When I reflect on this past month, I can think of about a hundred different ways to describe it.
…sad…emotional…exciting…hectic…scary…annoying…happy…busy…
Just to name a few.
The month started off on the worst note of all, when we found out about our miscarriage the day after returning from vacation. The next day, we decided it was just best to get our next move out of the way, so we moved from our friends’ house to my parents house over the course of about two days. The following week, I had my scheduled D&C.
Once that procedure was over, it took some time to heal. But then, the month slowly started to turn from bad, to better, to good…then to great.
I’ve been making a conscious effort to really try to focus on the positive each and every day. Not that I’d say I wasn’t a positive person before, but I think we can all probably admit to allowing negative thoughts to creep into our head at least a few times a day, right? Staying positive is just a good practice to follow anyway, and it helps immensely for when my emotions are all over the place. Which, trust me, they certainly have been this month.
On the positive side though…
Our New House
Our new house continues to make progress daily, and the more I see new things being completed, the more I can really start to envision us in there. As of right now, it’s expected to be done one week from today. ONE WEEK. I feel like it was an eternity ago when they just started digging the foundation…but in actuality, it was really only less than 3 months ago!
Extra Time with Family
I hadn’t really thought about it until many of you actually mentioned it, but it was sort of ironic the way everything turned out this month in terms of finding out about the miscarriage and then living with family to help with the healing process. It’s just been so nice to be around family during everything that’s been going on, and I can easily say there’s been more than one occasion where I’ve had to be “talked off the ledge” so to speak (i.e., freaking out about x,y, or z and then being reminded I was being silly/stupid).
It’s also been great for Lucas to be able to spend some extra time with everyone too (while, at the same time, giving me and Jay some time to ourselves).
Watching Lucas Turn Two
I’m still sort of in disbelief/denial (whatever you want to call it) over the fact that my baby is now two.
Call me a broken record, I don’t care. But it’s just SO weird to me to think that he’s two years old. I am amazed as I sit and watch him grow and learn new things every single day. He makes me smile more than anything in this world, while simultaneously being a contributing factor to my desire for a nighty glass of wine.
Keeping up a Routine and Staying the Path
There were a lot of times this past month where I wanted to just throw my hands up in the air and say “Screw it! I’m done!” And sometimes, I did do that. But for the most part, I’ve been able to keep fairly cool when things have gotten crazy with trying to complete a home, move for the second time, arrange a closing, resolve issues with banks…you know, all that super fun stuff we as adults get to deal with.
Wine certainly helps with all of those things above. So do shoulder rubs, and pool time, and Netflix. But as cliché as it may sound, one of the things that has really allowed me to stay somewhat sane amongst all of the chaos has been my commitment to my workout routine.
For the past month or so, I’d say that I’ve been sticking with working out 3-5 days a week, depending on the week. Some workouts are a quick 25-30 minutes, others are longer (like my 55 minute Pump workouts which just rock my world in the best way possible), but they’re all done because I want to do them. Not because I feel like I need to do them.
No, working out is so much more than that. It keeps me on track. It keeps me feeling good. And it allows me to stay the path.
I told you all last month about my intentions and plan to stay the path this summer, and I’m happy that I can say that I’ve stuck with that. That’s exactly what CALIA by Carrie Underwood is all about; they want to know how you stay the path on your own fitness journey (you can see more about that HERE).
Women’s Journey Printed Flutter Shorts // Women’s Essential Short Sleeve Shirt
I’m in love with her line of clothes so far, and every outfit I’ve gotten my hands on has not only been incredibly comfortable, but I also adore the look. It’s great for working out, but it’s just as versatile to wear out to run errands as well. I would absolutely (and have already done so) gone out to the store wearing this top and these shorts.
And you knowwwww that I had to pair them with my wicked cute purple Reebok Skyscapes (although they aren’t currently selling them in solid purple, they have some really great colors and patterns right now!).
The line is available exclusively at Dick’s Sporting Goods and at caliastudio.com, and they have some fabulous pieces available. For example, I totally want to get my hands on this sweater. Adorrrrrable.
So my hope is that, as we *hopefully* (keep your fingers crossed for us!) begin our next journey into our new home in the coming week(s), I’ll be able to maintain my routine of working out at least a few times a week. Otherwise, I may just have to up the wine intake which, then again, really isn’t all that bad of an idea either, right?
Get Social with CALIA (and use the hashtag #StaythePath!)
- Facebook: https://goo.gl/07JdeO
- Twitter: @CALIAbyCarrie
- Instagram: @CALIAbyCarrie
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/caliabycarrie/
This post is sponsored by FitFluential on behalf of CALIA.
Bri says
So proud of you for looking at all the positive in your life! Sometimes we all need gentle reminders of just how great life is :) xo
Courtney says
Thanks so much, Bri :)
Brynn says
i can definitely relate and agree, wine, workouts and family are good for healing. I workout to help manage stress and recenter. Having a positive outlet helps me when life turns upside down.
Marielle says
Those shorts are super cute, I love that pattern! Wine and laying by the pool always make me feel better too ;)
Courtney says
I mean, how could they not, right?? ;)
Linz @ Itz Linz says
Way to remind yourself to stay positive even when it’s tough! And that collection is so cute – I love all the pieces!
Stacie @ SimplySouthernStacie says
I know it’s been a trying month for your family, but your sweet and positive spirit have always been present in your writing. Also, on a positive note, your hair has been looking better than ever lately!
Courtney says
Hahaha, thanks Stacie! I’ve actually been pretty happy with it lately too – despite the fact that the humidity typically makes it flop within about 20 minutes ;)
Vasu Thorpe says
Thank you for sharing! Love those shorts.
Anna says
Love all the positivity of your blog. Sometimes it’s hard to see the good when so much is going on, thanks for being honest and open with us readers! PS love the workout shorts
Courtney says
Thanks so much, Anna!
Shawna says
such a fan of this post, Courtney. love the honesty, and so glad to hear about your progression to “great” at this point in the summer. so many good things: the house, working out, your baby boy, extra family time — such a good reminder to focus on what makes our lives such beautiful places rather than dwell on the negatives that we can’t fix or control. i love that first shot of you – you look great. cheers (wine glass raise, i’m with you there!) to a fabulous rest of the summer.
Courtney says
Thanks so much, Shawna! Cheers to that, indeed!
Heather says
What at home workouts do you do? Thanks!!
Courtney says
I mostly do a mix of various Beachbody workouts! My favorites are T25, 21 Day Fix, and PiYo – but I just recently started doing Les Mills Pump at home and I looooove it!! If I’m not doing videos at home, I usually do circuit workouts that I’ve pinned on pinterest ;)
Emily @ Perfection Isn't Happy says
Such a cute outfit — and your shoes are really cute! Do they run wider or narrower? I’ve had my eye on them for so long, but I have wider feet, and I’ve been nervous to order them online.
Courtney says
Thanks, Emily! Hmmm…I have pretty narrow feet and I’d say they fit me well. But they’re also so flexible that I feel like they’d probably just mold right to your fit. My thought? Get them from somewhere that has free returns just in case! ;)
Emily @ Perfection Isn't Happy says
Thank you!
haley @Cupcakes and Sunshine says
I’ve been thinking about you and praying for you Courtney!! It’s crazy how much exercise can do for your mental, physical, and emotional being!! This post has inspired me to get in a good workout TODAY! Thankful for your vulnerability and honesty!!!
Melissa says
So excited to hear your house is almost complete! Also, this line of athletic wear is so fashionable and looks comfortable, too!
alex d says
It’s been so fun watching your house transform over the past few months, I’m excited for you! I totally agree about having a positive outlook, and of course, WINE!
Ashley @ My Food 'N' Fitness Diaries says
You’ve had quite the month, that’s for sure. I think the right attitude and being surrounded by people who love you is so crucial during those times, so I’m glad you were able to maintain a positive attitude and have your family by your side. Big hugs! I’m excited for this next chapter for you as you move into your new house! On a separate note, I LOVE those shorts! So darn cute you on you.
Hillary | Nutrition Nut on the Run says
That Calia outfit is so cute!! The shorts look super comfy.
Sarah @ Sweet Miles says
Lovvvve those shorts! Too cute! I’m so proud of you for staying positive and looking on the bright side, you look wonderful :)
Liz says
I LOVE those shorts!! I totally need a pair of them. So cute :)
Erica says
Courtney,
I have been a long time reader of STSL but rarely comment. I just wanted to say how much I truly love your blog and have gotten so much inspiration from it. Thank you for sharing some of your tough times with us. Sometimes it’s hard to follow blogs and social media because most people usually share the good/great things in their lives, and it can be easy to fall into the comparison trap thinking about what we don’t have. Thanks for the reminder to keep it positive! And you look great btw!
Kristy @ Southern In Law says
Oh girl, you have definitely had a rough time lately, but I am SO glad things are looking up!
Good on you for looking on the positive side & sticking to your workouts. Exercise endorphins are incredible things! I don’t know how I’d get by without my workouts haha