The Challenge Begins

Welcome to The Cavill Challenger Blog! I'm so happy you stumbled upon my page, and I hope it brings you joy and helps you in your health journey.

Introductions

You can call me The Cavill Challenger. I have been toying with the idea for this blog for quite some time now, and have finally decided to take a leap. Here are some quick facts about me:

• I'm a 40 year old mom of a beautiful daughter.

• I have been a teacher for 19 years.

• I have battled with mental health tied to my physical appearance for most of my life.

• I have a lot of factors working against me in a journey to a healthy body.

  • I suffer from PMDD, and have since I was a teenager. It went undiagnosed until I was in my late 20's.

  • I deal with HS (hidradenitis suppurativa), which is an auto-inflammatory disorder. This makes exercise quite painful and tiring at times.

  • I work long hours as a teacher, and with the addition of being a mom...my free time is limited. Why should I spend it exercising!? Am I right?!

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Why The Cavill Challenger?

Meet Henry Cavill (I mean, if you've been living under a rock for the past 25 years or so...). Mr. Cavill is an accomplished actor. Portraying Superman in three films (the best one I might add...), Geralt of Rivia on Netfilx's The Witcher, August Walker in MI:6, Charles Brandon on The Tudors, and many other extremely well done roles. He is also my inspiration for this blog. [Insert eye-roll from reader] Oh, I understand your doubt. "Is this just a fan page for Henry Cavill?"

The answer to that is, "No." Please stick with me!

While I'm a HUGE Cavill fan as an actor, Mr. Cavill is also a superb human. In countless interviews, he always navigates with grace, kindness, respect, and intellect. In short, he's a stand-up guy. He also is very open and honest about his struggle to get motivated for fitness. While that may seem ridiculous based on his fame as an action star, let's remember... we all started somewhere.

I think we can all relate to Henry on some level. In school, mostly middle school, I was constantly teased for being fat. I was called "fluffy" due to some poor hair choices as well. Not only was this an issue with classmates, I overheard my grandparents discussing how much weight I had gained when I was 14. Not so great for the self confidence.

In looking back on photos, I wasn't bigger than a lot of my classmates. I was just a prime target due to low self confidence. My journey in life may have been a lot different if it weren't for that experience.

Why Now?

Well, to put it simply: I've hit rock bottom. I've spent time talking with my daughter about how we shouldn't comment on other people's bodies. However, when your 5 year old looks at you and asks if you're pregnant because you have a large tummy...well...it hits hard. Years of neglecting my health has taken it's toll and I've finally decided it's time. Time to tackle insecurity, feelings of not being loveable or attractive, and to get back to being in a healthy body ready to spend time with my kiddo.

I've tried working out regularly, and "eating right" in the past. I've failed over and over again. So this time, instead of focusing on the little challenges... I'm going to focus on the success.

So, are you still with me? Good. Let's do this together. Take the Cavill Challenge with me.