with the reflection.

I see you looking in the mirror and the scowl that you give your body that doesn’t look like it once did.

I want you to know that you are not alone.

I want you to know that it is okay to lose your shit at your child – I won’t report you to the authorities 😉

I want you to know that I really don’t mind if your child vomit/poos/wee’s on me, I wouldn’t pick them up if I didn’t expect some of that!

I want you to know that even though I might not shed tears on the outside when you do, I shed tears on the inside.

I want you to know that I worry about you when you leave the gym.

I hope you get a better sleep tonight.

I care about you and want you to know that you are wonderful.

I want you to know that you are doing a fabulous job.

I want you to know that you are not selfish.

I want you to know that I think you are amazing.

I want you to know that I admire that you were able to leave the house and get into the gym and the energy and planning that that takes.

I want you to know that when I ask how you are, if you want to burst into tears and say ‘I’m shit’ that it is ok. I really care about hearing your answer.

I want you to know that you are welcome.

I want you to know, it will be okay.

Tanya Carroll

Livestrong Primal Fitness