My Side Hustle Saved My Life

A year and a half ago I was a stay-at-home mom to four kids. My oldest was three, my twins were two, and my youngest was 6 months. I was drowning, my husband was working ALL THE TIME, and I was alone with the kids close to 24/7. I felt sorry for myself. I didn’t feel like anyone around me really understood what my days were like, and I honestly dreaded when Sunday night would come around knowing Jake had to go to work the next day.

I felt confused. Why didn’t being a mom feel like enough? Isn’t this what I was created to do? I should be so happy to be at home while my husband works as much as he needs to so he can provide for our family. I should LOVE my time with my kids.

As I thought about it more, I realized the issue wasn’t that I didn’t love the time with my kids. Because I did. I loved the ordinary moments with them, watching them grow and learning something new every day. I loved playing with them and reading to them. I loved watching them become best of friends with each other as they all became mobile and running all over the house. I LOVED being a stay-at-home mom.

The REAL problem, was that somewhere along the way I completely lost myself. I was so focused on my family and making sure that we were keeping our heads above water, that I forgot how to focus on anything else.

I reached a low one day when I looked in the mirror and asked myself who I was anymore. How did I get to this point? I didn’t have time for hobbies or anything that filled me up. Even my body didn’t feel like my own. I was carrying baby weight, living off my kids’ leftovers, and so tired that by the time I put my kids down to nap every afternoon, my head would hit the pillow and I’d be out too. I’d wake up feeling totally out of it, and the next few hours until Jake came home each evening felt like they lasted FOREVER. 

Sometime in there, Jake and I got to go on a trip just the two of us. I was in a swimsuit the entire week and it was my breaking point. I vowed that day that I would never let myself feel so low about my body every again. I’ve never been overweight, and some people would probably say I had nothing to feel low about, but the truth is, it doesn’t matter how we “look” on the outside. It’s how we feel on the inside that affects everything else, and I felt lousy.

The rest is history. I tried the 21 Day Fix and Shakeology, and for the first time since becoming a mom, I actually felt like a piece of me was coming alive again. I had confidence, I felt sexy, I had energy, I saw myself in a positive light, and all I wanted was for other moms to experience the same hope I had.

I was at a crossroads. I loved the 21 Day Fix and Shakeology, but did I REALLY want to join one of those “pyramid scheme” things? I was the biggest skeptic of network marketing, and would roll my eyes at my friends who did it.

At the end of the day, I decided that the only thing getting in the way of me helping a lot of people was my pride. In reality, after doing my research, I learned that it was the farthest thing from a pyramid scheme. I became a Team Beachbody Coach. At first it was just so I could get a discount on Shakeology. Then a fire lit inside me. I saw the potential to help thousands of people by building a team, far more than I could help on my own, and I decided to go for it.

Little did I know the decision I made that day would completely change the trajectory of my life.

Since I started as a Team Beachbody Coach in April of 2015, I have experienced many ups and downs. It took some time to transition from a stay-at-home mom to a work-at-home mom. It took some time to learn how to work the business in a way that felt authentic to me. It took some time to learn how to effectively lead a team and help my coaches start on their paths to success.

But man, I’m so glad I was willing to lay my pride aside. Throughout this journey, I’ve found myself again. I’m no longer the nagging wife texting my husband wondering when he’ll be home. I’m no longer the mom who has no energy to play with her kids. I’m no longer focused on myself and pouting in a corner about how hard life is. I have something of my own and it feels amazing.

I started thinking that it would be a passion project, and that if I made any extra money, that would be an added bonus. Today, it’s still a passion project. I coach because I truly love my clients and coaches, but I’m also building a business that will leave a legacy for my family. I’m sending my kids to private school with the money I’ve worked for. I’m setting aside money for their college education, and I’m teaching them how to be generous to others. I’ve been able to take some of the financial burden off of Jake, and our marriage is less stressed because of it.

Today, I’m still focused on being a mom and wife, but I’m also focused on people outside my family. I’m using the gifts that God’s given me to connect with others, to build them up, and help them rediscover who THEY ARE!

I thought this Beachbody Coaching thing would be a nice side hustle, but it has absolutely saved my life. I’m me again! My cup is filled up daily! There’s no greater feeling in the world than feeling like you’ve found your calling. Beachbody Coaching is the perfect fit for me. I’ve found my people, my positive community of like-minded Christian women who want to serve others. What a JOY it is to be on a mission together. The best part? We still get to be at home with our kids. We get to pick our work hours and have flexibility to enjoy the sweet moments with our growing children. I’m forever grateful for this opportunity, and I’m so confident in our mission. My heart gets so happy when I get to share it with others.

This week, I’m hosting a group on Facebook where I’m sharing what it looks like to be a Beachbody Coach on my team. If you’ve ever considered coaching, I would love to chat with you. Our team is amazing, and I know you would love the community. This is not about selling. It’s about sharing your journey and inspiring others. You should also know that everything you need to know to have a successful business is learned. What you need to bring to the table is a heart that wants to help others. I can’t teach that, but I can teach everything else! You don’t need a large social media following. You don’t need to be in great shape. You can start where you’re at! Oh, and you should also know that this is NOT old school network marketing. We have a unique and FUN way of doing things that isn’t spammy or salesy or requires you to pressure your friends and family. We do things very differently on my team, and I’d love for you to be a part of it!

If you’d like to learn more about what it looks like to be a coach on my team, I’d love for you to join this private Facebook group: A Behind The Scenes Look At Beachbody Coaching On A Top Team!

No strings attached, I promise! Not my style. 🙂

I’m excited to get to know you, and if it’s a good fit, welcome you into our tribe and mission!

If you have any questions at all, please feel free to email me at amber@mommysmetime.com.

Find what makes YOU feel alive and chase after it with your full heart!

xo,

Amber

P.S. For more reflections on parenthood and life, follow us on Facebook (Hun Let’s Run) and on Instagram: @ambermariekuiper and @jakekuiper! We’d also love for you to subscribe to our Hun, Let’s Run Podcast! For more info about joining our fitness community as a customer or coach, please email us at amber@mommysmetime.com!

*Beachbody does not guarantee any level of success or income from the Team Beachbody Coach Opportunity. Each Coach’s income depends on his or her own efforts, diligence, and skill.