Living a “limit-less” life.

December 27, 2012

December 26, 2012

A few days ago I took a picture of my excess skin. A few months ago I took a shot of my stretch marks. A few years ago I wrote about discovering my first of three pregnancies. Years before that I founded this website in 2005.

I’m literally an open book. I don’t hide much, mainly because I feel like if you’re hiding, you’re scared. If you are scared, then you have something that limits you.

I don’t like limitations.

While I crave control and find comfort being in command, I also know that my clout stops at me.  I don’t have pull over how people react to me. I don’t have power over how people receive my writings. I don’t have precedence on anything (not even my children) besides me, myself and I.

Knowing my sincere intentions and knowing my outward limitations made me unapologetic when I wrote the audacious statement, “What’s your Excuse?”

While my intention was never to ask “What’s your Excuse…..for every mother not to look like me,” many perceived it that way – and while I was surprised, I wasn’t shocked by the backlash. I’m not re-hashing this controversy to stir up support, I am revisiting this question because I decided to utilize my online influence to inspire others to take control of their health. In the next few months, many followers will be faced with ‘excuses’ after committing to personal and physical change. They may feel bombarded with work, stressed with finances or tired with kids. Many people will feel lack of support, lack of time and lack of overall resources.

I deliberately typed, “What’s your Excuse?” above my now-infamous picture because of everything you just read – if anyone did due-diligence and discovered this website, they would’ve also discovered I share many of the ‘excuses’ other people are faced with.

On a daily basis I have to plan out when I can exercise. If I don’t prepare meals in advance I overeat at my next meal. Since I’m constantly ‘on the go’, 60% of my meals are eaten in my car and often while running errands. In fact, the only time I can browse Facebook or read the news is when I’m in a bathroom or in a grocery line. I have a very limited budget and even forewent Christmas gifts with my husband because we are constantly saving money. I don’t sleep early because I am usually finishing writing projects or responding to emails after their bedtime. I don’t watch much TV because it clouds my concentration when I’m working or with my sons. Speaking of sons, I am their primary caregiver and am with them most of the time. I cook their meals, play with them and supervise their activities. I also rarely turn on the TV, making my job as a doting mother more massive.

My marriage isn’t perfect. My days are not often smooth and my feelings are not always positive. This is why I write – to show others that it’s okay to question your life, to feel challenging emotions and to detest a part of your physical self. This is why I’ve shown you my battle with bulimia, my fears about death, my ugly face after giving birth and my excess skin because of it.

Life is about living your truth – about owning your choices and making no excuse for going headstrong for what you want.

I’ve always wanted to make a positive difference and help others through the spirit of fitness. It’s not by chance or luck that I’ve made it this far into the lives I influence and it’s not a coincidence that you are reading this right here and right now.

In a couple days I will unveil the rules, steps and stages I used when regaining my physique after disordered eating and childbirth. I hope you will join me.

Follow me on Facebook HERE


Gabriel turned 1 on December 18th!


Later that evening, we celebrated the Coronation of my uncle’s wife, Beverly Aducayen as she was crowned,  “Miss Philippines Sacramento”!


My husband and I during my girlfriend, Betty Hsu’s wedding.

 

 

13 Comments

  • Reply Dan remillard December 27, 2012 at 9:05 am

    Interested in your free diet and fitness thanks

  • Reply Kerri December 27, 2012 at 12:30 pm

    Thank you for your honesty. Its the truth… my excuse….I have about 5 I use a lot….its time I don’t! Thanks Maria for opening my eyes.

  • Reply Melissa December 27, 2012 at 1:07 pm

    Sign me up! Will be following you fitness/health posts starting today, I need to get healthier.

  • Reply Viviana December 28, 2012 at 1:02 am

    Great blog Maria! I am so happy I stumbled accross your blog (couple years ago) and can confirm I’ve often felt comfort after reading your posts, but also felt a great deal of motivation. Thank you for being so open and allowing so many people into your journey.
    Just as I was thinking to myself, “I wonder when that diet/exercise plan will come out?” and as I finished this reading this post, it was obvious what my next thought was…”that girl is on top of it! Looking forward to your fitness plan!

    Viviana

  • Reply Chris Ray December 28, 2012 at 4:27 am

    Sign me up!, I ‘m unterrested in your fitness and diet plan…pls get back to me thanks

  • Reply Rosalinda Dominguez January 8, 2013 at 5:02 am

    Let’s do this 🙂

  • Reply Rosalinda Dominguez January 8, 2013 at 5:03 am

    🙂

  • Reply Monica Villarreal January 9, 2013 at 8:32 pm

    Holaaaaa María! First of All Congrats in your blog, it’s great and You sure motivate the readers including myself with your writing. I’m a first time mommy of 3 month baby Boy. I used ti be before my pregnancy an excersie junkie LOVE those endorphins! Any way, I was wondering how long did You wait after your pregnancy, yo work on your abs, I used to work on it everyday, but now, I’m Not so sure When to start reafirming and with what abs workout to Begin with. Regards from Spain!

    • Reply Maria Kang January 10, 2013 at 10:27 pm

      I started working on my abs around 8 weeks post-preggers. The plank was my first real exercise, before that, I just massaged my belly very often to build circulation and strength.

  • Reply Chong January 22, 2013 at 7:30 pm

    Count me in. I am super interested although I lead a pretty sedentary life. I will push myself to look better, eat better and feel better! Can’t wait!

    • Reply Maria Kang January 22, 2013 at 10:18 pm

      Chong – read the first three chapters of my No Excuse program (on my page and Facebook)

  • Reply LDG March 17, 2013 at 6:28 pm

    I don’t mean to berate you but really?? You have NO help to raise your kids besides your husband? Well I have no help. We have two very small boys and I am 42 and pregnant. I felt very bad when I saw your picture and the caption..”What’s your excuse?”. Seriously….you look wonderful and I am happy for you but I like the way I am too and I will continue to do what I can. I may not be skinny or even as fit and highly organised as you but my kids are doing well in school and I am in my 40’s with a healthy pregnancy and I have no health concerns at the moment. Maybe you can do something to change the way you introduce your photos so as to not offend. Perhaps…”I have found a way” or “I struggled and did it…. you can too”. I dunno….but not “what’s your excuse”. Very insensitive.

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