Gisele Bundchen, Brazilian supermodel and entrepreneur, is only 31 years old and already appears to have done it all. In addition to spending the last decade ruling the modeling industry, she is married to NFL quarterback Tom Brady, owns a natural skincare company, and is said to have a net-worth of 70 million. Furthermore, she is a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nation’s Environment Program and is committed to environmental care and protection. But not only is Gisele an environmental activist, businesswoman and international fashion icon – she is an amazing mother, something she says she accomplishes by putting her needs first!
Gisele Bundchen married Tom Brady in February 2009, and it wasn’t long before their first child was born. Benjamin Rein Brady was born in Boston on December 8, 2009. Since then, the couple and their family (which includes Tom’s first child by ex-girlfriend Bridget Moynahan) have been spotted engaging in all sorts of wholesome activities around the world.
Though Gisele found the adjustment to motherhood challenging (as any woman would), she loves her new roll and is happy to let the world know. “I love being a mother,” she said. “It is challenging and it is different when everything is not about you and your life – now there is someone much more important. It takes some adjusting but it is so, so wonderful.”
Gisele faces the challenge by staying physically active – she engages in everything from yoga and kung fu to gym workouts, which she relies on to help her feel physically and emotionally fit. Making time for exercise is one of the ways that Gisele puts herself at the top of her priority list. And being at the top of your own priority list, Gisele revealed, is the key to being a good mother, wife, and supportive sister and friend.
She told UK Vogue in December 2011 all about her theory. “I’m not afraid of working hard at anything, whatever it is. I just always want to be the best that I can. People think if you look after yourself you’re being selfish, you know. But what Tom [Brady] taught me – and he is a living example of this – is that in order to be your best, you have to honor your own needs first. If I honor my needs first, I will be the best wife, the best mom, the best sister, the best friend. I have to come first, because then everyone benefits.”
Though Gisele has annoyed some fans with misunderstood comments from breastfeeding to stepmother-hood, we think she’s right on with this one. Juggling the tasks of work, finances, parenthood, and everything else, may be ultimate challenge for any parent, but keeping your personal needs high on the priority list is essential for getting the job done. Thanks for inspiring us, Gisele!
