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When a celebrity or public figure opts to take a step back from their career to focus on being a parent, it often sets the internet ablaze. Things were no different for former Dancing With the Stars pro Lindsay Arnold, who quit the show after ten years to focus on and prioritize her growing family. This week on The Everygirl Podcast, we asked Lindsay what that change was really like for her. And to share the parenting secrets she learned along the way. Whether you’re a fan of Lindsay from the show or just looking for some helpful tips as you transition into motherhood, read on for three pieces of insight Lindsay Arnold shared with us, and check out this week’s episode of The Everygirl Podcast for more.
1. It’s OK to have different focuses during different seasons of life
Not too long ago, Lindsay was an eager 19-year-old ready to take her place in the spotlight on Dancing With the Stars. Now, a decade later, Lindsay has stepped away from her role as a pro on the show. According to her, the choice wasn’t easy. But it was absolutely the right one. “I had my time when I was present and fully invested in my own thing with Dancing With the Stars. And now my life has shifted and I want to be fully in on motherhood,” Lindsay said.
Instead of getting caught up in trying to do everything in her career and life all at once, Lindsay has taken things phase by phase, season by season. If you’re feeling anxious about entering a new chapter of your life as a mother, remember that it’s OK to shift focus. And there’s always time in the future for a new phase. In other words, that “having it all” myth that everyone talks about? You can have it all, but not all at once–you are meant to have different focuses during different seasons of your life; don’t expect to focus on everything at once.
2. Becoming a mother can mean discovering unexpected passions along the way
The most surprising thing about motherhood for Lindsay has been the way it exposed her to completely new sides of herself. “It’s been so cool because in doing this and making this shift, I’ve discovered so many new passions that I love to do,” Lindsay said. “I can do that while still being a mom. And finding things that work better with the lifestyle that I’m in.” For Lindsay, exposing herself to new passions has meant growing her social media and starting her fitness app, The Movement Club. For other moms, it might mean focusing on a long-term project in the community, picking up a new hobby, or even just finding a fantastic new group of friends who you never would have met.
3. Prioritizing your body while pregnant and postpartum is important (and not selfish!)
Lindsay was 12 weeks pregnant with her first child when COVID first hit. And since she didn’t have a Dancing With the Stars season lined up during her pregnancy, she had to find new ways to work movement into her day-to-day life. For someone who had been dancing almost every day for 25 years, this was a massive change for her. And finding an at-home workout that she loved during her pregnancy journey was not easy. “I felt like there was just a huge gap in the online fitness platform area,” Lindsay said. “I still wanted to challenge myself and push myself and have options.”
Lindsay ended up creating her own workouts and starting The Movement Club, where she shares videos of working out throughout her entire pregnancy and postpartum journey. If you’re looking to continue keeping up a healthy movement routine, check out The Movement Club. Or get outside and go for a walk, a run, or do some light stretching. Regardless of how you choose to move, taking care of your body is essential for how you show up for your family and–most importantly–yourself.