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Maggie Whitley

joy in motherhood, homemaking, faith & simple living

You are here: Home / family / Girl, get up and RUN!

Girl, get up and RUN!

April 8, 2015 · 58 Comments
Filed Under: family, for fun, Los Angeles, running

how to start running | maggie whitley designs

Maxwell walking maggie whitley

I’ve got a whole lot of “do the same thing every day, all day” in my life right now. And it’s OK — really, it’s OK, and here’s why…

About 7 weeks ago I made a personal commitment to work out more. I mean, we live in Los Angeles where the average daily temperature is like 75*, I can totally do this, I told myself! I’ve always taken Bauer for a daily walk with Max, but since Natalie joined our family in October it was getting harder & harder to load up my crew and head outside for some exercise. Especially if we didn’t go shortly after breakfast. Especially since it takes 30 literal minutes to walk out the door. Especially.

Rewind a few more weeks prior. I saw a photo of myself and thought, “noooooo, no no no”. I didn’t like the woman I saw in the photo because I knew it wasn’t the best version of me. For days all I could think about was how “unlike me” I looked, which meant I couldn’t stop thinking about the photo.

los angeles flowers maggie whitley

Zack and I are on a journey to becoming debt-free and are practicing minimal spending, so I took the resources I had (a Britax B-Ready double stroller and 2 sets of workout clothes) and began a fool-proof interval workout routine. The only things I’ve bought since starting are a new pair of running shoes and a Fitbit for personal encouragement.

Each morning I take both kids and our pup for a 90-minute walk/run workout, and I push myself to run just a little bit longer than the previous day. As the weeks pass I take the running momentum I’ve gained to work even harder. About halfway through my run we stop at a grassy park so Max can play in the water fountains and run around. (Natalie usually sleeps the entire time.) These park breaks are just as rewarding for me as they are for Max, I love watching him be a little boy and dirty his feet :)

Maxwell grass maggie whitley

When I was about 3-1/2 weeks into my new journey I had Zack measure me (arms, bust, waist, hips, thighs, calves). Two weeks later he re-measured and I had lost 5.25″ overall. Awesome, I thought. Two weeks later he measured me again and another 2.25″ had been lost, totaling 7.5″ overall. Encouraging!

Monday is another re-measure day and any progress I make is great progress, for sure. But, it’s not just about the numbers I’m recording. It’s about feeling confident and happy and healthy.

Natalie Maggie Whitley

The hardest part of this journey? Pushing through once I got bad shin splints on both legs. That was a painful 10 days and I made little progress with running, but I didn’t quit. For the most part it’s been a breeze to continue running week after week, which has me wondering, WHY DIDN’T I BEGIN THIS NEW JOURNEY MONTHS AGO? ;)

I’ve never been a runner. Like, get out the megaphone: I’ve never been a runner. The fact that my body now thrives on running is a bit strange but, I’m not going to fight it. My “pro” column is overflowing with reasons, and my “con” column is absolutely empty.

tree bark maggie whitley

Having a consistent workout routine has been beyond amazing. Here are my best “yeses” for running:

* my patience has increased

* I’m sleeping way better at night

* I feel way more motivated to tackle projects around our apartment (yeow!)

* many of my (constant) unhealthy cravings have gone away (double yeow!)

* my general outlook is more positive

* there’s so much natural beauty to see in our neighborhood (an abundance of color & texture)

* I enjoy the clothes in my closet more, even though I still wear the same five outfits (ha, ha)

* I feel way more intimately connected with my husband. (This one is a huge PLUS for me. It is hard to sift through the many emotions/needs/postpartum-ness (right?) and seek intimacy with my husband. So like I said, getting outside for a long run each day has been a huge plus:)

culver hotel maggie whitley

When I began my personal challenge I was walking about 2 miles/day, and slowly I’ve transitioned to running close to 5 miles/day. We’re gone for about two hours each morning, returning home just in time for lunch and naps. One huge saving grace with all of this is having easy/healthy lunches ready to serve. I almost always have tuna or chicken salad in the fridge (I make it on Sundays), along with sliced cheese, fruit, pretzels, and yogurt. Once lunch and naps are over the afternoons fly by and suddenly Zack’s on his way home from work.

I miss having hours of morning time at home to play and paint and read books (and lazy around, let’s be honest), but right now this personal journey is well worth the schedule changes. I can’t think of an area in my life that hasn’t benefited immensely from my morning run.

Maxwell maggie whitley

What inspired all of this? Many things. First, my mom visited mid-February and was hugely motivating in me increasing my daily activity. Then I saw Lydia’s Instagram post. And lastly, I saw “that one photo” that confirmed I looked as blahhhhhh as I felt on the inside. (Or so I thought.)

Honestly though, it’s not at all about a specific number of miles or inches lost or pounds shed — we don’t even own a scale (and I’m unsure of my weight).

Max maggie whitley

It is about these three things: 1.) I want to be fit so I can be active with my family, 2.) I want to stop feeling self-conscious over how my clothes fit, and 3.) I want to feel absolutely amazing about myself so there are no intimacy walls between my husband and I.

So, here is where things stand: working out 2 hours/day (includes park playtime), running 4+ miles, gone 6 days/week = 7.5″ lost.

Basically, I set a realistic workout goal and I stuck to it. I began by walking fast with super light jogging. Then I increased my jogging time. Then I began to mix running into my super fast walk. I was all, Girl, get up and run! You can do this! You totally can! And when I got home from my first workout and I felt all, Yeahhhh! Yeahhhh!, I knew I had found a routine that was going to work. Success!

PS. there’s also this: #watchMaggierun.

Maxwell maggie whitley

Yeahhh!

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58 Comments
Filed Under: family, for fun, Los Angeles, running

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Comments

  1. Mara says

    April 8, 2015 at 6:09 am

    Thank you!! It’s raining here in Wisco today and I’m trying to get up some motivation to get running starting this week :) I have a one year old and an almost 4 year old, do you have any tips on double strollers? What kind is yours, and do you like it?? Thank you!

    Reply
    • Maggie Whitley says

      April 8, 2015 at 7:56 am

      We use the Britax B-Ready stroller and it’s been pretty good for city running. We don’t do any hills with it and it handles sidewalk bumps/cracks pretty well. I love it because it’s fairly compact and the kids side in front of each other, not side by side. I can get into all doorways just fine. I think with this model there is a weight limit for each seat, I think 50 lbs? Look into that before you make a purchase, I see you shared your one child is almost 4yo :)

      Reply
  2. Anne says

    April 8, 2015 at 6:34 am

    Hi have been following you for a long time now and its funny how we have gone through life changes the same, Trying to have our first child and I have kids just your kids age and when I read your blog it is like I could have wrote it. Thank you for sharing your story! Its been inspiring! : )

    Reply
    • Maggie Whitley says

      April 8, 2015 at 7:56 am

      Thanks Anne!!!

      Reply
  3. Christine says

    April 8, 2015 at 7:06 am

    that is amazing! You go Maggie! You look great. You’ve inspired me to start a workout regimen. I always wanted to start running but I feel silly.

    Reply
    • Maggie Whitley says

      April 8, 2015 at 7:58 am

      Yeowwww!

      And don’t feel silly. Start slowly but with a commitment. Jog at first, then increase your speed when you’re ready. Also a well fitting bra has been super helpful for me ;)

      Reply
      • Katie says

        April 8, 2015 at 2:27 pm

        Any recommendations? Seems I can only find ones for light activity such as yoga, not running.

        Reply
        • Erin says

          April 8, 2015 at 3:56 pm

          Victorias Secret has the best sports bras HANDS DOWN. Lots of choices to keep the “sisters” in place.

          Reply
          • Maggie Whitley says

            April 8, 2015 at 7:26 pm

            This is my favorite: https://www.underarmour.com/en-us/ua-eclipse-bra/pid1248338-001

            Reply
  4. Kate says

    April 8, 2015 at 7:55 am

    I’ve been watching this from the start and am pumped that you’re seeing such amazing results. Our clothing is the only key we need to assess what our fitness programs do for our bodies, as the scale can be quite deceptive and never tell the true story. But when our clothes fit like we desire, when our moods are lifted, our joy revealed and our smiles expand, that’s the only outcome everyone needs to pay attention to, and the only thing that matters. One suggestion for helping with recovery is to have compression sleeves to slip on after your run. I do a lot of walking at a very fast pace and these really help my calves afterwards. You can get full socks, or just sleeves to slip over your legs and believe me, they help. I love mine. Keep running, Maggie!!!

    Reply
    • Maggie Whitley says

      April 8, 2015 at 8:10 am

      Hi Kate! Thank you for your super encouraging comment. You are a beautiful writer :) I’ll have to check out those socks, come bedtime my legs are definitely sore and ready for rest.

      Reply
  5. melissa stover says

    April 8, 2015 at 8:35 am

    was the Fitbit a worth it purchase? I’m considering one but the price is holding me back. you are awesome!

    Reply
    • Maggie Whitley says

      April 8, 2015 at 8:39 am

      I have the Zip and it’s been awesome, it was less than $60 and it’s hugely motivating for me to see how much I can move throughout the day :) I’ve also been doing some of their challenges which encourages me to move even more! So for me, yes well worth the money.

      Reply
  6. Heidi says

    April 8, 2015 at 9:46 am

    I’ve been following your progress on Instagram and saying to myself, I should totally just do that. No fancy equipment, no money spent, just gooooo! (We have the same stroller, too, except mine is a single!) I ran-walked a 5K last year and I’m not runner AT ALL. I want to get there again. Keep up the good work, Maggie. I’m about to join your ranks. :)

    Reply
    • Maggie Whitley says

      April 8, 2015 at 2:00 pm

      It’s such a FANTASTIC feeling knowing I could tailor my workout routine to fit my family and our schedule. You can do it, Heidi! ♥ Pick something that you will enjoy and will push you to better yourself! And thank you for the super encouraging comment!!! xoxo

      Reply
  7. Allison says

    April 8, 2015 at 9:59 am

    Good for you! I saw a picture of myself a little while ago that I didn’t like either. I’m trying to work out often as well, it’s good to know other people are in the same boat and I’m even more excited for you that you are making a change! I feel more inspired already.

    You have helped me a lot these couple days. There is a lot of stuff going on and reading through your blog and archives has really helped. You were literally the second blog I ever started following way back in 2011 and it has been so much fun to see your journey. You are such an inspiration to me-don’t ever stop.

    I live in LA as well and would love to get coffee sometime, when you aren’t running ;)

    -Allison

    Reply
    • Maggie Whitley says

      April 8, 2015 at 2:06 pm

      I love this chain affect of women encouraging other women, THAT is what makes me happy! :) You’re doing great, you’ve planted a seed to make a change and so now you need to keep up the momentum. Like I shared with another commenter, find a workout that fits with your family and schedule. You can do it!

      I saw on your blog you work at PP, Zack has worked at many post-production houses since moving here about 2.5 years ago, from Santa Monica to Marina Del Rey to Venice. Similar market, eh? ;)

      We should meet up, send me an email! maggie at maggie whitley dot com

      Reply
  8. janine says

    April 8, 2015 at 10:21 am

    I know what you mean by “i am not a runner’
    Neither was I.. I didn’t even run to catch the bus.
    But a few weeks ago, after being cleared for excercise by my physical therapist, I started running.
    and it is awesome!!!!!

    I currently have an inflamed joint in my foot ( thank you fybromyalgia) and am not allowed to run but.. I actually miss it.
    i can’t wait to start again!

    Reply
    • Maggie Whitley says

      April 8, 2015 at 2:08 pm

      Oh man, you had me at “I didn’t even run to catch the bus.” :) Girl, that’s some truth!

      Reply
  9. Nicole says

    April 8, 2015 at 3:43 pm

    Watching your journey on Instagram the last few weeks literally got me out of the house to run! I went for my third run this morning and I’m feeling great! I think I’ve found something I actually like… and I never thought I would like running!!

    When you say you run 4+ miles, are you running the whole time or is it a walk/run? I’m still walk/running and want to work up to consistent running!

    Keep it up lady, you’re inspiring others :) <3

    Reply
    • Maggie Whitley says

      April 8, 2015 at 7:30 pm

      Ahhhhh, SO EXCITING! Good for you, girl! I’m walking probably 60% and running probably 40%. It’s a great mix that’s givingme great results. My goal is to be running maybe 70%? I have to stop a lot for sidewalk intersections and bumps, I run in a cute little downtown neighborhood so there’s a lot going on… I can’t just “run” without stopping. I give myself maybe 20 minutes to warm up (1 mile) and then I start mixing my walking with running. What’s helped a lot is to push myself to run longer the next time I do an interval run. It’s so good! :)

      Reply
  10. Erin says

    April 8, 2015 at 3:59 pm

    I started running a couple years ago cause a few women in my MOPS group started running and I really did it more for the fellowship but I had to start doing something workout wise so win win. They were running a 5K every time (2-3x a week). We did intervals and we weren’t terribly fast and that first one was AWFUL. But after my first 2 runs it was kind of like no big deal. Running is great cause ANYONE can do it, you don’t have to be fast you just have to be moving forward. Exercise is LIFE to mommas with littles! It really helps!

    Reply
    • Maggie Whitley says

      April 8, 2015 at 7:31 pm

      Amen! :D

      Reply
  11. Jessica says

    April 8, 2015 at 4:14 pm

    Thanks for this! Before I got pregnant with my second (she’s 15 months) I had become a runner (started when my first was 9 months). I had been running for six months and training for a 10k when I got pregnant with the second. So running went away and during pregnancy I somehow ruptured a disc in my lower back. When Eva was 7 months old and I had endured a year of severe pain I had to have surgery. So here I am 9 months later not liking myself in photos. I’ve been walking with the girls now that it has stopped snowing (Kentucky) and got new shoes. Monday I decided that maybe I could still be a runner? My back hurts every day anyway so I may as well try. And I did about a mile! So there’s a new running group at our church and I think I’m going to join it. All that to say that #watchmaggierun has been part of my inspiration!!

    Reply
    • Maggie Whitley says

      April 8, 2015 at 7:37 pm

      I believe you can achieve great results with walking, don’t let that deter you!!!! You may have to do a few more miles each day to get the results you want, but they’re totally achievable. So exciting! Thank you for taking the time to leave a comment, it means so much :)

      Reply
  12. Katie says

    April 8, 2015 at 5:37 pm

    Great work! I’m trying to get myself to move a bit more than my walk now that it’s warming up here in the Midwest. Wishing I had a friend to jog with, but thinking that your IG encouragement might do the trick! :)

    Reply
    • Maggie Whitley says

      April 8, 2015 at 7:37 pm

      I LOVE IT! ♥

      Reply
  13. Whitney W says

    April 8, 2015 at 8:43 pm

    This is so inspiring! I only have one baby (9 month old baby girl) but I have been way stressed at work lately and have been stress eating to the max! This post could not have come at a better time – I so needed to be inspired and see someone out there getting results which will make me push harder! I have a fitbit and am determined to reach my daily goal and then some!! Could we be fitbit friends? I need someone to keep me in check and challenged! You are an amazing person! So proud of you!! You are a serious inspiration to me and everyone else!

    Reply
    • Maggie Whitley says

      April 8, 2015 at 10:34 pm

      That is the worst! I heard recently that a lot of times we misinterpret thirst for hunger, which I’m totally guilty of doing! Yeahhhhh, add me, my email is whitley dot maggie at gmail! ♥

      Reply
  14. Laura says

    April 8, 2015 at 11:12 pm

    Inspiring! Go get it Maggie!

    Reply
  15. Leigh says

    April 9, 2015 at 9:01 am

    Girl this is so amazing. Good for you!! I know there’s always a struggle after having kids especially and looks like you’ve found your groove. You’re also making time for yourself and something that you love which is a bonus. Good luck. Keep it up, I know you can!! xo

    Reply
  16. jill says

    April 9, 2015 at 11:35 am

    oh you, i love you!! you look fabulous grrrrrl! always such an inspiration!! i GOTTA do this! xoxo

    Reply
  17. Haley says

    April 9, 2015 at 12:27 pm

    Dusted off the old fitbit this morning. Winter was really hard, but your IG pics are very encouraging.

    PS. This popped up in my bloglovin list this morning… maybe it will help with the shin splints: http://www.popsugar.com/fitness/Exercises-Prevent-Shin-Splints-8028901

    Reply
  18. cindy says

    April 9, 2015 at 7:11 pm

    This is so very encouraging, spring is coming and I am going to get outside and soak up some sun and find some great energy too. So proud, as always. Love you girl.

    Reply
    • Maggie Whitley says

      April 10, 2015 at 9:03 pm

      Yeahhhhhhh :D

      Reply
  19. Kristen says

    April 10, 2015 at 4:14 pm

    Thank you so much for this post Maggie! I’ve always loved your blog, but this post, whoop whoop, it is JUST what I needed to hear. My first baby is just over 6 months old, and I’m (finally) ready to get myself back into shape. No more excuses. So Monday, I’m starting out. Fingers crossed and prayers said!

    Reply
    • Maggie Whitley says

      April 10, 2015 at 9:02 pm

      You won’t regret it! Finding a workout that I enjoyed was super helpful to me commiting to it. I’m so excited for you :) there’s nothing more important than a mama who takes good care of herself. Keep me updated!!!!!!!

      Reply
  20. maggie b. says

    April 11, 2015 at 3:06 pm

    You go, girl! As another Mama Maggie … a few years ahead of you and a “learned” runner as well … you are all over this. You’ve got it. It’s so good for you AND your family. Keep it up, my friend. I have four not-so-little-anymore ones and I started running when my final baby was born. I’m in better shape and a better frame of mind now than I ever was before. It’s good for me and a beautiful example for my kids. Hugs to you, beautiful one!

    Reply
    • Maggie Whitley says

      April 12, 2015 at 7:37 am

      This is such an encouraging comment, I’m so glad you took a moment to share it with me :) I hadn’t understood what the hype was about running, but definitely once I hit 2 miles on a run I begin to understand. It’s so therapeutic, and like you said, I’m in “a better frame of mind”. xo

      Reply
  21. Ines says

    April 11, 2015 at 3:19 pm

    Aw, Maggie, I have been ‘lurking’ on your IG for a while now and just wanted to say hooray! You’re doing an awesome job! Thanks for taking the time to share these encouraging real life snippets with the world :*)

    Reply
    • Maggie Whitley says

      April 12, 2015 at 7:38 am

      AMAZING! Yay! :) Thanks Ines!!!

      Reply
  22. Sarah says

    April 11, 2015 at 8:14 pm

    What I love about all this is your commitment to prioritize health/wellness/mama in your life. It takes a lot of energy just to get out of the house with littles at all.. I love that you are making it the first priority in the day and letting the rest of the day sort itself out around that number one goal. Plus, I bet your littles are loving it – kids thrive on predictable routines, and I’m imagining it’s very comforting to Max to know what to expect each day!

    Plus, that glow – your energy and health and joy seriously radiates, and it is SO encouraging and just makes me happy to see!

    I really need to prioritize physical activity more. For some reason I feel like I should be doing all kinds of things during the week when really the one best thing I can do for my kids as their mama is to be well. Add me to the list of #seemaggierun converts! :D

    Reply
    • Maggie Whitley says

      April 12, 2015 at 7:42 am

      You know, I think they *do* love it! Especially Max and Bauer ;) It was hard to keep going day after day, but only for like a millisecond. I feel like I’ve found the perfect exercise for me. Thank you so much for commenting, Sarah! ♥

      Reply
  23. Kristen says

    April 11, 2015 at 8:15 pm

    I have the same stroller and was truly letting that stop me from running with my 4 month-old… been thinking I needed a specialty running stroller or some such other thing we (too) shouldn’t spend $$$ on at the moment. Realizing now that the stroller was just an excuse. Thanks so, so much for the inspiration!

    Reply
    • Maggie Whitley says

      April 12, 2015 at 7:47 am

      Awww, I’m SO SO HAPPY to be reading your comment :) Yeah, girl! You can totally do this! Put on your favorite workout outfit and head out with your sweet baby!!!!

      Reply
  24. Laura says

    April 13, 2015 at 7:14 pm

    Like you, I have never been a runner! I like to say that I only run if my life is in danger! I do love walking and walk a few miles each evening, but maybe this week I’ll throw in a few jogs! :)

    Reply
  25. Franchesca says

    April 14, 2015 at 6:45 pm

    Maggie!! I have been following your running journey on IG and this was awesome. AWESOME! Good for you, I love your goals. I feel the same way about working out, for me it’s yoga. I also felt that Wow! feeling, never expecting to love it so much. I hope to kick up my running, you’ve really inspired me! Do you start at your home and begin your run or at a park? Just curious.

    Reply
    • Maggie Whitley says

      April 16, 2015 at 1:41 pm

      Yes! We run our neighborhood. We live just a couple blocks from the cutest downtown area, it’s got lots of fun shops & restaurants and is always bustling with people and dogs. I typically walk the first mile to warm up and do this while still in our neighborhood (I walk the streets, there are many, and walk both sides of the houses on a street to get in extra steps/miles). Then for mile 2 I walk a little farther in our neighborhood before heading over towards the downtown area. I walk mile 2.5-3.5 “out”, past the downtown area. Once I hit 3.5 miles I turn around and head back home, which takes me at least 1 full mile. Now I’m at 4.5 miles and am like, “WOW that was super easy!” :) It always goes by so fast. I’m amazed! There’s a part a few miles away that we sometimes walk to, it has a steep hill that I’ve been training myself to be able to run up with the stroller ;) Yeowwwwwwwwwwwww!

      Reply
  26. aimee says

    April 15, 2015 at 10:24 pm

    Love this I just started walking the 2mile round trip for school pick up, and its super easy to fit into my day since it only adds 10 min to my pick up time. I plan on keeping it up and just start jogging the last stretch home…your instagram post on running made me get up and run :)

    Reply
    • Maggie Whitley says

      April 16, 2015 at 1:37 pm

      Yeahhhhhhhhhhhh! LOVE THAT! :) Great job Aimee!

      Reply
  27. Loren says

    April 17, 2015 at 10:01 pm

    thanks for this post, and for encouraging others by sharing your fitness journey. i’m a work at home/homeschool mom of four and it’s been so very hard to find any time for fitness for myself. for as long as i have been a mom, it just hasn’t fit because of work at home and full time mamahood. and this post motivated me to just try it WITH my kids in tow. there’s no other option, so i just gotta do it. thanks again, and great job on what you’ve accomplished so far!! :)

    Reply
  28. Nancy says

    April 20, 2015 at 6:21 am

    Very happy to have come across this entry. I am at the point where I feel all the things you described above (not feeling my personal 100%; self conscious with clothing; sluggish; overeating of junk food; lack of patience…). And I’m not a runner. Just perhaps aiming to get out and walk is a realistic goal. I live in Canada and we had a rough winter but now the weather is improving so really walking is the best activity. How old is your little one? My daughter is 27 months and not sure she’d have the patience to stay in a stroller for that long. She often wants to explore on her own. I might have to tweak this plan by going out walking on my own in the evening after she goes to bed….Overall, this is a happy and positive post. Very motivating and good for you!

    Reply

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ABOUT MAGGIE WHITLEY DESIGNS:
Maggie Whitley weaves her writings around joy in motherhood, homemaking, faith, and simple living. She homeschools her children, enjoys a quiet room while reading, and roars with laughter over the challenges & delights of motherhood. Maggie and her husband, along with their four young children, live in metro-Detroit. She has been writing online since 2008.
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#womenintheword #wearethehomemakers #scripture #dailyintheword #titus2woman #healthylifestyle #mentalhealth #anxiety #anxietyawareness
Current backyard status: stunning in wonder ❄️ Current backyard status: stunning in wonder ❄️✨
A quiet night: the furnace is running, the tea is A quiet night: the furnace is running, the tea is hot, and the whisper of a page turning. ♨️☕️📖 // We are breaking from school this week, my plan is to read a lot, walk a lot, and rest a lot. How about you?

#mothersofinstagram #tea #winterreading #hygge
I fought every internal comment I could think of a I fought every internal comment I could think of and took my kiddos for a looooong walk today before dinner. ❄️✨ There’s just so much work required to raise children! I’m feeling like a tired lady. But sunshine & fresh air are good companions to keep around. 

We came home and I made “the best dinner ever”. Max specifically announced, “it’s so great you’re launching new meals to the world”. LOL— kids! 🤣👏🏻💓
How about a little Wednesday night introduction? 😘Social media sure has changed over the years and we don’t always SEE who we’re following or remember WHY we’re following certain accounts. 

So, hello! As you can gather, my name is Maggie ;) 

I started writing online (almost 13 years ago) to share the handmade products I was sewing. My shop was called Gussy Sews. ✂️👛I love the community that has grown from sewing & sharing online.

Let’s FFW to today: Zack and I live in Michigan and have four young children (2 boys & 2 girls). I slowly left the handmade industry and walked right into homemaking, homeschooling, and encouraging women through writing. 💕📝

Motherhood has been very hard on me. (And not just because of how close in age our four children are.) It’s been hard for me because I fought for years to accept that *it’s supposed to be hard*. 

I mean, how do you effectively teach another person to know and love the Lord? Bc that’s how I think of motherhood: a calling to nurture others by studying the One who nurtures me. So I gotta make the first move: study the Bible and seek Him first. As my friend Autumn reminded me, vulnerability births transformation. 

(I’ve had to be really vulnerable!)

So, yes motherhood has fully transformed me. But even more so, Christ has fully transformed me. My list of “all that He’s done for me” is off to a beautifully long start.

Something else I want you to know about me: I stalled for years before acknowledging I have anxiety and depression. It’s hard to talk about this because of course this isn’t forever “my hardship”, but rather because acknowledging this means to heal I have to work through some really difficult things. ✨

But my friend Jesus walks alongside me. He’s already done a mighty work in my heart, including helping me process my anger in healthier ways. I’ve also adopted a heart for sisterhood, mothering, and Titus 2 mentorship.

Sometimes our greatest losses are our greatest gains? That’s what I’m clinging to!

How about you? Tell me something about yourself so I can get to know you on a deeper heart level. 🖤🖤
How do you play in the winter? // We had a really How do you play in the winter? // We had a really great time visiting family in northern Michigan. On my blog I share a few ways we played outside, plus I describe a memorable childhood game ❄️☃️. Did you play it as a kiddo?
We had gotten a bit lazy with our rhythms: screens We had gotten a bit lazy with our rhythms: screens in the morning (HGTV), playtime before lessons, and not enough quiet time after lunch. This made for a really, ummm, unenjoyable learning experience. 

But today! Today we reset the rhythm, and we have had a much happier home & time learning together. 👏🏻
Visit my stories for a quick message from ME — t Visit my stories for a quick message from ME — think outside the box in terms of how you view the definition of “motherhood” 💓😘 (also: look at my little friend, she’s sooooo snuggly)
It’s another cold, winter day. ❄️Today I hop It’s another cold, winter day. ❄️Today I hope to bundle up for another family nature walk, knowing the fresh air sweeps out any & all frustration, inviting inspiration inside. ✨That’s something we all need more of.
seriously LOL: I’ve found the secret to calming seriously LOL: I’ve found the secret to calming the Laundry Beast (as a family of 6). Who wants the inside scoop? ✔️🧺👏🏻
Another batch of “fun mail” is headed out tomo Another batch of “fun mail” is headed out tomorrow :) small celebrations like this are very life giving! PS. thinking of starting a zoom book club — I need more sisterhood in my life. 👏🏻📖
The house is quiet. The heat is on. The pages are The house is quiet. The heat is on. The pages are turning. The tea is calm. 🖤☕️🧺📖
Breakfast with Buzz! If only you could see his ful Breakfast with Buzz! If only you could see his full costume and laser blaster and of course the Buzz action figure he flys around 🌟💚💙💨someone has discovered a superhero crush! #joyinmotherhood #slowmornings #surprisedbymotherhood // Landon @ 2.5yo
Today on my blog I have a list of books I hope to Today on my blog I have a list of books I hope to read this year. Plus my reading goal for the year. And a few practicals ways I fit in reading as a mama of four young children & homeschooling them. Basically, all the good stuff ☺️💓📖 #maggiewhitleydotcom #readersofinstagram #read #readmorebooks
It was the perfect opportunity to rearrange the fu It was the perfect opportunity to rearrange the furniture as we took the tree down Tuesday midday. Def one of my fav things to do.🎄👋🏻 We made it through our first week back to school since mid-December! It was rough to begin but ended with high fives. ⭐️✏️This morning I zoomed with a mama friend and I’m impressed with the many topics we covered. Sisterhood is sooooo necessary! ☕️👩🏽‍🤝‍👩🏼

Just a few cheery memories from my week! How about you?
Book reading! One of my best “Maggie” activiti Book reading! One of my best “Maggie” activities. I finished my last book moments before 2020 ended, which brought my started list to a close. Small joys add up to big joys ;)

What are you reading this year? Currently?

How many books are you planning to read? What’s your goal?

I’ll share what’s on my list for 2021 soon as I received some nice titles at Christmas. 📖✨🤍
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