Saturday, August 25, 2012

Heart and Soul

On Friday, I went for a walk.

Applause, cheer, marvel...
I know, I know.
One small step for fitness,
one big step for my heart and soul.


Since the new year, I have been watching my eldest son leave the house every single morning, and walk. He makes no exceptions, accepts no excuses. I remember when it was hard, when he made blisters, when he felt frustrated. Now, he's running, and going out twice a day. He feels good. He inspires me, and every day I would think to myself woulda-coulda-shoulda... and yesterday, I did. I didn't go as far, or as fast, but I took the first step.

And, I want to do it again, and again, and again... sort of. I know myself. I have a drawer full of excuses, and rationales for not ever going out again, and later, or sooner (probably sooner) I will use one of those excuses and try to skip my walk, my fitness excursion. There will be bumps in the road, set-backs, sick days, busy days, too hot, too cold, too wet, too frickin' lazy. But come Saturday morning, I am going to be here, at Chickenblog, and I am going to profess or confess... I am going to post some pictures from my ventures, and make myself accountable... whether a twenty minute wander, or a long, long stroll, I'll write about it.

If I don't make it fun, intriguing... if I don't add an element of extra-interest, I will be even less inclined to stick to my goals, so I will always carry my iPhone, and I will pay attention to what I see, I will smell the roses, enjoying the trek mindfully engaged.

So, what are my goals?

Let's see...
Move:
Walk
Swim
Hula Hoop
Bicycle
Yoga
Chase goats

Inspire:
My heart
My soul
My friends

I would love it if You joined me, near or far, wherever you are in your journey. We know the benefits of exercise, we've read about discipline and diligence... I am not training for an event, counting calories, or checking my pace against Lance Armstrong... I just want to keep an appointment with myself to make movement a regular part of my week. Accountable. Simple. Happy. Accepting.



19 comments:

tara said...

I bought dance hoops for my girls and i and they are so fun. Great exercise too

Natalie, the Chickenblogger said...

Yes! Are those the bigger-heavier hoops?
They work so marvelously well.
We made some (http://www.youngmakersclub.blogspot.com/2012/03/make-hoops-and-music.html) which was pretty easy to do.
I love how well the big hoops work (compared with the small, typical kind) and how the satisfaction of them working well, keeps you playing longer!
What fun!

Miriam said...

I'm with you! I have a rebounder that I just love - it's a ratty old thing Kim bought at a garage sale, but something about bouncing or jogging on it seems to make my body feel good.

I have a terrible time with discipline, when it comes to keeping commitments to myself. Promises to other people are no problem, but like many women, I find I don't get to taking care of myself until everyone else is taken care of. But I keep trying!

Kate said...

Perfect timing! I just rededicated myself to getting back into shape and joined a gym that I've been slaking for a few months. Now I have no excuses. As always, love what you write.

ArtyZen said...

Count me in, Natalie. I do walk with Darwin but we tend to tread the same path and whilst it's strenuous and uphill, we could do more for heart and soul by striking out and visiting pastures new and looking at what is around us more. Next Saturday. Bloggers tell all. Axxx

judy in ky said...

Now that I got a clean bill of health from my stress test, I can resume exercising! My doctor told me to wait.

test said...

Great to hear Natalie, I have seen what it does to your son, and he motivated me too, now I am walking every day.
Well so-far I never had a chance to use one on my excuses but just give it time.

valleycampdurango said...

joining you! i'm in! i have fallen off the wagon of late and will get back on with you.

so.

inspire me, sister!

Elizabeth Rose Stanton said...

Good luck with your plan. You are inspiring me to get out there, too!
P.S. I just love that you love chickens ;) :)

Natalie, the Chickenblogger said...

Let's keep trying, Miriam.
And if we make this a *promise* to each other, well, then we will satisfy our impulse to take care of others, too!

Natalie, the Chickenblogger said...

Thank you, Katie.
Gyms love me... regular payments, but I stay out of their way!
Hopefully neighborhood walks will keep my heart pumping.

Natalie, the Chickenblogger said...

Viva! This is getting exciting.

Natalie, the Chickenblogger said...

Judy, I was hoping to hear from you.
Let's hold each other up!

Natalie, the Chickenblogger said...

Michael, you are an amazing model of diligence, and always with your heartwarming smile... you inspire!

Natalie, the Chickenblogger said...

How's this for inspiration: I walked for forty minutes... in the dark, when I would have preferred to be reading in bed. Okay, my boys pulled me out the door, but it was totally worthwhile. I've read about some of your adventures... woman, you inspire me!

Natalie, the Chickenblogger said...

Cheers!
Join us, please.
We do have chickens, and seeing your
artistic picture there, I am most eager
to visit your blog! Thank you for visiting
Chickenblog.

Anonymous said...

Accepted, see you on the walk, ( in my heart at least).

Jenn in California.

Jenny said...

Good timing Natalie. After many years of excuses I am vowing to start walking this week when the kids start school. I'm glad to have your company. Also, I plan to carry my camera - just in case :)

xxx
Jenny

Sara at Come Away With Me said...

Dear Natalie, I'm sorry I missed this when you posted it and didn't send you an encouraging comment....hooray for you! You are off to a great start! I love the photos you took and your commentary that hits home so closely with me too...yes, that big stash of excuses that are always so handy. Your last paragraph is great...yes, no special training, no counting calories (I HATE counting calories!)....just a promise to get out there and move the old bod every day. I'm so glad you wrote about this, and I saw your next post as well. I'll go over there now and comment again. You are an encouragement.