embracing change + new pace of life

As I write this post, we know that baby Sims could arrive any day (or really, any hour!) now. It’s the most surreal, stop you in your tracks feeling I’ve ever experienced. So crazy to think that by time you guys read this post, she will be here!

If you know me at all, you know my personality is very much ‘go go go’. Give 100%, 100% of the time. Resting is not one of my strong suits. There are a lot of great things about this but, this mentality definitely has its downfalls as well. Nothing has taught me to listen to my body and the importance of slowing down like this third trimester has, and, like I’m sure having a baby will here in the next few days (and throughout the course of the next few months).

When it comes to working out in your third trimester of pregnancy, you might be facing some new challenges. Your body in general just feels more uncomfortable, you probably feel bigger than ever, and certain movements just might not feel good to you anymore. During my third trimester, I have learned to love my daily strolls with Beau. We’ve tried to explore new trails by our house that we can take baby Sims on when she arrives. We are blessed to live in such a beautiful location surrounded by mountains and fields and beautiful fall colors, so these walks have become therapeutic for me at times!

Michael and I definitely go for neighborhood strolls together but I honestly love these solo strolls I take with Beau because it allows me to just get in a good headspace. During these third trimester walks, I’ve learned to embrace the changes my body is going through. Maybe 9 months ago I would be running this trail, but at this point in time…walking feels best for my body, as it’s growing a human and doing amazing things. As I learn to accept these physical changes my body is (and will continue to) go through, I’ve been preparing myself for the new pace of life I’ll be encountering over these next few months. Having a new baby means pressing pause on work for a while, which, if any of you are self-employed or own your own business, you know this is no easy task. But, over these past several weeks…I am learning to embrace this new season of life we are about to embark on. I’m learning to lean into the changes, lean into a season of ‘rest’ (in a sense. Probably not the sleeping sense haha), and being okay with slowing down, both with my physical activity, and with work + other life commitments.

As a new mom, you’re typically not supposed to workout for about 6 weeks to give your body time to heal and recover. I think it’s still so important though that you are still getting outside, soaking in some sunshine and enjoying the beautiful fall weather with your new baby, if your body is feeling up for it! So I’ve loved exploring new trails in Boulder that I can go walk on with baby Sims once she’s here! If you’re also a new mom, I’d encourage you to find special places you can go walk with your baby. Getting outdoors will do wonders for both of you, I’m sure! A key part to getting outdoors during these colder months is having the right gear to do it with. Y’all know how obsessed I am with Backcountry for all things outdoor – especially when it comes to fall/winter clothes. I love that the cold weather won’t stop me from getting outside because I can layer up with jackets like this amazing down Patagonia jacket and always stay hydrated with my favorite hydroflask water bottle! Don’t forget, you guys can get 15% off your Backcountry purchase with the code LAURENKS15!

So, whatever season of change you might be going through right now…I just want to encourage you to try and close your eyes, take a deep breath, and accept the change or new pace of life with open arms, knowing that each new season of life brings with it an amazing purpose and growth opportunity for who you are as a woman. And while you’re at it…get outdoors!

Thanks for reading!