Tag: my story

The Best Basic Day

Ali SchroederLeave a comment

[originally written July 8, 2016]

I have a dear friend that sits in her closet with a cup of coffee (but I bet sometimes it’s wine) when she needs a sec.

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I can’t fit in my closet, but the corner of my bedroom floor is working very well tonight. Yes, that’s a glass of wine.

Today was basic. 
Almost as basic as it could ever get, yet somehow one of the best days I’ve had in a while.

My daughter is becoming my most favorite human. It really wasn’t overnight, but all in one day she learned how to give kisses, blow raspberries (hilarious!), knows what you’re referring to when you ask her to find the puppy or baby (her toys), was fascinated with the ball pit for her birthday party, and is taking 3-4 steps on her own.

She is such a neat tiny little human.

I didn’t get nearly enough work done, but what I did do was structured and organized.
I’m very happy with that…I wish I could say that was normal.
I’m sure it’s no coincidence I had the best workout in a while.

I took the dog for a walk in a new neighborhood; I do that sometimes. Our same old block gets boring for both of us, sometimes driving a short mile in any direction first is just what we need. It might be one of the best walks we’ve had together—I don’t think she realizes how much I cherish those times, too.

My house is a mess. Not even just a mess, but actually dirty. Somehow, though, it still seems like a comfy home…even as I sit in the corner of my room.

You see.
Super basic.
The me five years ago never would have claimed this to be one of the best days. Yet somehow today was just that.

Beyond blessed to be in a place in my life that is filled with so much love & happiness…no matter how ordinary. I like this life we’re building.

Alright- picking myself up off the floor to go spend the remainder of the evening with the best man I know❤️

Thanks for being my listening eyes & ears. I hope you’re in a happy place, too, no matter how ordinary. If you’re not, I hope this chaotic moment you’re going through right now makes you appreciate that place of basic contentment when the time comes.

Cheers🍷

These Jeans have a Story…

Ali Schroeder1 Comment

These jeans have a story!
…let yours tell one, too!
{details at the end of this post}

jeans story

These jeans are one of my favorite pairs from college. I wore them long past graduation and they still fit nicely in the summer of 2013.

That August was the first time since high school I decided it was time to take control and feel comfortable in my own skin. I joined one of these “online accountability groups” I’m now always talking about, stuck to my 3 month home workout program called “ChaLEAN Extreme,” and lost 11 inches total and 5% body fat.

Sometime during that 3 month transition, my husband proclaimed that we were going pants shopping because my jeans were too big and I needed to stop walking around with a “saggy ass” (…now that’s love!). You can guess where most of that 11 inches came from…….

Fast forward a couple years, and cue baby Nora…!

Last month while I was visiting my parents, I found these old jeans. I thought I’d try them on just “to see” if they fit. Somehow I squeezed them over my butt and managed to barely button them…muffin top and all. Yup! That’s real life.

It was a little discouraging that these same “saggy ass” jeans were now barely buttonable, but I’d just had a baby so I decided to cut myself some slack, stop sulking, and set a goal.

Three weeks ago, when I got back home, I hosted one of those same “online accountability groups” with an absolutely remarkable group of challengers and chose 21 Day Fix as my weapon. The “21 Day Fix” is a Fitness program made up of 30 minute home workouts & a top of the line nutrition program (where you really get to EAT! A LOT). Yesterday was our final day; I took measurements and THIS photo this morning.

Look at these jeans now! That’s what I call a “non-scale victory!”

I’ve been wearing these jeans the last three weeks, noticing that they’re “getting bigger” but it wasn’t until I SAW with my own eyes the number on my tape measurer….I lost 5 inches overall; 2 of which were in my waist!

What a change from that muffin top in just 3 weeks!

Here’s the best part: my results “could have” been even better.
This is me being transparent…
✔️I missed two workouts.
✔️I strayed from the nutrition plan a time or two each week and guiltlessly celebrated birthdays or cheered on the Packers.

…and I wouldn’t have it any other way! Here’s WHY-

This program isn’t a “diet” but a lifestyle change. To me, “diets” have strict rules, focus on what you CAN’T do, and have hard start/stop dates without any of your new habits carrying over into your actual life. This program, on the other hand, helps facilitate a new way of taking care of yourself with exercise and healthy food long after those 21 Days are over. You better believe I will always promote a program that allows you to have a “real life” too.

College jeans: conquered.
Next up: pre-pregnancy jeans.

The 21 Day Fix program is on sale for 6 more days for only $10. Send me an email (alischroeder.fit@gmail.com) if you want to see a REAL, healthy change like I did!

I’d love to hear YOUR story and get you started on conquering your goals.

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