This post is going to sound a little like a sales pitch, but I promise I’m not selling anything. It’s just the story of how I got my life back.
This is me (and my beautiful friend Allie) one year ago.
I was tired. Seven kids, homeschooling, working part-time, and traveling was beginning to take its toll on my life. Almost every Sunday at church someone would ask me if I was “okay” or feeling under the weather.
I was totally exhausted, suffering from weekly migraines, back pain (from a previous surgery) taking ibuprofen like it was candy, and consuming caffeine like it was going out of style.
In April of 2012 I returned from a trip to California completely worn out. I felt like I could sleep for a year! I knew something in my life needed to change immediately because I could not go on living in a constant state of exhaustion and pain.
Over the next few weeks I’ll be sharing how I gave up soda, stopped taking ibuprofen, got rid of my back pain, cured my migraines, lost twenty pounds, and feel better than I have in twenty years. The awesome thing about it is, that if you are suffering from “mom exhaustion” you can do it too! It’s really very simple.
Cyndi says
Sick and tired best describes me in 2 words. I cannot wait to read the next post in this series!
Jeanette says
This is me right now. I have been sick off and on all summer and just feel exhausted. And now as I sit here and right this I am drinking a soda and it is only 8am. So yes I need this!
sylvia says
Gave up soda YEARS ago. I cant stress enough how important that is. There is NOTHING beneficial in a soda but there is much that is detrimental! As for exhaustion…much of that disappeared once the kids were grown and on their own but then….menopause hit! What a roller-coaster! Anxious to read this series and I’m with the others in saying you cant post them fast enough! :o)
Sylvia
Jennifer says
Can’t wait to read more about your transformation, sounds like I what I need!!!
Susann says
I look forward to hearing about this! I have been suffering from Migraines my whole life. I finally said I had enough. I let the dr. put me on a daily medicine and went from headaches 3-4 times a week to 1 every 3-4 weeks. I feel like I have a life back! I can’t drink soda cause the medicine messed that up. Yep life is great and I am back on track! But no drinking on my Disney cruise in three weeks….sigh it is worth it though…:)
Glad you are feeling better!!!!
Mary says
There are so many comments – you have struck a chord in many! So, first I’ll say ditto to all the above. 2nd I am glad you quit ibuprophen b4 you had ulcers in your colon – that’s what made me quit back in 1999 then this year I had another bout of colitis (no ulcer) and its no fun. So now its no nsaids at all. I take way too many vicoden for migraines but also for general pain. Its gotta change so I am listening.
Brenda says
Please, tell us more soon. I won’t off sodas for health reasons, but always go to store to get more. I’m having injections for my back, which is partly due to being overweight. Thanks for any help that you can give!!!
Brooke says
You are so mean. I can’t believe you’re going to make us wait weeks to hear how we can feel better. 🙂
Sarah says
Can’t wait to hear how you did it. I know just how you felt. I am there, like so many other moms.
Andrea @ Savings Lifestyle says
You do look amazing! And you’re my only friend who can do the dude push ups! My inspiration!
Jenn says
I’m extremely intrigued! Desperately need some motivation. I got married later than most–at age 37.5, had my son 2 yrs later. Found out just after his first b-day that my body had gone directly into early menopause. I have been on an emotional and physical rollercoaster ever since (he’s 4.5 now). Need to get myself in gear and begin pre-school activities with him in prep for Kindergarten next fall. I, too, need to lose 20 pounds, and cut back on the Ibuprofen! Not sure I’m ready to ditch my daily dose of Diet Dr. Pepper though–that’s my splurge! Praying your experience will jumpstart me. Surely if you can do it with all those kiddos, I can do it with just one!??
Serenity says
I can not wait to read this series! I am not currently exhausted but I am pretty tired. Also, my hubby is training to be a flight nurse and will be gone a lot more this coming school year. Something HAS to change if we are going to survive these next eight months. A couple of weeks ago I went almost an entire week with only one drink of coffee a day. I can not believe how much better I felt without 4-5 cups of coffee per day. Truthfully, the major reason I drink coffee is because it makes me feel like I am getting a break. I would love to hear how you relax without caffeine!!!
Good for you making all those changes and thank you for sharing 🙂
Cathie says
Wow, there are a lot of tired moms out there! I am also looking forward to this, and hoping that I find relevance in it. I am an older mom – I had my 6th child when my 1st was 25. Having #6 kicked off menopause, and my body hasn’t been the same since. I’m tired, and larger than I’ve ever been, and not happy about that.
Jen says
Looking forward to this series, Toni! You looked amazing in CA a few wks ago! I too suffer from debilitating, frequent migraines & am constantly popping those Ibuprofen’s, so would love to know what worked for you!
TheHappyHousewife says
Thanks Jen! It was great to see you in CA! Didn’t know you also suffer from migraines. Not fun at all!
Tamara says
I can’t wait to hear more about your journey! Personally, yeah, I’m suffering from mom exhaustion (along with bouts of depression here and there.) I know for me it has a lot to do with what I’m eating (or not.) I need to get in gear. I’m so ready to be out of this rut.
Amy says
This is coming at a great time! I’m exhausted, with only 2 kids. But I can’t stand always feeling like I have zero energy! Can’t wait to read this!
Wendi says
Well could you expedite your entries, I NEED help NOW!!!
Shannon says
I can’t wait to hear this series, just last night I said something needed to change fast! I read your post and thought I was reading about myself. I’m so tired, my back hurts daily so bad and I am just worn out!! We just moved to FL from MI a month ago, I will start homeschooling my oldest next week for the first time (2nd grade, previously in public school), I work full time from home and by 8pm I just want to go to bed! I’m 38 and should have way more energy then I do to play with the kids, but I don’t. I’ve always been very thin and have lost an additional 7 pounds… I’m not sure if it is what I’m eating, what I’m NOT eating or just all the caffeine I consume! LOL I can’t wait to hear what worked for you!!!!
Allie O says
🙂 You called me beautiful. *blushes*
Love ya! Want some Toni time!! Call me, maybe {scratch that- call me NOW!}. 😉
Robyn Mizell says
Hope you are feeling well now!! Can’t wait to read and be inspired by your story!!
Charlene Haugsven says
Well you looked beautiful last week so I can’t wait to hear the secrets!
TheHappyHousewife says
Awww, thanks Charlene! I’m glad we got to see each other last week, even if it was brief!
Aimee says
Ahh, you’re leaving us hanging! Can’t wait to see what worked for you!
Aly says
Can’t wait to hear your story. I’m also sick and tired!!!!!!!!
Samantha McDonald says
Thank you for sharing. The title of this post made me want to read it. I’ve been feeling sick and tired for a while now – medical issues, working, children. I want to be a healthy mom and wife so I can be at my best for family and our ministry. But I know I need to take care of myself first if I’m going to be the best mom and wife. Looking forward to reading more!!
Nancy L. says
This mama is exhausted. Looking forward to hearing your story.
Laura@peacebutnotquiet says
Good for you! We work so hard to make sure our kids are healthy — so important to make sure we are, too. When I started running regularly a few years ago, it helped with so many things — more energy, stamina and just the time to think was great. And it models healthy behavior for everyone else in the house (not just the kids — my husband began riding his bike again after I started exercising!)
Cindy says
You looks marvelous. I am so glad you did this so you could show your husband it works. You both have made dynamic changes in your life style! Now I guess it must be my turn?? Oh I have sooooo far to go… it makes me tired just thinking about it!
Patricia @ Ground Control to Major Mom says
You’ve certainly piqued my curiosity! Looking forward to reading more. My husband and I are taking baby steps towards a healthier lifestyle, trying to cut sugar and processed starches out of our diet lifestyles. Congratulations on grabbing life by the horns and taking control!
Teresa Lawrence says
Wow! Sounds like a GREAT series!!!! I have a friend who suffers from chronic pain from an old car accident and subsequent surgeries. She says that if she gains even 10 pounds she notices a huge difference in how much more pain she feels. So losing those extra pounds really helps in pain management. Not that I can talk – I have a LOT more than 10 pounds to lose! Looking forward to reading more!
Amy says
Great job! I am looking forward to reading more! Very motivating and encouraging to me since I have been trying to cut out pop, take less Ibuproven & loose the added pounds. 2 previous surgeries keeps me In pain on most days. I have gained weight and feel motivated to shed the pounds, cut the soda & feel better! Thank you!
Melessa says
You have my undivided attention for this series. I keep trying to give up soda-and then being exhausted and resuming the habit. I could also definitely stand to lose 20 lbs.
Marie says
Can’t wait to read more. I do wish there was a way I could get the energy without giving up my daily pop. I love my daily pop 🙂
Amy says
It sure sounds like a great read! I will be watching on how you gave up soda, as I am interested in doing the same. Thanks for sharing!
Tehniat says
I would indeed love to hear more. I am going through a really bad phase myself and would love to get out of it
Sarah @ Give Me Neither says
Love this! I can’t wait to hear how you did this. I’m down 36 pounds so far and didn’t realize how tired the extra weight made me until it was gone. I’m still a work in progress. My goal is 40 more pounds…then it’ll be look out world.
TheHappyHousewife says
Yay Sarah! I’m so proud of you!
Tonya says
Looking forward to this, too. I started swimming about a week ago and eating a little differently, very little caffeine if any, and already have dropped 4 lbs.!
TheHappyHousewife says
That’s so awesome Tonya!
Stef says
sitting here waiting to hear. I’ve seen such a difference in your photos recently – I CAN NOT wait to read how you’re doing it!
Lisa Johnson says
You just described my life! I have been praying about what to do. I am looking forward to reading your series.
Cheryl says
I am sick and tired of being sick and tired! I can’t wait to read!!
Erica Miller says
Hanging in suspense lol. I had my 6th child 5 weeks ago and I also just turned 30. It’s really hard for me to believe. As long as I can remember I have never felt strong and energetic. Really hoping to change that soon. My oldest is almost 9 and I need the energy to care for my young and growing family. Look forward to reading more 🙂
Kelly @ Kansas City Mamas says
And in addition to all of that – you look amazing HAWT. So proud of your accomplishment, girl. WOOT. WOOT.
TheHappyHousewife says
Awww! Thanks friend!
Shannon says
I can’t wait to read all about it! I gave up soda on Ash Wednesday (not planned that way!) and haven’t touched it since. I still feel like a slug so I can’t wait to try some of your ideas.
Christine Holland says
Can’t wait to hear more. Like someone else said I’m impatient! Looking forward to reading and trying it out!
Mandy A says
I can’t wait to read your series. I myself go through similar issues. I drink Mountain Dew like it’s the only thing to drink on the planet. I am always tired, chronic back pain and just plain irritable all the time. I have been a smoker for 20 years but tomorrow will mark the 2 week mark since I quit. I have slipped a few times, but that’s to be expected. A couple of cigarrettes in 2 weeks is much better than a pack a day. I have equipment in my home to help get me fit, I just can’t seem to find the energy or motivation to use it. So hoping you will inspire me!
TheHappyHousewife says
Yeah for quitting smoking! That is huge and a great first step! Go you!!!!
Teresa Lawrence says
Mandy!!!! congratulations on quitting smoking!!! Good for you girl!!!!! That will make such a difference in your life!!!!
Amy Lynne says
I am looking forward to reading more! My busy season starts at the end of the week, so more energy would be a God send!
Rachel says
Looking forward to hearing about this! I’ve done aLOT of research, have tried MANY things (including going totally RAW, cutting out wheat, sugar, etc for a time) but nothing has worked for me LONG term! Weekly series??? ACK! I need to know NOW! 🙂
Rebekah Shaver says
Sounds like my life! For me the problem was GLUTEN!!! I feel like a NEW woman since going Gluten-Free 18 months ago. 🙂
Carla says
I just read something last night about gluten making you feel bad and think that might be my problem. Would love to hear your story! 🙂 carlabaskets@g-net.net
Mona says
Oh no, not a weekly series…I’m tooo impatient:-) LOL. I can’t wait to hear what you need, I think I’m in that season.
Terri says
This one got my attention this morning! I know it’s baby steps, but maintaining momentum while distractions surround you …. how do you stay focused on your goals? I’ve got more diagnosed issues than I have weeds in my yard! Trust me! That’s saying a lot! I need to get a handle on it all. Looking forward to your story!
Tonia says
I can not wait to read more. I am at my wit’s end. On the verge of crying. I am sooooo tired and have migraines constantly. I have been praying for an answer as to how to feel better and today as I go on facebook and read your blog – it’s my answer. I am excited to see how to feel better.
Lynette says
Wow! So looking forward to reading this series! It sounds like you are describing me! I gave up soda and started “running’ …not very far or very fast yet 😉 about 2 1/2 weeks ago. We shall see how well my own mommy is tired makeover will work! Would love to hear your tips also!
Linda Redmond says
am I ever curious!!!!!
Judy says
Can’t wait to hear more!!!
Bethany says
Looking forward to reading this series. As a homeschooling mom of 5 children who also works part time (directing a homeschool community) I’m worn out and carrying mom pounds then I’d like to. I’ve been wanting to make some changes, can’t wait to hear what worked for you!
Sarah K says
Well call me intrigued. I’m looking forward to the details. P.S. Good for you!
Sheilah @ www.trainupthechild.org says
Great to hear of someone else taking control of their health. My husband and I have been doing the same thing for a couple of years now – running, green smoothies, less meat, more veggies, sodas only on weekend as a reward, Check out my blog for ideas on training your children in God’s plan for healthy eating and nutrition.
Carol says
I want to hear more! I gave up soda about a month ago 🙂 I get up in the am and 2 hours later could and sometimes do go right back to sleep…..I am burnt out 🙁
Kristin says
Can not wait to hear what you did!
Victoria@Snailpacetransformations.com says
Can’t wait to read this series. I too suffered from a period of my life where I was exhausted and suffering from frequent migraines that often numbed 1/2 of my body from the top of my head to the tips of my toes. I know what worked for me, but I love hearing what worked for others, as I glean ideas on how to feel even better.