Early Spring 2012 - New Year, No Excuses
Dear Friends
I admit it…. I need to exercise. I need to put on my walking shoes, get outside, and start taking some walks. There's always a good reason why I don't (or can't in my mind!) -- too hot, too cold, too busy, too many errands to run, too rainy, it's Wednesday, too tired, my foot hurts, etc. You name it, and I have used it as an excuse. The reality is that I just don't feel like doing it.
However, I just saw a captivating news story that has completely changed my attitude about exercise. The story was about some young veterans who were wounded in the war and are now getting the chance to go back to Iraq and leave the battlefield on their own terms -- it is called Operation Proper Exit. What moved me to tears was that even though these 18-21-year-old men have lost their limbs, their sight, and their peace of mind, they still have wonderful, nothing-can-defeat-me attitudes. What these heroes wouldn't give to be able to wake up in the morning, put on their walking shoes, and go for a walk around their neighborhoods. They would give anything to do what I choose not to do every single day. These men have given everything so that we can have the freedom to go outside and walk, run, and bicycle. And I've been choosing to throw that gift away because I am lazy.
After seeing the struggle these young men will go through every single day of the rest of their lives, I realized how very, very lucky I am to have two legs, feet, and my eyesight and that I need to use those gifts. I now walk more mornings than I don't. I can't say I am perfect or that I love doing it, but I am doing it. And the more I do it, the easier it gets and the more I am starting to look forward to being out there, moving my body.
I am going to do my best to remember this lesson in all aspects of my life, and before I complain or put forth another excuse about almost anything, I'm going to remember these young men and women who have given so much of themselves. And then I'm going to shut my mouth, put on my walking shoes, and get out there in the world.
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