MY INTERVIEW WITH HEALTH MAG

January 9, 2023 Tara Lawler

Needless to say, this was such a dream opportunity. Over the summer, I was approached to do an interview and feature piece for Health Magazine. This was made possible by Emsculpt Neo and their mission to highlight modern mamas who are “normalizing” me-time and willing to try new technology to elevate themselves and their body goals to new heights. I was pretty pumped up to be selected for this feature and I’m even more excited now that I can share my full interview with you all… plus a Aw all the bright and sporty content I created for this collaboration. Here’s to an extra sparkly, sporty, and elevated 2023. Let me know which question inspires you the most in the comments below.

1. What is the most important lesson you’ve learned in motherhood?

That the most precious moments in life are the ones that don’t last forever. Motherhood has given me the realization that both the very best days and most difficult moments are fleeting. This awareness has made me more present in all moments, knowing that they all pass by quickly. With that said, I aim to show up and take it ALL in. I linger longer in all our sweet moments and remind myself to take extra deep breaths on those extra challenging days. Also realizing the power of presence. How you show up for things makes all the difference. Your little loves are attentive sponges that look to you in every moment for leadership and how to respond in every situation. I’ve discovered that from the second your baby is born, your perspective shapes theirs – what a beautiful responsibility! If you have a positive perspective, they will too. If you show up with a smile, they will too. If you express gratitude, they will too! If you display excitement, they will too. Knowing the impact your attitude has on all things is a game changer for Motherhood and beyond. I’ve always been a believer that attitude and gratitude is everything.

tara

2. How has motherhood transformed you?

Motherhood has helped me define my purpose. It has elevated both my personal and professional goals, mainly because I want to demonstrate to my children what it looks like to live a life full of passion, determination, compassion, creativity and boundless adventure. Often, I think Motherhood is almost as if you’re holding up a mirror that shows you a reflection of how you’re showing up for your life. I love the added accountability that being a mother has given me. It has held me accountable for my actions because everything I do is reflected in my children. What a gift and a privilege to have the ability to raise and help guide the next generation. There’s no better training ground, in my opinion, for developing leadership skills and confidence than mommyhood. Motherhood has allowed me to master the art of COMPOSURE – what I call having grace under pressure. This too is a lesson I carry with me into every aspect of my life.

Tara

3. Describe an obstacle you faced recently. How did you overcome it?

I gave birth to my twins, Brooks & Charlotte, during the start of the pandemic (April 2020). Prior to giving birth, I was in the hospital for 6-weeks on isolated bedrest after going into preterm labor at 30-weeks. In those 6 weeks between late-February and early-April, the entire world outside my hospital room changed dramatically. Being that I’m typically such an active, social, busy body, the isolation of hospital bedrest was my worst nightmare. Fortunately, my husband could visit me, and I quickly became best friends with the incredible nurses that took such amazing care of me and my twins at Overlake Hospital in Bellevue, WA. But it was so hard not being able to see anyone or have any other visitors due to the COVID restrictions, and the hardest part was not being able to see my 4-yo, Henry. Needless to say, after a twin pregnancy and 6-weeks on bedrest, my body didn’t just snap back to “normal” as it did after having Henry. Having such limited mobility for so long, plus the fact that I carried not one but two babies for 36-weeks, made my bounce-back-body journey an uphill battle. I remember being so frustrated about not achieving my ideal post-baby-body quicker. I navigated this struggle by shifting my mindset. Instead of focusing on what I didn’t have, I changed my mindset to all I had to be so very grateful for. Most importantly, for delivering the healthiest and happiest twins on the planet. For having such an incredible body that can create life and breastfeed twins. I remember saying to myself while in the hospital, I vow to never again take the ability to exercise for granted. I still, to this day, think of that promise I made to myself. This always reminds me to show up and work extra hard when I carve out the time for a workout. I also think there’s beauty in the journey of your pursuing newly defined body and fitness goals. When something that may have worked in the past no longer works in the future, it forces you to reassess and try new methods. Our bodies change and our lives change! This is precisely what led me to try Emsculpt – I had hit a plateau and I wanted to accelerate my body goals. Now that I’ve tried it and have seen the results firsthand, I can honestly say… game changer!

Tara

4. Tell us about your experience with the Emsculpt Neo.

Honestly, when this procedure was first described to me, it sounded too good to be true. A machine that delivers both heat and magnetic energy for increased muscle tone, while simultaneously boosting fat loss. I obviously had to try this! It’s my new favorite way to work out – no one tell my trainer I said that;) Who knew you could build muscle while laying down, say what!?! My favorite part, I love how quick and efficient this device is. One cycle is only 30-minutes and there’s no downtime or pretreatment preparations required. As a busy mama of 3, a business owner, entrepreneur, and a content creator, any opportunity to lay down mid-day feels like a treat! I found my Emsculpt Neo treatments (at Advanced Skin and Body Solutions in Bellevue, Washington) to be very relaxing. The combination of the heat and muscle contractions, on my targeted treatment area, felt extra satisfying to me. Mainly because it was “uncomfortable” enough to feel as though the treatments were effective, but not too uncomfortable where I couldn’t take the time to unwind. Talk about a multi-faced selfcare routine - burn fat, build muscle, and rest for 30-mins. Yes, please!! After each session I always felt an instant confidence boost knowing I’m on my way to achieve my body goals. The areas I had treated were my booty, arms, and my abs. My goal was to enhance muscle tone and burn fat – and I’m happy to say, mission accomplished!

Tara

5. With so much going on in your professional and personal life, how do you prioritize your time and avoid burnout?

For me, carving out time for my daily, early-morning routine is essential. This time allows me to set intentions, move my body, often work up a sweat, and most importantly get my mind right for the day ahead. This routine always sets the tone for the day and helps me feel centered, calm, and confident. I believe as women, we can do anything… but not everything all at once. This requires the willingness to find helpers… family, babysitters, team members, etc.… it takes a village! Finding people you trust, can rely on, and who understand your vision is the smartest investment you will ever make. Nobody can do ALL the things and be the best version of themselves. I’ve discovered that I’m the best mom when I allow myself the time to be creative, run my business or shoot a campaign. And I’m the best entrepreneur, content creator and model when I carve out time with my family - loving and laughing (yes, love is a verb!) with my three babes and my husband. Each role compliments the other. Ultimately, I do it ALL because I want to! I love my role as a Mama, and I love my role as the Founder of The Model Mama. Don’t get me wrong, there are definitely some overwhelming and extra busy seasons, but I’m so grateful for the opportunities to be both. I know these days won’t last forever so I’m savoring all the details of what I love most about each role.

Tara

6. When do you feel your most confident?

7. What are some of your favorite ways to practice self-care?

8. In your opinion, what do all modern moms need?