Where's Your Joy?

I'm a huge believer in the power of words -- in how what we say to ourselves about ourselves affects not only who we are today, but who we become tomorrow. Last night, I experienced an incident that's got me thinking about what I say to myself about exercise. Let me explain...

I was maneuvering my shopping cart through the crowded produce section at the grocery store when I rounded a corner and almost smacked into a little girl about three years old. She was standing right in the middle of the aisle, swaying her hips. Her mom saw me and quickly said, "Come on, honey. Move over."

Nothing. She didn't budge.

Her mom grew more insistent. "Come over here now," she said. "You're in the lady's way."

The girl looked at me, then at her mother and said -- in a most exasperated tone -- "Mama...I have to dance."

As I walked away, still laughing, I thought about the last time I'd felt that kind of joy about moving my body. I usually talk about my "workout" -- When am I going to fit in my workout today? Only five more reps and I'm done with my workout. The very word "work" makes it all sound so unappealing, doesn't it?

That little girl reminded me that there was a time when I'd cartwheel and back-flip just because I loved the dizzy sensation. A time when I'd run because I loved the sound the air made as it rushed past my ears. I still love a great dance class, a walk down to the beach at sunset or even a brisk run when I'm in the mood. Those are the times when my "workout" doesn't feel like work at all.

What a great reminder to find the joy in moving our bodies...and that when the joy is gone and exercising is just a chore, it's time to mix it up with something new. If your workout's gone stale, I challenge you to try something new, or revisit something you used to enjoy (ballet class? hula hooping? kickball?). Better yet, how about a game of backyard whiffle ball with the kids?

You might just amaze yourself with how much you love moving your body again.

Comments

[Lance]

Hi Dara,
I'm loving this! Having fun when we workout - what a concept! The snow is beginning to melt here and that will mean more outdoor time. And our backyard will become a football/soccer/baseball/kickball field. And all three of our kids will be out there, and often my wife and/or I will be too. And it is fun (although it's getting harder to actually win as the adult). What's really fun is when our daughter has a friend over - one who may be a little less active than she is - and they have a blast playing against the boys! As long as no one gets hurt, it's almost always guaranteed to be a fun time (for me too!)! We sometimes finish it off with a walk down to the local custard stand - does that negate the exercise?? It certainly doesn't take away from the fun!

[Sagan]

That's so cute! So much to learn from little kids. Now I wanna go out and dance.

[Alyssa]

SO CUTE!!!!
My kids run, climb, jump and play all day. (I'm actually thinking of videotaping them and releasing it as a workout video!)
This morning I rode my bike to the gym, and I had so much fun! It reminded me of being a kid and riding my bike everywhere, just because I could.