I have been going to The Dailey Method for a week now and I have to say, I LOVE IT! I was a bit intimidated by it. My fitness level has rapidly declined over the past two months and it is quite embarrassing. I did my best to overcome my fear of super skinny, ballet bodies, standing tall next to me. Instead, I have found people like me, along with the super skinny, ballet barre beautiful bodies, and for that, I am happy!

I love that The Dailey Method is not high impact. In fact, there is no impact at all. It is combinations of tiny little movements that together cause my muscles to shake. I love the strengthening and stretching exercises, even if they totally kick my butt. A lot of the exercises focus on strengthening the core muscles, which helps proper spine alignment. Only a week after starting the classes, I have already noticed that I am standing a little taller, the back pain I was having has subsided somewhat. When I leave the studio, my entire being feels more energized. My flexibility has improved tremendously and I have noticed my muscles are not nearly as tight as they were.

I have not taken measurements, but I can already tell there are some minor changes that nobody except me can notice. Is that not what it is all about? I lost 2.5 pounds this week. It is not significant, however, I will always take a loss over a gain.

This week, I have the following goals:
1. Plan HEALTHY meals and prepare freezer meals for the month, so I only have to is take them out and heat it up.
2. Attend The Dailey Method at least 4x per week. I am actually shooting for 5 days a week.
3. Start running/walking/jogging on the treadmill regularly. I have been watching Mad Men and Drop Dead Diva, while running on the treadmill, however, I would love to be more consistent with it.
4. Weigh-in one time a week—not every five minutes.
5. Pick one area/space in the house and focus on organizing it. (I am thinking that office situation that I keep cleaning and keeps getting cluttered again!)
6. HAVE FUN!

…
I have enjoyed being a stay-at-home-mom again. It has been amazing! I had not realized how complicated life had become, without one person at home, dedicated to keeping the house running. We had been flying by the seat of our pants for so long, it was beginning to feel normal. No more though. It seems like I am re-assembling our house after a natural disaster, nonetheless, progress—no matter how small—is being made. I love being at home. I am also enjoying my side projects I have been able to work on. I am exploring some of my favorite pastimes, such as writing, reading and napping. My favorite, of course, is the frequent naps that being at home has afforded me. Who am I kidding? Naps are few and far between, yet always welcome and always appreciated.

I have come to terms with a number of truths about life and have grown to appreciate the close friends and family I am so fantastically lucky to have. I am happier right now, with all of my imperfections than I remember being in a while. I am content in my own very flawed skin and I know who I am. I am grateful, blessed, and humbled by the wonderful people in my life and opportunities we have. I love that we have such good family and good friends that support us now and always.

Here is Allie at Good Harbor in Gloucester, Massachusetts on our vacation. She brightens my every day!