Finding Strength in Routine and Accountability

Jun 19

Ordinary Days and Small Joys

First off, I won’t even brag about my week because it was normal. All I did was clean the same things over and over daily, manage summer camp activities, and fulfill my boys’ request for pedicures. And before you laugh, my boys? Yes, who doesn’t enjoy having their feet and legs rubbed? Rest assured, they didn’t get nail polish on them.

An Unexpected Revelation

Now, let’s get to the heart of the matter: my vitamin deficient epiphany. All I can say is holy cow! For some background, I started back at CrossFit about five months ago after taking what felt like a lifetime break. I was constantly tired and chalked it up to my known medical conditions. The workouts left me feeling like I was facing another near-death experience, but again I assumed it was just symptoms of my existing health issues or maybe not taking my medications on time.

Medical Results and Daily Habits

Fast forward to a few weeks ago after my blood work and complete metabolic panel came back. I expected the usual results: prediabetic glucose and A1C, high cholesterol, low vitamin D, anemia, etc. This had become my normal, and I had resigned myself to it. Yes, I enjoy some ketogenic wine, but I mostly eat healthy, cook my meals, prep things ahead to avoid binging, and have no issue saying no to cheat foods my family craves. Occasionally, I indulge at Taco Bell, and every so often, my husband brings me a Zero candy bar. I test myself and let it sit for months before treating myself. Over the years, the prediabetic diagnosis has puzzled me, but I’m not the doctor.

The Power of Vitamins

This week, I want to shift focus away from my daily cleaning rituals and kid-related activities, since they can get boring. Doctors noticed my B12 levels were nearly nonexistent, and thanks to the Veterans Administration’s quick service, my high-dose B12 arrived by mail. After a couple of weeks, I felt the difference this week. I don’t want to downplay my efforts, I do push myself most days, even if occasionally I’m too tired or in pain to do so. Still, I try not to let anyone see that, as I don’t want to be perceived as a quitter. With the B12 boost, I noticed my energy, nerves, and cognitive function improved dramatically. I felt alive again.

CrossFit and Accountability

I’m not trying to promote any particular gym, but I realized what I missed most about CrossFit: accountability. I could easily skip the gym since I have all the equipment at home, but sometimes the motivation isn’t there. For example, during Wednesday’s workout, I wanted to downsize my bar because the reps felt overwhelming. The instructor whispered sweet nothings that encouraged me, reminding me the intent was to keep going for load. So, I whispered back to myself to stay accountable. Although the bar nearly slipped from my hands on the final reps, I pushed through and succeeded. I’m so grateful to be reminded by these instructors about that accountability and be led by example.

Lessons Learned

This week, I may not have been the most intriguing parent or found lost socks, but there is a point to share. The moral of the story: ensure you’re medically cared for but also shift your mindset from routine to stronger accountability for success. It may take time, but it will happen. I rarely talk about my own achievements, except maybe when my workout weight comes remotely close to my husband’s. I don’t want to upset him, but I secretly enjoy igniting a little extra motivation in his next workout because mom did so well! And I did want to clear up some confusion on why I’ve been sprinting every time the instructors tell us to run, because it’s hot outside and I just want to get it over with. Hey, whatever motivation I can get is something, even if it’s that sun baking down on me like the sauna is following me.