Mama With a Mission

I’ve been the overwhelmed, exhausted, barely keeping her head above water mom.  I’ve looked in the mirror and didn’t recognize the girl staring back at me…not her body, not her soul.  

In 2014, married for six years, with a two year old and twin two month old sons, this is who I was.  All I had ever wanted to do was be a mom, and yet somehow, I had completely lost myself in the mission of motherhood.  

Something had to change, so I started with my physical body.  I partnered with Beachbody, using their at-home fitness programs for the very first time.  Within just three short months, I felt more like myself than I had felt in the previous three years. 

 I found that in the discipline of showing up (in my living room) for my workout each day, I began to believe in myself again.  I found that discipline bred more discipline in my daily life.  I was going about the tasks of my day with more enthusiasm and energy.  My confidence grew and as my body transformed, more importantly, so did my mindset.  

Now, almost six years later, as a mama to four sweet babes, it is my mission and privilege to help other overwhelmed mamas.  I want you to remember how strong you are.  I want you to know what your body is capable of.  I want you to enjoy your family, enjoy your LIFE right where you’re at, not wishing the long days away continually repeating, “When they’re sleeping through the night, when they’re potty trained, when they start school...”  

I want you to live your best life today.  Starting now.  

Go Do It!

“We serve an intentional and purposeful God. If He gave you a talent, it wasn’t because He was bored. He desires you to use it. It’s not ‘humility’ to refuse to use the gift that God has given us. It’s disobedience.” Michelle Myers

I didn’t want network marketing to be my business. I didn’t want Beachbody to be the platform where I shared my love for fitness. I had been looking for a part-time job, that I could do from home, that had decent compensation…but I didn’t want Beachbody to be my answer.

💪 As a former personal trainer, I felt “better than” some gimmicky at-home fitness product.
🙅🏼‍♀️ As a very non-confrontational person, I didn’t want to “sell” like that.
🤳 As someone who used to be quiet on social media (can you even imagine?!), I couldn’t fathom putting my life out there in that way.
🙈 As someone who DOES care what people think, I was afraid of the eye-roll scrolling and rejection.

But after years of resisting, it was the obvious answer. It was always the answer. It checked off every single box I was looking for in a part-time job.

And what about all the reasons I didn’t want to do this?
I found my own way. I overcame fears. I chose to focus on the vision I had for my family and clients instead of my doubts. I pursued personal growth. I realized that these “gimmicks” were the REAL DEAL. And most importantly, the blessing of using a gift God gave me to serve others outweighs every doubt and fear.

Ya’ll, if you are daily seeking God, and there has been a desire, a dream, or an idea that you can’t seem to get rid of, and it lines up with the natural abilities God gave you…stop delaying and go do it! ❤️

Famous at Home First

“Let’s seek to be famous at home first. We can trust God with the when’s, how’s, and the what’s of our influence outside of our home. But let’s not belittle the influence He has given us inside our homes…We each have callings on our lives that we never have reason to doubt because there are certain assignments God has given to no one else.
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No one else can handle your walk with Christ.
No one else can be the wife to your husband.
No one else can be the mother to your children.” @michellelmyers @sheworkshisway
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This is the mission. I am proud and grateful for the opportunity I have been given as a Beachbody coach. I love what I do. But I know my greatest impact will be made in my role as a wife and mother. It is my daily prayer that the goals of my business will never overshadow the priority of my family.

In This Business

What I’m about to say is not what you’re used to hearing from someone who does what I do. But I think it’s important to put it out there.
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Not ALL of the coaches on my team stay. 
They take a step back. 
Priorities change. 
They move on to other things. 
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But can I tell you the absolute coolest part? So many of the “former” coaches on my team have come back and said, “I never would have taken this NEXT step if it wasn’t for Beachbody. Beachbody gave me the courage and training I needed to move on to where God was ultimately calling me.” 
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Not everyone will be a lifer like me. I understand that. And maybe to some, those coaches seem like “failures”. But I don’t see it that way at all. I think sometimes our next step IS our final destination and sometimes it’s just the first step of many next steps that we will need to take to find our true calling. 
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But in this business, we aren’t just teaching fitness and sales. We encourage and challenge you to dream bigger, step outside of your comfort zone, pursue personal growth, and put people first. 
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So I am proud of what I do. I’m proud of the girls who have stuck with me, I’m proud of the ones who have moved on, and I’m proud of my new girls who take that first, bold step, and say, “I’m ready.”

I Am Not Immune

I am not immune to the comparison game. 
I am not immune to trying to do TOO much. 
I am not immune to wanting to take control. 
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So on the days when I take my eyes off of Jesus and start looking around at everyone else, at my list of projects, at all I’m NOT getting done, I remember this verse: 
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“Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you. Mark out a straight path for your feet; stay on the safe path.” Proverbs 4:25-26
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In addition, I think this excerpt from Valerie Woerner’s book, “Grumpy Mom Takes a Holiday” sums it up: 
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“Comparison can sideline us from our own mission when we start feeling responsible to do things God has called other people to do. And the thing is, God doesn’t give out extra credit if we finish our mission and start working on someone else’s. We please God and glorify Him most when we listen intently for His leading and obey Him. Isn’t that refreshing? 
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God doesn’t cram things in, so I know His mission for us, if we choose to accept it, will be a breath of fresh air compared to what we might attempt on our own.”

Marriage

“One of the reasons we prioritize our children over our spouse is because our kids’ needs are usually more obvious…If we feel like we’re in survival mode, our instinct is to respond to the loudest noise. Our days are often determined by which fires need to be put out instead of by our priorities.

My husband rarely has the loudest need in our home. Because of that, I have to be really intentional about hearing him. I have to be diligent in asking how I can serve him. If I don’t, I forget that he has any needs of his own and simply see him as a workhorse.” Valerie Woerner

Guilty. 🙋🏼‍♀️

I especially love the part about how our days are typically spent putting out fires instead of attending to our priorities. I feel like that in my marriage and motherhood and business.

The thing is, the fires are going to come and they ARE going to have to be put out. So as always, it comes down to intentionality. Carving out specific times in your day to focus on priorities…making them non-negotiables and no matter whats, while also acknowledging that everything can NOT be a priority.

Easy, right? 🤷🏼‍♀️🤪

But your marriage? It should always make the list. ❤️

Health

"𝗠𝘆 𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗱 𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗱, 𝗜 𝗽𝗿𝗮𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝘀 𝗴𝗼𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗲𝗹𝗹 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗯𝗼𝗱𝘆 𝗶𝘀 𝗮𝘀 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵𝘆 𝗮𝘀 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗹 𝗶𝘀 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗼𝘂𝘀." 
3 𝗝𝗼𝗵𝗻 1:2

My mission for my customers is not that they would just look good for beach season. Or hit a number on the scale. Or even workout everyday. 

𝗕𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝘄𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗯𝗲 𝗵𝗮𝗽𝗽𝘆. And feel confident. That they would surprise themselves at their strength and challenge themselves beyond what’s comfortable. That they would pursue personal growth and discover new passions. That they would set goals and dream big dreams. 

It’s not enough to just find your six pack. 
You must also find a love for yourself that comes from the inside, an inner peace that defies what’s going on outside, and a hope that anchors your soul.

Motherhood

I’m slowly making it through Valerie Woerner’s book, “Grumpy Mom Takes a Holiday”, and I feel like I could have written this chapter about “mom guilt” and grace…

“I’ve always been a good girl who valued obedience over grace. I didn’t think I really needed it. I didn’t have trouble doing what I thought was right, so I just stuck with that as my pathway to heaven. 

But then I had children, and heaven help me, motherhood did me in.

I’ve never felt like more of a sinner. When the light of motherhood shines on me like a spotlight in an interrogation room, I realize I’m the guilty one.

But the depth of my mistakes is a reminder of the depth of God’s love for me. The only appropriate response is the face of such radical love is hopeless devotion. Our messes can actually be something to rejoice in because they keep us clinging to Him.”

Mamas, if you feel like you’re at the end of your rope, it’s probably time to let the rope go. Run to Him. Cling to Him. Rest in Him.

“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23

Going for it

I’ll never forget the day I decided to be a pole-vaulter. I was walking down the hall of my high school, a fourteen year old freshman, and I was stopped by the track coach. His exact words were…

“You look strong. You should try pole-vaulting.”

I shrugged my shoulders and said, “Okay.”

I tried it because I was trying to find my place.
I tried it because I figured being a part of the track team would help keep me fit.
I tried it because my gymnastics career had come to an end and I was looking for a new challenge.
I tried it not knowing if I would be good at it.
I tried it not knowing if I would even like it.
I tried it without any real belief or vision for the future.

What started as a total whim, something I thought was just a hobby turned into two high school state championships and a college scholarship to the University of Florida, where I ended my career as an All-American and outdoor school record holder.

It’s funny though because I was thinking about it today and my business started the EXACT same way, for all the same reasons.

I was a mom trying to find her place, her purpose.
I figured at WORST, I would get back into shape after having the babies.
I needed a new challenge.
I started tentatively and unsure.

But just like with my pole-vaulting career, I went for it. I worked hard. I learned and I grew little by little. I leveled up, raised the bar (pun totally intended 😜), and have built a career out of what I thought was just going to be a hobby.

Crazy, right?

Takeaways

While thinking about this cruise, I consistently come away with the same few takeaways from ANY trip I’ve experienced with this company.

1. Always impressed by the effort, recognition, and attention to detail that Beachbody puts into events like these. Ya’ll, we chartered Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of the Seas...the ENTIRE ship. 😳 It was a big week for our events staff and they hit it out of the park as always.

2. Always amazed by and so grateful for the intimate connections and depth of friendships Matt and I have made because of this business and because of these trips.

3. Always reminded of why I started and why I won’t stop. I hear story after story after story of emotional, physical, marital, financial, internal, and external transformations. Sometimes it’s easy to forget the ripple effect a few people can make...these trips always seem to come at the right times in the year to re-fire me up. 🔥

Looking ahead to our network-wide Summit in Indianapolis, Leadership conference in Scottsdale, and next year’s rewards trip in Punta Cana. Bring it on! 🙌🏼

Grateful

I was ten years old when my parents started Grace Family Church. For twenty-five years, I have had a front row seat to the vision and mission of this church…to the successes and failures…to the mistakes and the growth.

We are an imperfect church full of imperfect people, but by His grace we had the most beautiful celebration of what He has done over the last twenty-five years.

I am so grateful for this church that has felt like home and family…for this church where my children can come and be taught about Jesus…for this church where some of my most meaningful friendships were born from.

Without a doubt, all glory goes to God, but gosh, I am so proud of my parents, Craig and Debbie Altman. Dad and Mom, thank you for listening to Jesus and living out your faith in a real and authentic way, for doing scary things and making hard choices, for sharing your stories over and over, and for giving so many a place to call home.

Hustle

“Hustle for JOY. Work just as hard for fun moments, vacation moments, and pee-your-pants laughing moments as you do for all the other things.” Rachel Hollis

This was our 4th Annual Valentine’s Weekend Couples Retreat (next year we’re getting shirts 😜). And this quote is exactly WHY we do it. We have eleven kids between us, husbands with full-time jobs, mamas with a side-biz, yet we WORK for this weekend. We set the time aside, we hire the childcare, we make it a priority.

Because our marriages need it. Our weary mama (and daddy) hearts need it. Our souls need it. We need to laugh and cry and talk and hug it out. We need to rest and play and eat chips and guac all day (like seriously, ALL.DAY.LONG.).

So hustle, yes. But make sure you hustle for the sweet stuff too.

Again

I talk a lot about keeping your priorities first and grace and work/life/family balance and self-love and rest hoping to encourage you. But I need you to know I am still in the trenches. 

This month has been full of worry over silly things, battling hard to keep those priorities #1, struggling to find rest and grace in the arms of Jesus, and I'm tired. Tired of striving.

The song, "Here Again", by Elevation Worship, speaks to my weary heart...

"I'm not enough unless you come
Will you meet me here again
'Cause all I want is who you are
Will you meet me here again"

I'm not enough. Unless you come. Will you meet me here AGAIN?

I love the AGAIN. Because how many times have I been here? How many times do I think I have it figured out, only to find myself a few months, weeks, days, even hours later, right back here...striving, trying, pushing?

So my prayer for ME today is (and maybe you need it too) is that I would pause and rest and remain in Him. That my eyes would be fixed on Him alone. That the joy of the Lord would be my strength.

Love you all. 

Still Learning

Them: I don’t know how you do it all.
Me: I don’t.

This is a conversation I have at least a few times a week. And I always tell the truth. I don’t do it all. I don’t think there has been one day since I had twins and started this business that I have done it all. Not one day has gone by that I thought, “Yep, I really NAILED it today.” 😂

And I am totally okay with that. I have learned to adjust (ahem, LOWER) my expectations for what I intend to get done on a daily, weekly, monthly, and even yearly basis.

I have learned that a good weekly brain dump (writing down every single thing that I think I need to do) helps immensely with clearing my head space, but that each item on that list will NOT get done (at least for that week) and will just be transferred to next week’s list, and maybe even the next week’s list after that.

And every morning I say a few of the exact same positive affirmations and prayers. Some are very positive and empowering. But my favorite ones go like this…

“I will not get everything done today, and that’s okay.”
“Lord, show me where to direct my energy. Show me who and what needs my attention today.”
“Let me be available and interruptible.”

I manage a lot, but I don’t do it all. I have days when I feel really satisfied and proud of myself and days when I know I totally blew it (in one area of life or another).

And either way, at the end of everyday, I’ve learned to be okay. I’ve learned to accept that I’m going to fail and fail a lot. I’ve learned that it’s okay to lower your expectations, but still dream big.

Embraced

Friends, this is kind of long, but I couldn’t cut any part of it out. This word from Lysa Terkeurst’s “Embraced” devotional really spoke to me today, so naturally I wanted to share with you. I pray it brings a spark of hope and encouragement.

“David was anointed to become King. But where did he go after being anointed as king? To a refining school? A government academy? Military training? Nope.

He went back to the fields and continued to shepherd his sheep. A king-to-be doing lowly tasks. A future king whose character was refined in the fields of everyday life to prepare him for his calling.

How like us. In the midst of smelly laundry, dirty dishes, snotty noses, misplaced keys, overdue library books, bills, and that birthday gift that still needs to be mailed- there is training. There is character building. There is soul defining. All of which must take place for us to become what God intends.

We aren’t just doing tasks. We are building a legacy. We are shaping God’s Kingdom. We are in the process of not only discovering our calling but that of our family as well.”

Parenting

Parenting is so hard (even with these doll-faces 😍). A few nights ago, it had been a really, really long day of parenting. Matt and I were JUST.SO.DONE.

And it wasn’t because they were all throwing thunderous tantrums or behaving badly. It was just the incessant needs, wants, questions, demands, drinks of water, snacks, over, and over, and over again.

I remember sitting down that night, trying to write something inspiring, but the truth was, I didn’t feel inspired. I felt exhausted. Tired.

But in the last few days, a book I read came to mind, called “The 14 Gospel Principles That Can Radically Transform Your Family”. I remember reading this part about how we get frustrated by the fact that our children continue to need PARENTING (like why don't they get it the first time? 😜).

We are frustrated that they are five years old and can’t tie their own shoes yet. We are frustrated that we have to continue to repeat ourselves. We are frustrated when they want us to read one more story. We are frustrated when they interrupt OUR agenda.

“We’re often mad at our children, not because they have broken God’s law, but because they have gotten in the way of the laws of our peace and comfort. And sadly, there are moments when we are mad that our children need us to walk down the hall and parent them once more.” Paul David Tripp

GUT.CHECK.

The truth is, parenting is my J O B. It is my greatest calling. And I don’t get to be frustrated because they are little and immature and dependent and need me to teach them over and over and over again. I don’t get to be angry that they sometimes interrupt my free time or wake me up earlier than I want.

So this is what I will working on over here. I need to save my discipline, my instruction for when they are breaking God’s law, not for when I am tired at the end of a long day, and they ask for another sip of water.

What I Learned

I fell short of a huge goal in my business this past year. For the first time in four years, I did not meet the requirements to be called an Elite coach.

And it is important to me to share this with you because you all have been so generous with me, so supportive, so receptive in allowing me to share my life, my business, and my family with you. And it’s so much fun to tell you the good stuff, but it doesn’t seem right if I don’t share some of the disappointments along the way. I feel like I owe that to you.

So what did I learn?

1. You have to track your goals consistently from the get-go. The title of Elite is a YEAR-LONG quest. I should have mapped it out, broken it down, and made sure I was meeting the standards back in January, instead of waiting until October to really start measuring my progress.

2. While I am disappointed, I am not devastated. My ego is bruised, but my confidence is not shaken. I am discontent with the outside results, but very much at peace within.

3. Even without the title of Elite, I am still as passionate and excited about my business as ever. Elite does not change my potential for income or growth or my ability to mentor my team and customers. I was worried the wind would be taken out of my sails by this failure, but instead it has burned a new fire within me…the fire of discipline and intention and belief.

4. Kisses from Tessa > Elite 😜

So thank you. Thank you for reading my posts and cheering me on along the way…for your prayers for my family and my business…for your likes and comments and messages.

I love being a part of this community and sharing the good (and sometimes the bad).

Take It Slow

“You can do anything, but not everything.” David Allen

I haven’t totally mastered this concept, but I am always trying. As a matter of fact, one of the affirmations I say on a daily basis goes like this…

“I will not get everything done today and that’s okay.”

This affirmation completely transforms the way I start my day and the way I go about my day.

From the get-go, I lower my expectations.
I give myself permission to fail.
I acknowledge that I will not cross off everything on my to-do list and that life will still go on.

As we begin a new year, the temptation to do EVERYTHING is going to sneak up. Don’t give in, friends!

Adjust your expectations.
Give yourself permission to fail.
Take it slow.
Enjoy the magic.