I am constantly on the go. Looking back, I believe I've always been constantly on the go. I distinctly remember College Days working 30 hours a week to pay for it while going to school full time. There wasn't much extra time for anything. I remember early marriage days with 2 and then 3 young kids, working full time with a hubby who traveled at least half of the time. Between work and school and homework and sports, there wasn't much time for anything.
I absolutely love the term "Pockets of time" and "Carving out some time" because that's absolutely what needs to be done. I was talking to my 11 year old niece about her interest in running and telling her to just get out and run for 20 minutes 2-3 times a week. She told me she didn't have time. Huh, Wait... really on summer vacation, she didn't see how she could find 20 minutes a couple times a week. Yup, lots of folks think that way too, and everything is a balancing act.
So back to my why. And my actions have changed significantly in the last 3 years. I totally get how life can put you in a rut ~ without even realizing it ~ you get into what I called "Existence Mode" and simply try to get through it day-by-day. It can be overwhelming, stressful, exhausting and just plain not much fun. Somewhere along the way, I found some of those "Pockets of time" and it made a difference, and so I made finding those pockets more of a priority and it made more of a difference and so I eventually mandated carving out time to continue to make a difference.
My Pockets were all centered around wellness, fitness and nutrition... and the physical and mental changes (documented throughout this blog) continue to amaze me. I have done so many things in the last 3 years that even my 20-year old self would never have imagined doing. I have discarded medications that I now no longer need. And I still have energy to do and want to do more.
So my Why
... is for me ~ to be able to continue to be, to do and to feel amazing
... is for my health ~ Who chooses to just exist? Who chooses to struggle going up a flight of stairs? Who chooses to be on medications that might be unnecessary if they were living a more healthy lifestyle?
... is for my family ~ to be with and do fun things with them and to be there for them and to dance and my grandkids (don't have any yet) weddings
... is for my friends ~ funny how when you feel good and have lots of energy, carving out the time time to maintain old or create new friendships is so much easier.
... is for my life ~ I don't know if I will ever have enough time to climb all 48 of NHs 4000 footers (since I got such a late start - LOL) but I plan on going strong for as long as possible.
Make room for those pockets. Getting out of a rut and finding those pockets and doing something can be a struggle mentally, physically and even financially. Choosing superior nutrition, consistent workouts; treating and fueling the only place you have to live with the respect that it needs and deserves is a commitment that should not be second to anything.