Choosing Balance Blog

I almost didn’t get these shorts because of my short torso...but future me is so thankful I did because they are dang comfy!⠀
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I’m going to just put it straight out there - I’ve always struggled with my tummy. I know so many women struggle too, so I’m saying here - you are not alone AND you can embrace your tummy!⠀
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Trying to get a flat stomach drove me to obsessing over weight, exercise, and food. I’ve come to love an embrace my soft belly now, but the short torso was still nagging. Guys, I have long legs, but a short torso. Which made me think I couldn’t wear high-waisted pants.⠀
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When I saw these shorts, I thought they were so cute and perfect for my . I hesitated, asked Blake a million times if he thought they were okay, and got over my insecurity. And I LOVE these shorts!⠀
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I’ve learned that there’s so much more to life than obsessing over my short torso and clothes I think I can’t wear. There’s no standard I need to meet. I just want to love others and live life fully!⠀
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Ladies, right now if you’re struggling with your belly, know that whatever size or shape it is, it’s beautiful! You CAN embrace it! You do not need a flat belly (that’s way more genetics than anything else)!

NEW MONTH, NEW CITY! We moved to Madison, WI this weekend! We're exhausted but feeling so good about this move!⁠⠀
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Since being married, Blake and I have moved 3 times and lived in 3 states and 4 apartments. It's been an adventure for sure, but I'm excited to be in one city at least for the next 3 years! Thankful for an incredible hubby to go through this with♥️⁠⠀
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Rosie is still scoping out her new space, but we absolutely LOVE our new apartment and neighborhood, and I cannot wait to explore all the local coffee shops!⁠⠀
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If you need me, I'll be unpacking for the foreseeable future, and drinking lots of coffee. Hope you all had an amazing weekend and a blessed start to August!⁠⠀
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Madison folks - Where's the best coffee in Madison?

📷 .sanders.photography

I've been reminded by that body image issues aren't always just about the shape and size of your body, but can also be about your skin.⁠⠀
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For as long as I can remember, I've been ashamed of my arms because of the little red bumps I always have - known as KERATOSIS PILARIS.⁠⠀
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I've felt self-conscious and embarrassed. I've hated summer because it means showing off my bumpy, red arms. And sometimes I've even felt less beautiful than others with smooth arms.⁠⠀
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But, I've gotten to a point where I don't let it define my worth. Yes, I get frustrated with it sometimes, but I won't let the negative thoughts rule my day.⁠⠀
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Because the truth is that our worth has NOTHING to do with the size of our bodies or how "perfect" our skin and hair are. Our worth is deep down inside of us and it NEVER changes.⁠⠀
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What would you do differently today if you owned your unchanging worth?

I love camping🏕️ ⁠⠀
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I NEVER imagined this city girl would utter those words, but I'm telling you, the midwest has rubbed off on me!⁠⠀
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Whenever we go camping, we turn our phones on airplane mode which I love. So much of my daily life is on a screen, and while I love what I do, it's nice to get a break. I find myself feeling more present and more connected with nature and others. After our recent camping trip, I have been thinking a lot about how to bring this type of presence and connection to my daily life and so far this is what I've come up with:⁠⠀
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✨ Turning our phones on airplane mode on Sundays and not using our computers.⁠⠀
✨ Getting outside every day and going on hikes outside the Cities when we can⁠⠀
✨ Not getting on my phone first thing in the morning, and instead getting back into my morning routine that includes meditation, prayer, journalling, and Bible reading.⁠⠀
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Check the blog for a recap of our recent camping trip to Temperance River State Park (including what we ate + did)!⁠⠀
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⬇️ I cannot wait for our next camping trip! Do you love camping? Where is your favorite camping spot?⁠⠀
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Summer is here in MN and I can only think about eating cold foods, and that means my lunch bowls have turned into salad bowls! What have you been craving this summer?⁠⠀
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Side note: This is totally part of intuitive eating! When it's cold, we crave warm foods, but when it's hot we want smoothies, ice cream, watermelon, etc. Pretty cool, right?⁠⠀
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Here's my go-to Turmeric Tuna Salad Recipe:⁠⠀
1 can tuna⁠⠀
1-2 TB of mayo (I love avocado oil one)⁠⠀
1/2 tsp dijon mustard⁠⠀
Fresh ground black pepper⁠⠀
Dash of hot sauce⁠⠀
Turmeric, to taste⁠⠀
Lots of dried dill (or fresh if you have it)⁠⠀
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Mix it all together and eat however you like to eat tuna salad! I love putting mine on a bed of greens and chopped veggies along with a side of plantain chips (the best!!) or crackers.⁠⠀
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Have an amazing holiday weekend!⁠⠀