I missed last week's link up due to a nasty little funk that I kicked to the curb, so I'm jumping right in this week!
I'm linking up with Jessica @ TheFitSwitch and Jill @ JillConyers. Yes, THE Jill Conyers! (She's the new co-host of The Fit Dish.)
So let's dive right in and #dishthefit!
Today's optional topic: What has your past taught you about living today?
Great topic Jessica! This one's gonna take some brain power..
Your past doesn't define who you are today.
Well that kind of just jumped out of my head and shot right down my fingers.
Many of you know I struggled with my weight since I was about 15. Due to a very early pregnancy. But setting weight loss and physical health aside, being a teen mom did something to me mentally that has taken years to shake.
When I became pregnant with my son at the age of 15, my body was forced to change. And fast. Which I wasn't ready for, let alone the baby that would soon consume my life. My mind also took a beating. I had to deal with the rumors, the lies, the talking behind my back, and everything else that comes with being pregnant at 15. I hated what was happening to my body, but most of all, I hated myself for allowing it to happen.
As I look back, I have empathy on girls who become pregnant at such a young age because I know what most of them are searching for. And it has nothing to do with a baby. But everything to do with self worth and feeling needed. I wanted to be needed and wanted so badly, that I was willing to give up my teen years (and the rest of my life) in order to be with the guy who I thought wanted the same thing, just to feel wanted. Just to feel like I was important. Pretty sad huh?
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But I was wrong...
Here I am, 27 years old, NO LONGER A TEEN, raising my two beautiful children, loving life and living for God, certified Dental Assistant, aspiring Health Coach and wife to an amazing man for almost nine years. Now you tell me, does that sound like unsuccessful-teen-mom-Fawn?
Woo! Talk about being free!
So no, my past does not define who I am today. Yes, I was a teen mom. But that isn't a permanent label or stereotype. I'm not convinced.
Our past does not define us when it comes to anything in life. You are a clean slate every day. You can choose to be better than you were yesterday. Or even 11 years ago. Just because you were overweight years ago, doesn't mean you are now or ever will be again. Just because you were a drug addict, doesn't mean you hold that title now or ever will again.
Our past does not define who we are today.
Join in on the conversation! Link up your own post or find your way around the other awesome blogs and get your fill on what everyone has learned from their past!
Have an amazing Tuesday fitfam!
That's so true! I've gone from anti-healthy eating and anti-physical activity to be an aspiring health & wellness coach.
ReplyDeleteI didn't know you had your son when you were so young. It's a shame that people were so mean to you at that time :( It's horrible that society so often turns their back on the people who need the most support. But you should be proud of what you've overcome and where you are today!
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteHaving a baby at 15 led me to reach out to young girls who are in the same situation at pregnancy crisis centers. I can relate to them and I'm so thankful I can use that experience to help others to be successful.
I love that... "you are a clean slate every day." So true! I even have a screen saver that says "make today so awesome that yesterday gets jealous." We do not have to live in our past or let it define us. Thanks for your post!
ReplyDeleteThat's a great quote!
DeleteThanks for stopping by!
You are so accomplished! And we all need to remember that our past doesn't define us. It's so easy to get stuck up on our mistakes. Thanks for posting this!
ReplyDeleteAw thank you! And thanks for stopping by!
DeleteA totally different perspective and I love it! Our past doesn't define us but it has made us who we are today. There's a quote about learning from the past but not living there. I read that as along the same lines as what you're saying. Loved reading this.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you linked up and I found your blog :)
Thanks! That's so true! We don't need to waste time living in the past.
DeleteThank you for co hosting and for stopping by!!
I also understand what those girls are looking for. I was looking for the same thing at 19. That want of being loved, feeling loved, and feeling good enough. You are such a strong girl and a wonderful mother! And wife! !!
ReplyDeleteAw thank you!
DeleteYOU are an amazing mom to two (soon to be three) beautiful children!
If you're ever looking for volunteer work to help out young girls who become pregnant, pregnancy crisis centers are an awesome source. I volunteered for almost two years and it felt so good to "give back" and teach someone things I wish I'd known. I'm thinking about doing it again once a week. :-)