Physical Wellness: Breaking Barriers

This morning I decided to go for a run.

Which is interesting, actually, because I’m not a runner.

So yes, sometimes I run when I have to. Like when it’s raining and I don’t want to get wet.

Or when I’m at the beach and the sand is too hot.

That’s the kind of runner I am.

So, as I found myself lacing up my “running” shoes this morning, only one thought was going through my head. “I’m not a runner.”

And then I went out and ran.

I ran three miles. And it felt great.

So I’m running and I’m feeling great, and I’m STILL thinking, “This is crazy. I’m not even a runner!”

Until it finally dawned on me.

I seem to be running. Today I’m a runner.

I mean, seriously. Is there a running fairy who taps us on the shoulder at birth and declares us a runner for life? And the running fairy didn’t tap me?

Is there a form to file with the Running Authority?

Are there annual dues?

I’m thinking about all this while I’m running, and the absurdity of it all hits me.

The truth is, I’m the only one who decided I’m not a runner. And here I was running.

And I’m the only one who decided, for whatever crazy reason on this particular day (hello, Coronavirus Quarantine Day 34), to put on some running shoes and run.

The Boxes we Put Ourselves in

How many other boxes do we put ourselves in?

• I’m no cook.
• I’ll never be thin.
• I’ll never find true love. 
• I can’t write.
• I can’t sing.
• I can’t dance.
• I’m a procrastinator. 
• I’m not a runner.

Underlying each of these declarations are two things (well, probably a whole lot more than two, but we’ll start there):

1. a self-crafted identity
2. an excuse

They both serve to hold us back, to keep us stuck.

And we can use that identity and those excuses if we want. It’s our choice.

Or we can decide not to put ourselves in a box. Not to label ourselves.

And to think a little differently.

As a reminder:

Chances are, if you’re not a runner, it’s because you’ve chosen not to run. And if you’re not a singer, it’s because you’ve chosen not to take voice lessons, or join a singing group, or – well, sing.

And that’s OK. Life is all about choices. You’ve been busy doing other things.

But this doesn’t mean you can’t make a different choice at any time if you want. You simply have to choose to. And then start with baby steps.

Is there a dream unfulfilled in your life? Is it possible you’re not pursuing your dream because you’ve told yourself it’s just a dream, and could never be your reality? Have you told yourself your goal is unattainable? Maybe someone else put a label or a limit on you?

When it comes to physical wellness, we are really good at boxes and labels.

• Overweight. “Might as well eat more snacks. What difference does it make?”
• Lazy. “I can’t commit to a gym. Who am I kidding?”
• Unathletic. “That workout requires coordination. I’ll never be able to do it.”
• Undiciplined. “I don’t have the self-control.”
• Pre-dispositioned. “I have a family history of diabetes. It’s only a matter of time.”
• Weak. “Weight training is not for me.”

What would it look like if we turned this thinking around?

• Overweight. “I look forward to getting back to a thinner, healthier version of myself.”
• Lazy. “It’s a new chapter and I’m ready to take better care of myself.” 
• Unathletic. “I’ll learn the moves one class at a time.”
• Undiciplined. “I’m going to start small and commit to one step at a time.”
• Pre-dispositioned. “I’m going to beat this family history.”
• Weak. “I will do what I can to become stronger.”

You can’t separate your body from your mind and spirit. Whole body wellness via healthy nutrition, exercise, and rest depends on (and directly impacts) all other areas of your life. It is not an end in and of itself. It is part of a whole.

As you seek to become more healthy in your body, remember how much of it starts in your mind. As you seek to become more healthy in your mind, remember how much of it starts in your spirit.

And vice versa. The circle spins.

So notice your self-talk. Notice your limiting beliefs and your excuses. Decide what you want to do about them. Choose what you want things to look like today and in the future.

One thing is for sure – we get either excuses or results. It is an either-or proposition.

Which one do you want?

I’m off to grab my running shoes.