There’s a million reasons why I have put off writing this post. Actually, I’ve typed it out in my head billions of times, but you see… I’m a slow typer. I think, rethink, delete, and repeat. In all honesty, I felt like it needed it more time. Time to be “rerouted” per se.
Yep. Our life has been totally rerouted since James (aka the Kiwi) retired from triathlon. And, confession…. I haven’t been dealing with it very well. We both have yet to embrace this new route.
My husband went from training 30 or more hours a week for triathlon and racing as a career, to barely squeezing in 30 minutes a day and working multiple jobs. He’s been working hard on the coaching front and is also working for corporate america (temporarily).While we are extremely thankful for the work that he does have, it is not his “dream” job. If you get where I am coming from.
Meanwhile, I’ve been trying my darndest to stay positive, supportive, and optimistic. And you know what? I’ve completely failed. All because I felt a bit lost on this new route, as a wife and DREAM BIG advocate. Putting certain dreams aside and becoming a “realist” led to a lot of anxiety, stress, and hiding behind my work (this blog and more).
Now don’t get me wrong. Creating gluten free recipes, talking sports nutrition, and working on food photography have been a TRUE JOY! It’s why I rebranded to more of a food focus. It gives me comfort to be able to share with others, taking that roll of a “sherpa wife,” in a sense. But I had to face the fact that this new route of ours wasn’t going to be making a U-turn. In fact, it was charging faster ahead in the opposite direction. And if I didn’t change the way I looked at, the way we looked at it, then we might miss a CLEAR sign or vision for redemption. Redemption for our marriage, our future, our finances, our faith.
Which I why I am writing this mission statement today. Not just for COTTER CRUNCH, but for me, my life, our life. 
The COTTER Mission and VISION Statement
BLOG MISSION
Cotter Crunch is a gluten free nutrition and recipe site. Yes, a food blog that makes eating gluten free easy for ALL. But what you will find behind these recipes and words are true passion for FUELING others. You will find support and true nourishment for whatever health or fitness journey you may be on.
LIFE VISION
I, Lindsay Cotter (Corny Content Provider and Recipe Creator) will strive to keep this blog site a positive and welcoming place for all. I will engage with my readers and show them much gratitude. Because without them, I would not have a job doing what I love! I will be professional and continue to treat this blog as a business, but also not lose focus on what really matters; authenticity and gratitude.
As a wife, I will put the care of my husband’s needs and my needs first. I will be there to smile and support no matter what ROUTE we’re on.
As a Nutrition Specialist, I will focus on the HOW behind food and recipes. How food can heal, nourish, fuel, etc. But I will never forget to slow down and ENJOY a glass of wine.
As a woman, I will embrace my softer side (like Sears) but also learn to LAUGH at myself more.
As a friend, I will always be real but never quick to judge. I will always be there to listen and give you a hug.
Writing our a mission statement for this site and myself has already given me a new direction. One that is simple yet purposeful. With that in mind, I am able to put full trust in whatever plans God has for us.
So cheers to making a CLEAR vision and mission! Cheers to being able to share this space! Cheers to redemption!
Have you created a mission statement for your blog or yourself? I’d love to hear yours!
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Corny Cotter,
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nice post ever
I’m behind you 110%! Life doesn’t always go the way we planned. Unexpected derailments happen. But keep on blogging and cooking, woman, cuz we love you.
but i love you more! <3
What a beautiful mission statement and it fits you perfectly: open, honest, genuine, vulnerable, supportive, uplifting and grateful.
You are remarkable; always.
well you are my muse.
Love your mission statements. I hadn’t thought to make one for my blog, though I don’t consider it a business, but I do make promises to myself and God that I’d consider my personal mission statements!
New stages of life are a bit scary, I know this firsthand as well. Not only are YOU working to get through it, but your spouse as well, and then the two of you TOGETHER. And since my husband and I are not exactly the same person (thank goodness though, right!?) there is compromise involved, along with an obvious improvement for communication and learning about each other.
Hugs to you Lindsay!
Just getting around to reading this, and of course love it. It’s always helpful for me to write down the things I know that I want both from life and that I want to demand of myself when I feel lost. Having it right there in front of you makes it so much easier to find the things that you desire in the every day: maybe you’re not working your dream job, but perhaps your current situation allows you to exercise one of your passions that had been on the back burner previously. For example, taking a step back from pro triathlons both forces The Kiwi to coach more, but that also forces him to provide encouragement and guidance to others who need it – and that is a true blessing.
That’s so true Lauren! Thanks for that encouragement
I really love this. I think having a mission statement is a brilliant idea! Sending you lots of prayers and xo as you make your way through lots of changes. Thanks for being so inspiring!
thank you friend! that means a lot!
I LOVE THIS. It’s something I really need to take the time to sit down and do. I like having a clear vision for the direction I’m heading and for my future. I know that’s not always realistic but I think getting something down in writing could really help. Thanks for sharing this Linds!
Change is hard, but I am sure that great things are ahead for you!
Thank you friend
Best wishes to you guys. Transition phases can be tough, trust me I know, as we’ve been going through major life transitions as well. But we have to be thankful for all that we do have, right?! I will always think of you guys as one of the kindest, hard-working and inspiring couples I know — with or without a pro triathlon career in the mix.
… I can’t help but reminisce about memories of when we first met at Rev 3 Portland in 2011 – don’t you sometimes wish we could just flash back to that right now? Only 4 years ago, but my how life has changed for all of us!
Oh I think about that day often. I love that race but more importantly, I loved meeting you! I’m so glad we could stay connected. And I cannot wait to follow you more on your journey! Can we please please please keep in touch? We will still be in the triathlon world, just not competing. <3 you!
Lindsay, this was beautiful, heartfelt and thought provoking. Thank you so much for sharing! And your mission statement itself was simple and perfect. And now I want to write my own, so you’ve inspired me already!
let me know if you do! <3
Lindsay, you are so incredibly awesome, I love the mission statement and your outlook. I think that there are so many of us that are all in a similar position. I’m not sure I could write a mission statement right now. I feel lost most of the time that I’m not sure how to nail it down!
I LOVE your mission statements, friend, especially the wife and friend ones <3 you are amazing and you two have had quite the year so far yet stay so strong for and with each other. I admire and adore you xoxo
Awesome post and I pray that everything works out the way you want it to!!
I love the idea of creating a mission statement not only for my blog, but also for my life. I think yours is beautifully written!
Oh Lindsay. I love this so much you don’t even know. And yes, you have me tearing up too. There is so much realness, rawness and authenticity that comes from you, this blog and everything. I can’t imagine what a tough and tricky transition this is for both of you. Love love love you!!
Love this – so authentic and from the heart. It’s been a long time since I’ve done a mission statement for myself…and I’ve never done one for my blog…you’ve got me thinking…
Life is a journey, isn’t it? Filled with twists and unexpectant turns and adjustments needed. You have written a lovely mission or “Life Statement” that made me tear up. I know exactly how you feel as we are on the cusp of also having to make some really big decisions. Your post has given me inspiration to plow forward and reassess life. I love your blog Lindsay and no matter where your mission takes you I will be here supporting you!
Oh you are too good to me! I cannot thank you enough for your support! <3
So much love for you —- but you knew this 🙂
personal family spiritual fitness…I VISIT AND REVISE those mission statements yearly.
and I need them so so.much
Yes, your love is golden! I cannot thank you enough.
You’re such a beautiful and inspiring person <3 <3 I know what you mean about having a hard time finding the words, and having to constantly go back and rewrite them. I'm in a similar position right now when it comes to what I want to do with Spoons, and I feel like I'm not making any progress with it 😆 Can we have a good chat over coffee and try to make sense of this crazy life?
You may not think you’re making any progress, yet I see so much growth at spoons. And from your amazing recipes. But I understand you wanting more. You are one talented and wise woman with a heart of gold. Write that mission statement and yes, let’s chat over coffee.
I need to do this, what a wonderful idea! You are always so mature and methodical in dealing with your challenges and changes!
well.. thank you. I gotta at least try, right? <3
Love the mission statement!! Every blog should have one of these. It’s help when we are in a rut and need to remember why we do what we do. I pray your family has God’s guidance and wisdom in this transitional time.
your prayers are such a blessing.
Love this so much! You are always such inspiration to me and even though we haven’t met, you are my role model and I feel like you’re a friend. I am so thankful for you and your blog (I’m sure I can speak for everyone on that). I’m always learning and taking something positive away from you. Thank you for everything. it’s so great to see you staying positive, re-routing, and trudging along on a new adventure. I’ve never thought about it until reading this, but it’s probably good for everyone to have a mission statement- always having the end goal in mind and working towards whatever it may be..life, work, relationships, spirituality, etc. Thank you for opening my eyes! I will be keeping you and your husband in my prayers that God will continue working in you and using you for the greater good.
We will meet someday, we better! Cause I just gotta hug you! <3
Oh that would be amazing! we better plan something because I’d just love to meet you! ….i have always wanted to visit Texas..;) lol
Thank you for this beautiful post Lindsay. I feel so connected on so many things even though our specifics vary.
My favorite blogs make me stop, think, ask questions, smile, feel connected and yours does all of those!
Thank you dear friend. The feeling is BEYOND mutual.
I can relate and sometimes it is easier said than done to stay positive. I am having one of those moments of my own. Just know you are never alone. Sending positive vibes and hugs to you my friend.
This post was so beautifully written Lindsay. I could feel the emotion in it! I know you have the faith and strength to face whatever changes you experience with grace and ease. Sending lots of love and positive vibes lady! xxx
Never faking it is definitely part of my mission statement. 😉
Seriously though, I love your mission statement(s). Wise words, as always. I need to sit down and do this.
But really, you should never fake it.
I have been working on all of this for a couple months and saying out loud and writing it down is HUGE. I actually keep my mission statement right next to my bed, so when I wake up in the morning I see it, read it, and believe it, and then make it happen! Great post darling! XOXO
Lindsay, you are such an inspiration! I respect that you took the time to put out your mission statement for all of us to read. XOXO!!
You are such an inspiration Lindsay, I absolutely adore you! I’ve never written a mission statement for my blog – but you have inspired me to sit down this fall and do just that!
you’re such a beautiful person inside & out. I hope that everything falls into place for you and the husband. You inspire me everyday <3
You are so inspiring, especially to new bloggers and new wives like myself. A mission statement is a brilliant idea and I love yours because it’s so authentic, generous, and intelligent. I don’t have one clearly outlined yet, but two Jesuit phrases encapsulate what I envision: Be who you are and be that well, and ad maiorem dei gloriam – to the greater glory of God. Sending you hugs and prayers as you and Kiwi re-route!
Love it. I’m so happy when people actually talk about their hopes, dreams, fears, EVERYTHING. It’s how we actually connect with other people and that’s what this blogging thing is all about, right?
Rerouting always makes life difficult-it’s always when you seem to get comfy and in the groove of how things are too. I love that besides a blog mission statement that you made one for yourself. Clearly defining who we are (or strive to be!) is harder than it seems.
Ohhh I want to hug you right now! Thank you for writing this and for being such a great blog friend, not only to me, but to SO many other bloggers. You are an inspiration!
I just love this post so, so much. I more than understand where you are with both of you finding new ways for yourselves. You’re an amazing person and the two of you are such a strong team. I know you’ll find your groove soon enough. xoxo
I so need to do this in my life. It’s so inspiring that you let us in on these emotions, and the worry, the joy, and the uncertainty. A mission statement is exactly what I need, and reading yours has helped me figure out how clear and conscious I need to make it! Thank you friend!!
Great post.I love your honesty AND your vision.
My hubby and I have been through a similar period of transition in the last year…Last May, my hubs went in as a partner in a restaurant-an amazing opportunity! I was there to help manage things in addition to my full-time gig..And in October, we left it because of differences with our partner. That was really hard. Currently,he has a job that he, quite honestly, doesn’t love…Then in March, I was given a completely unexpected opportunity and started a job that I love (totally a God thing!) and am so glad I did… but it’s been tough on us because my schedule is a bit crazy and some days I feel really bad because I know he is discontent in his work. Romans 12:15 keeps coming to mind in this period.
Thanks again for your post, your honesty and your encouragement.
thank you Noelle. that gives me such hope and encouragement. Thanks for reading too! i appreciate you.
You know I relate to this – all that first part! Been in corp america, got out & now trying to see if I can survive without going back in – such tough decisions especially at my age – it sucks! Excuse the language! 🙂 The trying is getting old & too stressful. I doubt I will ever give up trying but reality is knocking at the door & breaking in.
HUGE HUGS!!!!!
you have always been such an inspiration…i have never thought of a mission statement or anything for my blog – what a great idea.
thank you friend. You are one amazing woman!
I love your mission statement & know what you mean about finding the words. I’ve been trying to write my own, but as you know my health has taken a turn which has forced me to question what I should be doing for my readers and for me. It’s a work in progress, but that’s one of the things I love about blogging and life. It’s ever evolving & changing.
And I will be there to help you on your journey. Health is tricky but we can figure it out! <3
Yes yes yes! This is exactly what I’ve been working on!
Thanks for sharing your story. Your mission statement is empowering. Keep up with the great work and continue stay as positive as you always are!
and thank you for reading GUYS!
What a fantastic read this has been today. Actually I don’t just mean today, I mean every day! I love your mission statement because it totally encompasses everything I feel I already get from you, and your blog. It is you, your heart and soul. You’ll be totally fine with whatever direction your husbands new routine takes you in. I just know it! :-).
thanks Neil. I appreciate your kindness!
I LOVE everything about this, Lindsay! Wishing I could just come give you a BIG hug right now. I can totally relate as my husband’s career might be taking us on a new adventure soon, and while it’s exciting, it can be a bit scary and hard to stay on the bright side. Your mission statement tugged on my heart for sure. Keep up the amazing work and positivity, girlfriend!
thank you friend. that means a lot. xxoo
Beautiful post friend. I can relate so much right now. We were just talking last night that we’re getting ready to take a big step with our business that will take us farther from our real goal. We want to move but are looking at a place for a new location, just tying us down more. Life is hard, but trust the journey and don’t forget the goals! xoxo
Girl, I wish we could sit and chat in person. Hugs and thank you for your constant inspiration my dear.
me too! miss you!
I’ve never written a mission/vision statement for the blog.
do you think you will?
Sending positive vibes and care, Lindsay. **hugs**
🙂 Beautifully written statement which incorporates ALL the important areas of your life and this blog has stuck true to that consistently- Thanks for being an ass..et in the blogging community- I genuinely mean that.
So inspiring, Lindsay! I very much admire you, your blog and your way of thinking! Thank you for putting it all out there <3
Hope everything works out the way you guys want it to. You know you’ve got tons of support here in the world of blogging. xo P.S. and I love your clear mission.
you’re the best! xo i haven’t created a mission statement for the blog, but i do with my fourth grade class every year!
I echo Michele and say that you know I am struggling with both of those right now. Part of restarting my story is to figure out what story I want to tell and how I want to tell it (the blog), and what story I want to create and how I want to create it (life). Neither are easy because both are part of me in a very real way.
Just know that we are always ALWAYS here for you.
Well you had me in tears this AM and it’s not even 7am EST!!! Loved this Lindsay. I tell my hubby that we need a family mission statement on little business cards to keep in our wallets 🙂 You’ve inspired me to do this for my own blog/work/life/whatever!! Xo.
I can very much relate to how you’re feeling now and sending of hugs your way! For a few reasons we are in a waiting period as well, more about my career related to our family’s future.
Truthfully I’m not at the point where I’d be able to write a mission statement for myself because I have so many mixed feelings and summing up is tough! Reading this is inspiring and helpful for me to read. Thanks for putting it out there 🙂 xoxo