As a burnout mom, you’re juggling work, family, and everything in between. Some days, it feels like there’s nothing left for yourself. I get it—when exhaustion takes over, making healthy choices can feel impossible. But what if I told you that weight loss, much like raising a puppy, isn’t about perfection—it’s about patience, consistency, and self-care?
Having a puppy like Winnie (our little Chief Canine Officer) has taught me more than I expected. Her playful energy, her need for attention, and the lessons she’s brought into our lives have reminded me of my own journey to better health. Just like raising a puppy, weight loss, especially as a busy mom, requires patience, consistency, and a whole lot of love.
Having a puppy like Winnie (our little Chief Canine Officer) has taught me more than I expected. Her playful energy, her need for attention, and the lessons she’s brought into our lives have reminded me of my own journey to better health. Just like raising a puppy, weight loss, especially as a busy mom, requires patience, consistency, and a whole lot of love. Here are 7 lessons I've learned that can apply to both your wellness journey and raising a puppy:
1. It All Starts with Excitement—but Don't Forget Your Why.
When I first brought Winnie into our home, I was bursting with excitement! It was a fresh start, filled with hopes for joy, and a little chaos. Sound familiar? Starting a health journey, especially postpartum, is often filled with excitement and motivation. But as time goes on, the challenges can seem overwhelming. When it feels tough, remember your "why." Why do you want to reclaim your health and energy? When you remember your deeper purpose, it makes all the difference during those challenging days.
2. Socializing Takes Patience.
Just like puppies need proper socialization, you too need to prepare yourself for social situations that may tempt you off track. Dining out, attending family gatherings, or running errands can feel like a minefield. But don't lock yourself away in your home! Instead, plan ahead—check the menu in advance, choose a healthy option, and stick to your plan. Life is for living, and part of living is learning how to maintain your wellness while navigating the world around you.
3. Consistency Brings Results.
Training Winnie has shown me how important consistency is. She’s learned faster when we train her at the same time each day, before meals. And guess what? The same goes for your health journey. Small, consistent actions like drinking water, taking a short walk, or choosing healthier meals add up over time. They might not seem huge in the moment, but they will lead to incredible results. Take it day by day, and remember: 1% better every day leads to major transformations.
4. Silence Isn’t Always Golden.
In the early days with Winnie, quiet moments usually meant she was getting into mischief. The same is true for your inner journey. If you're feeling too quiet or too calm in your wellness journey, it might be a sign to check in with yourself. Are you setting healthy boundaries? Are you focusing on positive self-talk? Don’t let your inner critic rule the day. Instead, fill your mind with affirmations like “I am worthy,” “I am capable,” and “I deserve to thrive.” Positive self-talk is a game-changer.
5. You Are the Leader of Your Life.
Winnie tried to take charge early on, but it’s clear—there can only be one leader in this house! In your health journey, you are the leader. Don’t let doubts or past experiences make you feel unworthy of success. Just like I set boundaries for Winnie, set boundaries for yourself too—whether it’s saying no to unhealthy habits or asking for help when needed. You are in charge, and you have the strength to lead yourself to a place of healing.
6. Small Bites Add Up.
One of the hardest habits to break is mindless snacking. Puppies love to nibble on everything in sight, and just like those little bites, those small, unintentional snacks can add up. Start by checking in with yourself before eating: “Am I eating because I’m truly hungry, or is this emotional eating?” It’s about becoming mindful of what’s going into your body and why. Practicing mindfulness can make a big difference in how you feel and how you look after your health.
7. Reward Yourself in a Healthy Way.
Training Winnie has reminded me how important rewards are. But instead of food-based rewards, treat yourself with things that nurture your well-being—like a quiet walk, a warm bath, or maybe even a little shopping for something you’ve been eyeing. Reward yourself for taking those healthy steps—whether it’s sticking to your plan or simply being kind to yourself. You deserve it!
Just like training a puppy, your health journey requires patience, self-compassion, and consistency. You don’t give up when things get tough, and you don’t give up on yourself. Celebrate each small victory along the way, and know that the effort you’re putting in now will pay off in long-lasting energy, strength, and vitality.
You're not alone in this journey—keep going, step by step. You've got this!
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