“You don’t stop running because you get old. You get old because you stop running." I imagined Christopher McDougall’s words in the clouds above my head as I sat and wrote a draft of this piece by the pool.
Instead of working out last Saturday, I observed my children’s practice. The coach instructed my youngest to swim 25 meters, climb out of the pool, walk to the other end, and repeat. My daughter stayed in the water and went back and forth like a pendulum.
I wanted to jump in the water with them. But then, I remembered that I needed to rest before the next day's 10K race. So I sat with my hands on the keyboard, feet on the ground, and eyes semi-focused on the screen.
Do you struggle with sitting still? Is your schedule packed with appointments and tasks?
From the moment I wake up in the morning until bedtime, I am running.
Christopher McDougall's book, "Born to Run," shifted my perspective of what's possible with two feet, two lungs, and a healthy heart. As the book title suggests, McDougall explains how most of our bodies come built with the ability to run. He supports his thesis by linking evolution and scientific research to athletic running events.
The book provides evidence of what’s beyond our perceived physical limitations. I’ve learned that movement and rest are pivotal players in the human longevity game.
Take a deep breath in and let it out before you continue.
Repeat or actually do it this time, and assign one word to your inhale and another to your exhale.
Brief pauses or gaps like the space after this ___________________________can help you to recalibrate and reset. It's an easy task but hard to do.
Think about your work. Yes, the weekend is here, but dial back in for a second on this Friday.
When you take a break between creating an outline for an eLearning course or preparing a presentation, you often identify more resources or strategies to support your message. Images, videos, or interactive illustrations come to you.
Writing always improves after breaks between outlines, rough drafts, and the final version.
When we're constantly on the go, it's difficult to stop. However, if we can yield to pause and reflect, our performances may surpass limiting beliefs.
In this month dedicated to mental health awareness, let’s discover new ways to relax. Schedule meditation into your day. Plan to go for a walk. Make time to read a book.
Do something that enables you to refresh and take care of yourself.
Subscribe at this link for similar reminders delivered to your inbox in the form of blog posts. See the video below of footage from my family’s last outing to reconnect with each other after a busy week.
Whatever we do and want to excel at means a lot of dedication. The goal is only part of the prize. But the affirmation is a great motivator to move higher.