Everything happens for a REASON!

"Everything happens for a reason, even if the reason isn't clear at the time."

I can finally share something I've been going through for the last several months, but just didn't know where to begin until now...

LETS START FROM THE BEGINNING...

Early in my pregnancy my life came to a complete STOP when I passed out in my bathroom one morning causing me to go to the hospital and undergo a series of testing until they could figure out what the cause was... not only did I have to do months of testing but they also revoked my driving privileges during this time "just to be safe", and after all that time (more than 6 months) the cause is still "undetermined". Well needless to say this caused extremely tough circumstances on our little family... since I was not able to work (because of having my license revoked temporarily) we were barely making ends meet, barely affording to buy groceries, and to top it off having a baby on the way and trying save as much as we could for her just created more stress and pressure. Needless to say I began feeling down, sad, and just plain sorry for myself yet never showing or talking about it to anyone including my husband because I was just so beyond thankful and appreciative of everything he was doing for me that I didn't want to burden him or anyone else with how I feeling. Instead of letting these feelings get the best of me I decided I needed to channel them in different directions and make the best out of the situation that was handed to me. I just kept telling myself "everything happens for a reason". At the time I didn't understand how right I was and honestly some days I didn't believe it myself, but I kept going! Each day I would make a to do list and I would make sure I completed it by a certain time. I focused on my fitness career, cleaning the house, making the grocery list from the weekly ads and coupons, decorating our baby's room on a budget which caused me to become very creative (but hey! I had the time). Not being able to drive hindered me from doing A LOT of things I would normally do myself... drive to... the gym, the grocery store, the post office, visit friends and family, the doctors offices...

I realized quickly that this was a test from God and I was going to pass no matter what it took...

NO gym, NO problem! - I did/created at home workouts that I truly enjoyed and would be great not only for now but also post baby when I time is limited. Plus it was FREE!

Grocery Shopping - I found that shopping on a budget is very simple and super beneficial! 

Having to count on others to drive me places - I am so BLESSED to have the SUPPORT system I do!

After the neurologist finally cleared me to drive again and cleared me medically, I immediately I began applying for every open job position I could do while being pregnant, after MANY job interviews and receiving many "regretful letters" I became discouraged but I NEVER GAVE UP... I continued my search each day!

FAST FORWARD TO...

A few weeks ago, I walked to our apartment mailbox like I do every day and there stood an elderly woman whom I had never seen or spoke with before.... she was super sweet and started the conversation by saying "Darling, how many weeks along are you? You have such a beautiful glow!" I simply replied answering her question and saying thank you! She then reached out for my hand and said " You may be having a rough patch right now, but it won't last much longer. I can tell you, you have big things ahead of you and everything will be falling into place very soon." I stood there very puzzled and in disbelief. I again replied Thank you not knowing what to say honestly... she then said walking to her car "Have a great evening!" and I said you as well! Still very much in shock!

As I walked back to my apartment I couldn't help but think was all my trouble written on my face or does she know something I don't, hahaha!

PRESENT...

Since my encounter with the elderly woman, whom I've not seen since... I can't even begin to tell you how right she was... So many blessing and great things started coming into our lives...

My husband was promoted to Staff Sergeant, 3 of my BIGGEST fitness goals will be happening over the next few months (May - July), Our baby girl will be arriving in less than 10 weeks and Oh yes, I begin my new job on Monday with an amazing chiropractor office who I have so many things in common with and they are super supportive of my pregnancy considering I am 29 weeks.

WHAT I LEARNED...

All the struggles, hard work, determination make all the victories so much sweeter! Plus no matter how hard life is... I am truly one blessed woman to have so many people in my life that love me, support me, and are there for me when I need them the most! And I know that my husband and I can make it through anything and everything together regardless which curve balls life throws at us!

Its not the situation that defines you, its how you handle it! - Andrea Smith