The First Steps Are the Hardest

It's really easy for me to spout off affirmations or inspirational quotes to my GM friends when they feel they aren't being true to their Green Mountain selves.  I can say things like, "Something is better than NOTHING!"  "Make ridiculously small goals for yourself today."  "Even a 15 minute walk will make you feel refreshed!"

Some days I need to heed my own advice.  On days when I don't have aquatics I feel like I just have a vacation day to do nothing.  Meanwhile, I have been neglecting my strength training and my need for fresh air.

Today was mostly filled with thunderstorms and heavy rain and I was quite enjoying my lazy time on the couch.  Aquatics yesterday and tomorrow...I'm cool on the couch today.  When Joe came home from work the sun had emerged and there were a couple hours of sunshine left.  He asked if I wanted to go for a walk and I just kind of shrugged my shoulders and said, "It's kind of cold...."

I then popped onto Facebook and read about my GM friend's successes of getting off their butts and just moving a little bit and how much better they felt.  I realized that I was giving them good advice that I wasn't following myself, so I called out to Joe and said that I did want to go for a walk.  By that time he had put on his comfy clothes and looked ready to relax.  But he agreed that a walk would be better so we stepped outside and agreed to walk for at least 15 minutes.  The next thing we knew, we had been out for an hour and we felt great.  It's amazing how much movement, sun and fresh air effect mood and happiness.

My friend, Denise, reminded me that it's the first few steps that are the hardest.  They are the ones that are most clouded by our mind and our unwillingness.  Like walking through water, those first steps feel impossible.  But once you get the hang of it, you find your stride.

"I have never regretted going for a walk."

I wanted to include a photo of my new addiction.  Spinach, feta, pumpkin seeds, raspberry vinaigrette.