CreatingJoi

It's always on a walk or easy solo run where I feel like my thoughts really open up to the true possibilities of life. I know that sounds dramatic. But think about it, it's like a sacred trinity of movement, nature, and time alone. I can't imagine there's a better recipe for peak experiences.

A crucial part of my 100 days is to answer the call of joyful movement. Walking alone, and also with others, is a great and meaningful way to enjoy doing something that's good for me.

No, its's not an everyday choice for me. And I know too much about fitness to only do what feels good in the moment. But leaving room for those things that are truly joyful is paramount for longevity and peace of mind.

And, plus, there's the added benefits of joy and peace with minimal recovery.

If there's a part of your movement practice that brings you the most joy and peace, feel free to share it. Or, if you've noticed that there is no joy in your routine anymore, how can you be more intentional about finding it?

Happy Tuesday if that's even a thing 😊

I am not a "challenge"person. In fact, I have been known to shy away from many forms of commitment; however, I'm feeling a pull towards some stretch goals. Stretch goals challenge us in good ways. It's done to increase the tension, but not so much that the band of motivation pops.

I'm inspired by my current interactive read, which I'll share at a later date, but I wanted to take the time to document that I will, over the next 100, adhere to a list of principles that I've designated as paramount to my well-being.

We're getting to that time of year where busyness is the name of the game, but that same busyness is structured. And, for me, structure is fertile ground for setting strong foundational habits.

I support people in the name of well-being daily. I love what I do, but I also need to be careful to create systems to support myself.

Maybe you have some ideas you've been tinkering with to stretch yourself. And maybe the universe has fixed it so that I'm writing these words to confirm that the next 100 days are also for you.

For clarity, this is the time for me to work on radical self-care. I'm here for creating time for creativity, leaning into my circles of support, and guarding carefully my peace. Life is too precious to live haphazardly and I plan to take the next several weeks to ground myself in what matters most.

I'm attaching this sweaty, rainy pic of my awful run this morning for good measure. More on its awfulness later, but I need someone to witness that barely meeting the goal I set for myself happened despite my current awful sleep patterns and dumb, stupid rain.

✌🏾

Run therapy brought to you by nature and The Therapy For Black Girls Podcast: "When you let go of perfection you make room to usher in peace" 🙌🏿

It's a great day to be alive

Despite its suspicious packaging and the fact that my friend distributed it pre-dawn in a half empty parking lot, this was a fun, legit, and LEGAL way to press through this morning's long run 😆

I'm not a candy girl, but this burst of sugar at halfway did a world of good.

This LMNT was hard fought and well earned this morning. This humidity is not for the weak, and I haven't been at my strongest in years.

Today felt a little different. I struggled, huffed, puffed, and thought about cutting it short, but I figure it's a good a day as any to reaffirm and reshape my fitness into something that feels more familiar

Physically, it's been a rough-ish year, but maybe my mind and body are finally back in sync and ready to do good things for the collective well-being of our person.

Happy Wednesday and cheers to hope and possibilities ✨️

What if I told you you could start now? You don't have to wait for a brand new day, week, month,or year to set your intentions into motion.

But, since it's Monday, we have a built-in opportunity for fresh perspective and action.

Carpe Diem!

Quick workout in my "work" clothes because I had a surprise break, and I promised a friend/client that I'd meet my strength goal this week.

Accountability is a b*tch😆

But here's your living proof that it works!

Thanks, Friend!

I woke up with the intention of a gym workout but opted into a little rest instead. In this season, I'm normalizing checking in with my body before I move it.

Wellness works in many ways. Sometimes, rest trumps work.

Carpe Diem 😊

Coach is such a popular term on the interwebs these days. It's really no wonder that, to some degree, the term has lost some of its meaning. They're fitness coaches, business coaches, menopause coaches, ADHD coaches, nutrition coaches, financial coaches etc., etc., etc. There is one to fit every need and one you didn't even know you needed 😉

At its essence, a coach is a partner who walks the path of behavior change with a client or customer.

Connecting with one could be the missing piece of the puzzle to catapult you into the next stage of life.

Do your homework:Ensuree your coach is backed up by a legitimate certifying body.

Be open to some cognitive and physical stretching: it's OK to be uncomfortable. This is usually where the magic happens

Be patient: Rome was not built overnight and the same is true for your pecs.

Connect, build a plan, walk the journey

In Florida, our outdoor activities are scheduled opposite the summer. Now is our go time. Before the oppressive heat indexes. Before the incessant fight against mosquitoes and yellow flies. And before days upon days of what feels like 110% humidity, we get to "enjoy" our patios, porches, and parks.

It's these times that I can pretend to be the outdoor girlie I've always dreamed of becoming 😁

I'm loving these opportunities for outdoor joyful movement. I'm soaking it all in now before heat stroke is even on the table for consideration.

Happy hump day!

Find a way to carve out a smidgen of time just for you. You won't regret it!

I love the apps and platforms that do us the favor of reflecting back.

This popped up in my memories this week. One year ago, the Lake Apopka 30k. I remember feeling tired and training weary following my fall marathon a few months prior, but I chugged along and stuck to my plan.

I've learned several lessons over the years. The ones this photo calls to mind are: 1) take nothing for granted, 2) perseverance pays, and 3) gratitude always

My circle knows I've struggled quite a bit over the last couple of years. Things that seemed "natural " are much more hard fought, and certainty is off the table.

But, here I am, still working on flexing my get-back-up-again muscles. And that's what it's all about. Keep moving, celebrate what you can do, roll with the punches, and honor life's winters and springs. We're worth the effort of the process regardless of the outcome.

I don't know about you, but I'm excited about the weekend. Will it be restful and restorative? Not in the least! 😆

But I can reflect back on what worked well this week, recharge minimally, and plan to be strategic about the week to come.

Happy Friday, Friends. Rest, recharge, and regroup. It'll be Monday morning again before you know it 😉

I'm a podcast girlie, but even good things can exist as noise. The sunshine and dirt called this afternoon, and I'm glad I answered. 😊