I was always keen to start a family in my twenties. I’m not entirely sure where I had heard it, but I was convinced that having children in my twenties would guarantee the return of my pre-baby body. I really was that shallow, I just wanted to be sure I could be slim again.

As life took over and I was enjoying my career, I had gotten to my late twenties without even thinking about children! In fact, if my hubby hadn’t started the conversation off…I don’t know when I would have stopped to think about it.

Suddenly, I found myself in a race to fall pregnant and I finally had my first baby, my stunning little Eva, at the age of twenty-nine and eleven months! Phew, just made it!

Now, at the age of thirty-eight and having had my second child, our darling son, Diego, I realise just how wrong that theory was. Post-baby body does not match pre-baby body at all! My figure has changed, in a huge way, my belly bloats, my bottom wobbles and I’m pretty sure that my hips have moved…if that is even possible. But, actually, I’m okay with all of this.

In fact, turning thirty had more in store for my body, shallow Sharleen would soon forget the size of her body and would be distracted by the functioning of it. They call them the ‘Flirty Thirties’ or ‘Dirty Thirties’…but why? What I feel that I should have been more aware of, were the ‘Hurt-y Thirties’.

I started my thirties with a bang, I spent my thirtieth birthday in hospital, being treated for an abscess on an infected milk duck…oh yes, that really is ‘flirty’!

Now that was pretty extreme, I’ll admit, but I genuinely feel that turning thirty was the start of my slow aging! My lovely mum will agree that I have always been a little weakling, but, the closer I get to forty, the more pathetic I become.

The slightest thing, can cause me an injury. Albeit, nothing serious, but little, niggling aches and pains that I am sure Carl (hubby) is tired of hearing about.

It’s very possible that just opening a jar incorrectly, can cause my wrist to become sore. Kneeling down to tie the kids laces, I hear myself…”ooh, my knees”. I’m pretty sure that almost every fortnight I have a new ache. My lower back, my neck, oh and let’s not forget my acid reflux!

It’s actually become somewhat of a joke in our household…but joking aside, I WANT MY BODY BACK! A few years ago, I took part in some charity runs (with Carl, too) and I must admit, I felt great during the training period…stronger. That is the trick!

So, this year, is my year. I wouldn’t say that I am completely inactive, but I will be the first to admit that I need to do more physical activity. This, along with adopting a more balanced diet and drinking lots of water.

I am determined to feel great in myself. I now know how irrelevant weight is and how important health is. So, 2019, bring on project ‘keep up with the kids’! Wish me luck!!