A New Year. A New Me. #NewBDK

01 Jan 2014

2013 was filled with many highs.

In the past year:
• Spent my 40th birthday in Veradero, Cuba
• Took the girls on their first trip to Disney World (and it was my first time there too)
• Traded in our 2010 Coleman Bayside camping trailer for a 2014 Keystone Bullet
• My team of community managers increase by 2
• My first successful year of leading the senior youth at Walton
• Started a journey to better my health

2013 also saw a few lows, but one stood out more than the others… and it was my health.

I neglected myself for far too long. How could I be a good role model for my kids if I was not happy with myself?

I have a great career, a very loving and supportive family, and many wonderful friends. It was time I scheduled some time to better myself.

I joined a gym, and hired a personal trainer/nutritionist.

I started working out 4-5 times a week.

I am eating healthier. I am eating more vegetables than I ever have in my life. I have also been enjoying blending up some delicious and nutritious vegetable and fruit smoothies.

I have successfully cut out all 3 of my vices… soda pop, salt and white bread.

I have dropped 8 pounds, dropped 4 inches off my waist, and went down a shirt size.

Although I am happy with my progress, my journey has just begun. It has been slow, but that is how I want it. I don’t want to drop weight fast. I want to lose it slowly, and keep it off. I want to educate myself on why I am the way I am, what got me here, and where I want to be.

I am starting to feel good about myself.

Wendy is going to the gym as well, and is eating healthier. We talk daily about our goals, how our day was, what exercises we did at the gym, and what our challenges were.

We keep each other motivated.

I have received a lot of support from my friends, especially online. I have been reading all of the encouragement and the messages of congratulations sent to me.

I’m on my way to a #NewBDK

2014 is going to be my year. The year of the New Big Daddy.

I am not making a resolution. I am setting a goal.

Join me on my journey to better health.

Please check out the New Life Resolutions from my wife Wendy; what Jenna accomplished in her road to better health; the beginning of and amazing journey for Amanda, as she starts the New Year off with one goal in mind… better health; and Kristen’s 7 month journey from being a couch-potato to running a half marathon!

Cheers,
Big Daddy

Craig Silva

Craig is a husband, a father, team leader, senior youth group coordinator, designer, brander, community builder, volunteer, travel writer, and social media strategist. Craig likes to travel, go camping, go on road trips, watch movies, read with his girls, build stuff, operate the grill, and sing with his band. Craig is a member of the Travel Media Association of Canada. In June 2017, PR firm Cision identified Craig as one of Canada’s top 10 most popular male bloggers in the parents and family space. Known as Big Daddy Kreativ, his blog specializes in travel, food, and lifestyle.

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Comments

SoberJulie : January 1, 2014 at 10:34 am
I am with you Craig and determined to set my path to a healthier me! I want to be a healthy 40 something year old woman….
- Craig Silva : January 2, 2014 at 12:25 pm
  So awesome. I want to be a good role model for my kids, and be around for them later in life.
ChickyMara : January 1, 2014 at 4:02 pm
I think it’s fantastic that you are doing so well in all areas of your life. You’re worth it!! Consider your health wake-up call a HIGH and not a LOW because it’s spurred you to be better, stronger and make changes. Best of luck. 2014 is going to be amazing for you, I can just tell.
- Craig Silva : January 2, 2014 at 12:26 pm
  Thanks so much for the encouragement Mara. It really is appreciated. Today wasn’t a very good day at the gym. We worked on legs, and I almost passed out. It happened the last time we worked on legs as well. My knees have taken my weight for so long, and now I am working them harder. Back at legs on Saturday.
yeewittlethings : January 2, 2014 at 12:09 pm
You’re doing fabulous Craig!! That’s so great that Wendy is getting involved too. I hope 2014 continues to bring good health and only good things for you and your family :)
- Craig Silva : January 2, 2014 at 12:24 pm
  Thanks so much! It’s been a tough journey, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Wendy is trying so hard, and has done really good. I’m super proud of her.
Freda Mans : January 2, 2014 at 2:31 pm
Congratulations Craig! You are on a fantastic new path with Wendy and we’re here to root you guys on as you go! Wishing you both the best!
- Craig Silva : January 3, 2014 at 5:06 pm
  thank you so much for the support Freda!
The Man__Oss : January 2, 2014 at 6:21 pm
Nice Job Craig, keep up the good work. It will take time, but the results will be worth it. Heath
- Craig Silva : January 3, 2014 at 5:06 pm
  Thank so much. I prefer the results come in slower. It makes me want it even more.
Jenna Em : January 3, 2014 at 5:36 pm
Craig your doing GREAT, keep up the awesome work! Funny coincidence, turning 40 was also the year I turned around my health…I think it made me more reflective of what I wanted for myself and my family.