First thing to go when I am short on time is exercise! I still go for my daily walks, mostly because my dog needs them but other that than, working out gets cut off my to-do list very quickly. Until I herniated a disc in my back. The pain was unlike any other and it took me 3 months to recuperate. I vowed then that exercise was a must-do for my health, the one thing I do take for granted. I think it’s not until you get injured or really sick that you sometimes put things in perspective. Right? And that’s not the way it should be!! Each day is a gift and I am learning to live more healthily, making exercising a priority. And guess what?! I actually enjoy it now! It’s been slightly over a year and I can honestly say I look forward to my workouts. It has been a growth mindset for me, realizing that in order to keep my body strong, I have to work out strong!

During my injury, I was going to physical therapy, which helped a lot. But as I was phasing out, I realized that I needed someone to guide me so I would have a productive exercise regimen. Finding a personal trainer has been, in a way, a lifesaver (While I’ve tried to keep my simple gifts free, this one does cost me $). I found a compassionate, patient, funny, strong woman who I look forward to starting off my week with. Exercising is fun, challenging, and always changing yet safe for my injury. She makes me a better person from the inside out! Truly! I tell my children to surround themselves with people who make them better and having Kim part of my tribe no doubt is a testament to that. We all tend to get focused on strengthening our minds and souls but our bodies need attention and dedication too. It’s been a year of commitment and I am no doubt stronger than I was, tougher than I thought, but I still have a long way to go. Kim loves the same mantra, “Progress not perfection.” So when days go by and I confess to her that I just couldn’t muster the enthusiasm to head to the basement and follow a routine, she affirms it’s alright and then, “Let’s get to it!” Because while I’m not perfect at working out each and every day, I am darn near close and closer than I have ever been in my life. And that’s something I’m proud of… giving myself the gift of health and gratefully acknowledging the unique body, mind and soul already given to me by God and making sure I take care of it the best way I can.

My gift to you….remember to make time to strengthen your physical body before you need to worry about it! There’s always an excuse lurking nearby but try to squash that voice and replace it with, “It will only take a few minutes to make me stronger.”