Shirley of GFE is our hostess for this week with the theme of movement, and do go and check out her great post on how to get movement with an inventive way to improve her glutes.
For those of you with good memories, this is the same picture I used last year because I LOVE IT–to me it encapsulates the joy of moving.
Movement has been a challenge for me for the past 8.5 years, but also something I LOVE.
It’s been very interesting to see how I’ve been reluctant to blog about all the progress I’ve made in the past few months because I value it so much that I’ve been afraid that if I mention it, *poof* it’ll disappear. It’s not very logical, but then again, neither am I.
Since the end of November I’ve gone from walking about a total of a half of a mile a day to walking somewhere close to 2 miles over the course of a day. And it’s such a blissful thing—I love to walk. There is something centering and nourishing about every step. I don’t think I’ve walked without getting a big smile on my face.
It’s been an 8.5 year process, and it’s amazing how far I’ve come. I had a huge setback last October when I fell and sprained my OTHER ankle, and that came just a week after I finished a long (for me) loop that I had been working toward for years. And so I have a sense of trepidation, because I know that things happen, and I can get injured again, and start at ground zero.
But it will never quite be ground zero, because I have every walk that I’ve done. I have the raindrops, the birdsongs, the wonder of the budding trees. That’s mine to keep, no matter what.
There is a joy in movement, a beauty and a freedom that I treasure. I remember it from when I began running. I remember it dancing in the rain. I remember it from playing as a kid. There is such an abundance of beauty and richness in those memories, and no matter what, they’re part of me and I am so unbelievably grateful to have had those moments of freedom.
I’m also thankful that I believe that girl is still within me, ready to dance again. And, despite the fact that I can’t walk a 5K (yet) somehow I’m still sure there’s one ahead of me that I’ll be able to run.
It’s extremely bittersweet. There is, of course, some sadness for what I can’t do, but there’s also an abundance of joy in what I can, and a deeper appreciation than I ever imagined was possible.
For our self-care retreat, I decided to get up early every morning and do an extra walk. I did one week faithfully, and then some stressors popped up, and I’ve had a harder time sleeping, so I’m not quite back yet. Hopefully next week the stars will align.
How do you get movement in your life? And what kind of movement brings YOU joy?
Stumble It!
My whole family moves more than I do. My teens are always moving, biking, jogging, dancing. My husband pops out of bed and bikes or does power yoga early Saturday morning. Even the dogs romp around begging for an outing. It’s really hard for me (a kind of closet couch potato) to live in this environment. So I decided, to live by one rule. I can’t say “no.” If my husband says lets ride…I ride, and so I did this morning. If a daughter says lets do wi dance freedom. I’ll obediently take my remote. This had helped and now I’m encouraged to let the dogs boss me around. When I get that “Why not walk?” look….I’m going to have to go. :))
Cheryl, I think your progress is outstanding! A year or two from now you won’t look back and think, well, I did miss that week of walking during July 2012. 😉 Keep moving forward with your plans and focusing on the positive, visualizing yourself doing that 2 miles a day until you get to the 5K. 🙂
I love Delise’s comment, too. Sometimes saying “Yes” again and again can be the solution to many of life’s “dilemmas,” even couch vs movement. 😉
Hugs,
Shirley
Delise,
How wonderful that you’re surrounded by loving motivators!
Shirley,
Thanks! I don’t ever miss days, but with the heat, I’m doing fewer walks that usual. And that’s okay.
Cheryl, I am loving your self-care series. Thank you so much for reminding us to take care of ourselves. Often, I think I worry so much about taking care of others (my kids, my dogs, my hubby, my chickens, my you-name-it) that it is easy to put myself on the back burner.
And thank you for the reminder that each step is progress and to celebrate each one! 🙂
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Cheryl,
Your posts are so heartfelt and meaningful. You inspire your readers. Good for you for finding “the joy in movement.” That can mean something different for each of us, but appreciating what we can do is key. Docs often tell people what they “can’t” do, which is sad. I’ve taken several yoga workshops with Matthew Sanford. He’s one of the most amazing and insightful yoga teachers when it comes to movement and the mind/body connection. He’s an inspiring teacher — full of ability, intuitiveness, and authentic grace. He understands (better than anyone I’ve ever met) how energy moves through the body. He’s also paralyzed from the chest down. He practices and teaches yoga in the most beautiful way.
Hang in there and keep moving!
Melissa
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