Rollerderby Saved My Sanity (and body!)

4/15/2011

So, as many of you might already know... I joined roller derby. I've joined The Dodge City Rollers, an enthusiastic rookie team here in Cumberland BC. I've since become a little obsessed, promoting roller derby, watching roller derby, even making roller derby art like the picture below:

I haven't given up on the Madonna and Child Project, in fact I may have a roller derby madonna to add to the lineup, but I'm just finding I have some new interests in my life. It's been quite a revelation that my body is still capable of something so physical. Childbirth took such a toll on my body and my energy levels that I almost felt like I would never get my old athletic body back. I felt like that was ok- I was willing to make that sacrifice for my kids, I was willing to give up my body for the bodies of my children. What a revelation to realize I don't have to make that choice! It's been amazing to realize that I can sometimes make myself a priority, to make sure I have a life outside of my children.

Here are some before and after photos of my progress. I have not lost much weight mind you, because I'm building a lot of muscle, but I've lost a lot of belly fat. If this doesn't inspire you to join roller derby I don't know what will.

This photo is from April 5th, when I was already feeling pretty good about my progress.

This is April 15th- only 10 days later. Maybe my bikini days aren't over after all!

So... if you ever wonder about pursuing your own interests, putting yourself first occasionally... if you ever feel guilty like I did for wanting to spend a little time away from your kids... just do it. I find I have so much more patience, so much more joy to offer my kids since I started taking care of myself. If roller derby hasn't saved my soul it at least saved my sanity!

4 Comments

Melodie link

4/15/2011 01:58:19 pm

I think this is so cool Kate! And especially neat that you're doing it in Cumberland where I grew up! Actually I grew up all over the Comox Valley, but I spent grades 4-6 in Cumberland. Isn't it a great little town? I have a couple of friends doing Roller Derby. It scares me a little - all that gritty female energy, but it does look like fun and it's probably the coolest sport around.I love the nicknames everyone has. Anyway, I get what you mean about taking care of yourself and getting out of the house and away from the kids. While it isn't exercise, I've started volunteer work and it fills my soul in a different way. Take care!

khairun link

7/11/2011 09:54:05 pm

Hello Kate

Just want to say how much I'm enjoying reading your blog and looking at your wonderful art work. This post is very encouraging for me, as a mother of a toddler, with plans for a second one in the very near future! I'm constantly at battle between the things I'd like to do just for my own gratification and actively spending time with my son. I find activities like writing and painting, things that I love to do, the very things I also hate to do the most because I feel I have to be alone to do that ie. away from my son, and all the noise that comes with my son!
How do you manage the time and environment you need for your art, whilst being a mother and not feel those twinges of guilt?

Thanks again for a thoroughly good read.

Khairun

Kate Hansen link

7/12/2011 01:21:58 am

Khairun- my art only gets done when my kids are sleeping! I agree, I just can't do something like art with my children awake. It's just not possible. It's something that has to wait until evening, and I tend to get very little sleep because of it. As for roller derby- I use my husband and my mother as caregivers to do that. That way I have time every week just for myself. Thanks for taking the time to write!

cool sculpting Sydney link

6/24/2012 10:52:47 pm

nice art dear i love you post. thank you so much for share here.

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Rollerderby Saved My Sanity (and body!)

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