One of the best things about hosting this podcast, has been giving myself the permission to set aside an hour or two to catch up with some of the best […]
September 16, 2021
Stacey aka WillowjakMama
September 9, 2021
Stacey aka WillowjakMama
‘Choose Your Own After’ Podcast Our moms are sisters; mine is the oldest and hers is the youngest. I’m the eldest cousin and Michelle does a good job in this […]
Yep, that’s right! Willowjak is one year old already! Woohoo! It all started with three baby boys who inspire me most – Will, Owen, Jake – whose lives inspired me […]
‘Choose Your Own After’ Podcast Our first full episode comes with a few surprises. I thought I’d take advantage of a visit with my son Jake and I asked if […]
Owen and Will are bringing an update on the podcast we’ve been talking about for so long… Stacey aka WillowjakMamaI’m Stacey—writer, family caregiver/autism consultant, solo parent of three, and founder […]
Have I ever told you about that time I had dinner with Temple Grandin? If you know me, you’re rolling your eyes right now because I’ve told it to you […]
August 18, 2021
Stacey aka WillowjakMama
Wellness Journey for a Multi-Tasking Mama How are you feeling today? Creaky, sore and stiff? Energetic, limber and ready to move mountains? Have you already been out to run a […]
Maintaining the Positive Mindset in Parenting It’s so easy to feel frustrated with the progress you want to see in your life. As a mama to kids with extraordinary needs, […]
August 2, 2021
Stacey aka WillowjakMama
In my fifteen plus years of blogging, I’ve never received so much feedback as I have from my post, “Fat, Old, Sore and Tired”. That doesn’t please me, to be […]
I can’t really call myself an authentic blogger if I don’t ever discuss the elephant in the room (no pun intended), now can I? This blogging journey started in my […]
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Stacey thank you for your courage in speaking your truth. There were parts of your story that sooooooo resonated with me.
I too have struggled with weight and body image my whole life. I feel fat, out of shape, and it scares me. As I get older and I have the responsibility of caring for a husband with health issues I am becoming mor and more aware of the importance of my own health. People might not believe this because I was such a great athlete when I was younger. I ride the roller coaster of health. My hips hurt, my knees hurt and my back hurts at times. I look at my one sister who has a model like body and I feel even fatter. But when it comes to doing something about it I’m too tired from giving myself to everyone else. I’m good at caring for others but don’t seem to have the time or energy for me.
Sending hugs
I relate too well.
I’m in to walk along side you.
I’m starting a blind email chain. No need to reply or even read it when you’re not up to it. But I’m committed to sending one out every night for my own accountability and will throw in whatever tips or insights I gain along the way. May I add you?
Very relatable! Also fat, old, tired and sore!! I’m in!
Great post!!!
Thanks Jackie! If you read my reply to Michelle above, may I add you to my email chain?
Stacy so well written and I feel sorry you had to hear the comments from your grandfather, from someone you loved and trusted. So sad those boys disrespected you and I could go on.
Recognizing what will make you feel better is the first step.
I want to send you lots of
healthy well wishes.
Your a brave lady.
Love Darlene
Thanks, Darlene. Lifelong battle and we all have our different ones to tackle. Thank you for the support. xo
I see you
I hear you
I feel you
I’m in.
One of my biggest cheerleaders. Thanks, Dana. Putting you on my accountability email chain. xo
Stacey. I am in the same boat and would love to join your group and help each other. I need to lose weight and feel better about myself ❤️
Mo, You of all people know what it means to be in pain and have to push through it. I’m adding you on my email chain. xo
Hi! I’m one of Steph’s friends and your post rocked me. Especially reading about what happened to you at the water park when you were just a young girl. I’m horrified for you and just so sad that many women can relate to most or all that you endured as you grew up. How men treat developing young girls.
I am trying to regain my motivation to keep my body moving which is hard for me without being in-person with my bootcamp group. Solo motherhood means I have to participate by Zoom. I have to live as long as possible to be there for my son so, just like you, my kid’s happiness is one of my reasons why.
Looking forward to following your journey! 🙂
Thanks, Karen. It makes me so angry more than it makes me sad. I’m just so happy that we talk about these things more openly so that new moms of girls and boys know better to protect and empower their kids and to normalize self-love.
I’m starting a blind accountability email chain if I could add you? Just sending out an email every evening to keep myself accountable on this journey and throwing tips I pick up along the way into it. Drop me an email if you’re interested. No pressure and you can delete them as they hit your inbox. Up to you. Thanks for sharing. Staceyfh@willowjak.com
Your story is too relatable. Painful to read but I thank you for being brave enough to share which helps those of us who aren’t.
There isn’t a person who couldn’t relate to this in some way. I’m so sorry for the burden you’ve carried. Speaking this out loud is such a gift to so many people and I truly hope you understand how valued you are. How loveable you are. Thank you for sharing this intimate part of yourself so openly. You are already rocking this journey. And you have an army behind you. Love you, sister.
If there was only one lesson to take from this life, it’s that EVERYONE has a story and burdens to carry. I’m okay and will always be okay. Just have to work on this one a bit harder. Love you, Laur. xo
Girl, I am right here. Whether it is weight, fitness or mental health…we are ALL grappling with something that it’s been our life challenge and it can elude us over and over again. I wish you success and I’ll always be beside you!! Xo
We’ve both got each other’s backs for anything. Thank you, Deb. Love ya and happy birthday!!!!!!!
[…] my fifteen plus years of blogging, I’ve never received so much feedback as I have from my post, “Fat, Old, Sore and Tired”. That doesn’t please me, to be honest. It makes me sad. It shouldn’t be this way that […]
[…] couple of weeks ago I posted about my weight and body image. (Read: Fat, Old, Sore and Tired) It triggered a lot of conversation among some readers who could relate. What excited me most about […]