Author: cardioaftercoffee

My name is Erin and I live in sunny FL. I'm a simple girl, on a journey for a healthier lifestyle and sharing my journey through TTC.
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Good Afternoon & Happy Thursday!

I had every intention of posting an update Wednesday, but as we know life can get hectic and I guess I need to work on organizing my blogging time a little better.

I’m working hard in my personal and professional life to not let the little things get me down. STRESS is a huge obstacle I face everyday, mostly because I overthink everything… and I know I can’t be alone in that. I remember when I had blood work done a few months ago and it came back saying my Cortisol level was elevated. Okay, first question… what’s Cortisol? Any time something comes back as abnormal on any kind of test I feel like the first thing we all do is think of worst case scenario situations. Cortisol… Okay… Never heard of it, I work in Finance, not medicine… PLEASE EXPLAIN.

Ultimately after a lot of conversation with my primary doctor, she referred me to an Endocrinologist (keep in mind trying to have a baby so wanted to make sure everything was in working condition). The Endo of course ordered her own round of blood work and that time Cortisol level was normal. *PHEW* So now we talk about “OK, what happened”.  First of all,

 CortisolFB
source: https://www.hormone.org/hormones-and-health/hormones/cortisol

I am someone who if you ask “Wanna ride a roller coaster?” My initial thoughts are not excitement and anticipation like most people who live 30 minutes from Busch Gardens… No, I’m instantly thinking worst case scenario and stressing about something that HASN’T EVEN HAPPENED.

I also work in a stressful environment and I am trying to do everything within my power to not let myself get stressed or anxious over things I cannot control. Which of course is so much easier said than done, but you know… you have to try. Plus I know now that being anxious and stressed out messes with basically everything, which I never would’ve thought that before a few months ago.

It’s so easy for someone to say ‘just stop stressing about it, it’ll happen’ when you mention how you’ve been trying to get pregnant and how it’s been so upsetting that it hasn’t happened yet, I know they mean well, but it just doesn’t help me.

Overall, working on decreasing my stress and anxiety levels is going to help with so many things in my life and I know I’m making great strides so far, but also can be realistic and know I have a ways to go. I’ll share a few things I’ve picked up over the last couple months that seem to help me, but everyone deals with it differently and if these tips aren’t for you and you’re struggling, I hope you can find some peace of mind soon.

  • EXERCISE. Even a 30 minute cardio session has been able to relax my racing mind.

  • CHEW GUM. Sounds odd- but this helps me while at work!

  • HAPPY THOUGHTS. You know the “think happy thoughts” motto… yeah, I literally mean that. I’ll watch a quick video of my nephew doing something cute or read an inspiring quote and that emotion will (usually) overpower the others.

  • MUSIC. I thank myself for subscribing to Apple Music, because I can literally listen to just about anything I want and can choose a song I know puts me in a good mood.

  • TEXT SOMEONE. I’m a big believer in just getting something off your chest. Even with this blog, talking about things I’m going through is helpful. Especially if its with your family or friends, they always know what to say to turn a mood around or encourage you.

Off to work on tip #1! Have a great weekend.

 

xo

 

 

I’m over the weight…

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Hi Guys!

I’m Erin and I live in Florida – where it’s hot and humid 10 months out of the year… but these beaches are worth it! I am new to the blogging life, but hopefully this is something that is fulfilling and helpful in my journey.

Just a couple things I’ll share about myself: I use sarcasm and humor probably more than necessary. I’m really into the ocean, not just the beach part, but actually what’s inside the ocean… just fascinates me. I have a cat, Dash, and she’s one of the best decisions of my current life. I am addicted to coffee, string cheese, peanut butter and pickles. Hopefully the topics I talk about someone can relate to, but if not that’s cool too.

I guess I’ll just jump right into one of the reasons I’m here. I’ve literally been overweight as long as I can remember… I could blame it on a ton of different things, like switching schools all the time when I was kid, my parents getting divorced when I was real young, no real outlet or comfort for a while other than FOOD …. but really who has time for excuses? At this point, I’m focusing on the stuff I can do to change it. The reality of it all comes down to the fact that I’m 29, nearly 30, I have a great job, husband and family, but I want to be a mom.

At the end of the day, I have a really incredible life that I’m extremely thankful for, yet there is definitely something missing. When I was younger, like 10 or so years ago, I didn’t think I’d ever get the chance to have kids… I figured “Alright, my brother can have the family life and I’ll just be the fun aunt.” Fast forward a few years and I met a man who challenged me (AKA pushed my buttons) but still inspired me. We met in our mid twenties, got engaged in our late twenties and got married in March 2018. Once we met, I knew that he would be a wonderful father, a stern and loving personality all wrapped into one. (Plus, I see him with our 2 year old nephew and it’s everything I imagined it would be and so much more).

So tying it all back to the main reason for this entry, THE WEIGHT. Listen, I’m really good at writing things down and making a plan… that is something I can do and actually enjoy, the part I struggle with is being consistent with said plan. A big part of me deciding to get all of this out here is just that I’m not really ready to say any of it out loud, but writing it down is something I can do – that’s in my wheelhouse. I think I can classify myself as an emotional eater and I know that’s probably the case for a ton of people out there. I also know I’m not the only woman out there who has her weight as some kind of obstacle surrounding her being able to get pregnant right now. So, I think, at least for now, I’ll be toggling between these subjects.

I hope I’ve peaked your interest enough here guys, because sometimes my thoughts go all over the place, but ultimately what I’m trying to say is I’m ready for some changes in my life and I know it won’t be easy- but I’m trying to ensure this helps keep me accountable!

 

xoxo, gossip girl

Just Kidding… But that was a great show.

 

Erin 🙂