Hello Friends!

I have often used the phrase “work in progress” but recently wondered if it puts me in a headspace that doesn’t encourage my positive attitude toward wellness.

I’m currently nursing an unpredictable knee issue that has slowed me down and I found myself having to admit temporary defeat before the recovery work could begin. (Let me be clear: My workouts have not caused this tweak, I just have a sloppy ligament that gets loosey-goosey at times.)

So, let’s look at it and what it does mean. “Work in progress” implies, to me, that there’s an endgame — once the work is done and I’ve progressed, it’s over. But perhaps it simply expresses a sense of moving forward, continuing the journey, never giving up or letting it go.

Regardless of its true meaning, for me it sounds like I have a destination and, upon arrival, the journey is complete. Life, as we know, is a gift worth opening every day, and being well — truly well — is a progressive state and ever changing.

Fitting into a certain outfit for an upcoming event or getting your body ‘“beach” ready for a vacation may be a way to get you started, but they honestly shouldn’t be the finish line. We owe ourselves so much more than that. Every day we can move a little more, we should. Looking good is the side effect of healthy living, not the objective.

I truly believe if we embrace that thought process we can maintain a more sustainable and rewarding life. Balance is essential to achieving goals. Once you’ve reached them, make new ones. Being your best self evolves every day.

Maybe one day you wake up and decide it’s time to learn how ride a motorcycle (this happened to me recently, so I will). Or perhaps you decide to finally finish that project around the house that’s been quietly mocking you..

Our emotions tend to control our goals. After a breakup people are suddenly apt to get the jiggly bits all tightened up again in hopes of finding a new mate. Why, though? Why are we not worth it right now? Why is that wedding day dress or tuxedo so important to fit into. For the pictures? For our partner? What if we just did it for ourselves?  

Perhaps we have goal clothes hanging our closet that we so desperately want to fit back into — and they, too, are mocking us like the unfinished project around the house. It’s like a dance party of inanimate objects laughing at our lack of participation. Silence, I say! Silence!

I’m a work in progress. I’ll get there. Tomorrow is a great day to start, but how about today? Work is the key word and progress is inevitable if you’re all in.

If your physical and mental health are truly important to you —  and they should be No. 1 — just do it (Nike says it best). Movement is essential, both for the body and the mind. Train yourself to embrace the never-ending work in progress mantra. Today, I will. Life is waiting, live it now!