Who she is:
Meredith Atwood is a mama of two who has been married 16 years. An Ironman competitor, she is the author of Triathlon for the Every Woman, which has been fully revised and will be re-released in 2019; and a memoir, also coming out in 2019. Her podcast, called "The Same 24 Hours," is available on iTunes, Stitcher, and Podbean.
Why we think she's one of the #MomsMakingWaves:
Meredith, a successful attorney with two young kids, seemed to have it all. But inside, she felt she had lost herself. So she set out on a life transformation and documented her journey through a podcast and books. Her journey has empowered and inspired thousands of other women.
Tell us a bit about your journey:
In 2010, I had two young children under the age of two and I was working full-time as an attorney.
I was sad and out of shape -- I had no idea who I was anymore. And I also had no idea how to swim or ride a bike. I was also about 250 pounds, exhausted, sad, and angry. I had no time for myself as it was, so carving out a sport that was "for me" was a remarkably brave and scary act.
But I did it. I decided to tackle the sport of triathlon.
Little did I know that taking this brave step would change everything for me personally -- and also for a community of women with whom I began to share my story.
I finished a triathlon and I kept going. Through the years, I even finished the super-long races -- the IRONMAN (2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike, 26.2-mile marathon run) and went on to do a marathon as a wheelchair pusher.
What you learned along the way:
The athletic achievements -- while amazing and fun -- do not compare to the emotional, spiritual, and goal-driving gifts that moving my body in sport taught me.
I learned how to push through tough times, and to just keep moving forward no matter what. That has translated well into everyday life -- to live in a space of gratitude and hard work, and set an example for my children. I left a profession I did not like. I changed myself. I am almost three years sober.
I think it's important to note that I am not a "weight loss transformation" story. I am a life transformation story. I am still nearly 200 pounds and I work hard to be healthy, active, and strong. The idea that we constantly need to be shrinking ourselves is a fundamental harm that we as women are doing to ourselves. Would I like to weigh less? Sure. But I am also a testament to how much we can do in the bodies we have.
Our family culture:
Our house is full of irreverence and laughter. None of us take ourselves too seriously. My goal as a mom is to raise good people who actually want to come to visit me sometimes when they are adults. I aspire to a good relationship with them. I know the teen years are coming and that's terrifying.
I try to focus on communication with my kiddos, and hope that keeps us moving in the right direction. That and fart jokes.
Did your kids inspire you on your life transformation journey?
Absolutely. I knew that I had so much baggage left over from childhood -- especially around body image -- that I wanted better for my son and daughter. Taking positive steps towards my health and wellness, I knew would translate to them. So far it has.
What is the key message you want to share with others?
That forward is a pace. That as long as we are moving forward towards our best selves, health, and goals, then we are making progress.
We all have the same 24 hours in the day, but there are a million ways to make the most of ours. It's up to us to make it happen. In this Amazon-culture, we expect so much to come in two-day shipping. But the truth of the matter is that healing takes time -- just as finishing school, starting a new career, or writing a book takes time. We need to take time and be patient -- but just keep moving forward in our lives.
What is the mission that fuels you?
Far too many of us, especially moms, are so worried about how our kids and families are doing. We aren't taking time for ourselves, our dreams, and our priorities beyond our families. I understand that family is often our top priority, but we must also make room for our own health and wellness. The mission that fuels me is to inspire and show or guide women on how to take their lives and make room to pursue their greatest health, happiness, and success.
What's your morning routine?
It's really short, but effective. I lay in bed for one minute and take deep breaths in the dark after my alarm goes off.
Then I use my Five Minute Journal right there in my bed and fill that out. I find this exercise to be super effective in setting my mind for the day.
I can't quite bring myself to carve out large blocks of time for meditation or long journaling, but I am working on that! The morning routine that is most effective? The one we actually do! I have a great podcast with Craig Kulyk on creating good mornings (you can find it here.).
How do you keep going on days when it all seems to be too much?
I remind myself of what is true. We all too often use broad, sweeping statements like, "I am a terrible mother" or "I will never lose weight." Reframing our thoughts into what is true, "I am having a tough Mom day," and "I am fueling my body with good food," are quick fixes.
I love the quote from Hafiz: "The words you speak become the house you live in." This is so true -- what we embody, we become. If we keep our words meaningful and positive, we will get through the tough times and move towards the future.
How can other moms support your work and your mission?
I have two books coming out in 2019 that I am super excited about! One is a re-release of my triathlon book, and the second is a pot-boiling memoir and get-out-of-your-own way book that will change the way you look at life. I would also love it if everyone would follow me on Instagram and Facebook and stay tuned for what's coming. I think it's going to be big!
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