Fitness is a Journey, not a Destination

So, it’s that time of year you’ve been eagerly looking forward to, the season which brings with it the much anticipated long vacations, the spontaneous amusement and theme park getaways, the family reunions, and your best friend’s wedding. Yes, it is summertime. The parks and beaches are filled with the wonderful sounds of children laughing and playing. I know how much you love the smiling faces and lively conversations on front porches and in the back yard barbecues. They seem to go on from dawn until dusk. Is your participation dampened somewhat by your feelings of insecurity? Did summer creep up quickly and catch you by surprise? Are you frustrated daily because the personal goals you had set are lingering in your mind once again and remain as unfinished business? Instead of being thrilled to join in fun-filled activities, are you somewhat dreading the very thought? Could it be that your individual fitness quest had trouble getting started?

If you could let go of the anxiety over the way your work clothes fit, you’d do it in a second, wouldn’t you? If you weren’t slightly mortified about the prospect of slipping into that pretty dress or fancy tuxedo for that special occasion or donning the bathing suit you desire to wear at the pool, you’d be more excited, right? So, you happen to be a little bit off the original schedule. Do not panic! Just because there is no miracle pill that will transform your body in three weeks, please do not now adopt a “wait until next year” attitude. All is not lost.

But a word of caution, be very wary of anyone promising quick fixes. Celebrity chefs, athletes, actors, entertainers, and others may endorse a miracle drug to lose weight or build muscle. Don’t be fooled into wasting your money, your time, and your emotions. Your plumber or auto mechanic may have a simple, speedy, effective, and lasting solution for a problem you are experiencing, however, such is never the case, nor ever will be for someone on TV or in a magazine pitching the fast track to the new you! This journey you are on is far too important for you to exhaust any effort in the absolute wrong direction. Many people will fall victim to this ploy meant to deceive and misguide. You can take some baby steps today that will redirect your course in a safe and appropriate manner.

“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” – Lau Tzu

Although this is the popular form of this quotation, a more correct translation from the original Chinese would be, “The journey of a thousand miles begins beneath one’s feet.” Rather than emphasizing the first step, Lau Tzu regarded action as something that arises naturally from stillness. To paraphrase slightly, we might say, “Even the longest journey must begin where you stand.” – Michael Moncur

Well, where do you currently stand? What is it that stands between you and your goals? Wherever you are and whatever you are doing, my hope is that you still have a positive outlook on your future. I stand with you and boldly declare that you must not let negativity from others or a defeatist attitude stand as a towering obstacle in your way. In the stillness of any moment, can you say that your desire to change is greater than your desire to remain in the same place? If “Yes” is your heart’s fervent reply, then that is enough! The smallest bit of desire is all that is necessary. With it kindling deep inside of you, that tiny flame of desire can start a reaction “beneath your feet”. I am not referring to an earthquake! You can take that first step forward in faith. “What lies before us and what lies behind us are small matters compared to what lies within us. And when you bring what is within out into the world, miracles happen.” – Henry David Thoreau

It is important that you feel good about the progress which you are making. It might be imperceptible to you right now, but it is happening “where you stand”! Love yourself right now. Don’t put off being happy until some point in the future, perhaps when you’ve walked a thousand miles. Don’t delay until your circumstances are different. Some things may never change. Decide now to be grateful for who you are and what you have. You have been blessed with certain unique gifts. In order for you to use these talents to enrich your own life and touch many others as well, you must trust that your desire will be nurtured and grow along this journey. I know that excitement you will have when you begin to see even the slightest physical manifestation of the effort you have been making. This will increase your capacity to continue onward, to “arise naturally” and do not look back. Your ability to function at your peak levels in every area of your life will be magnified. You deserve to smile this summer and throughout every season of the year. When you do, you will contribute to the happiness of others. “It is not enough just to be good. We must be good for something. The world must be a better place for our presence.” – Gorden B. Hinckley

So, don’t fret about the bathing suit, the vacation, the wedding, or the reunion. Enjoy the summer! You’re still you, and that is all that matters!

“Fitness is a journey, not a destination.” – Unknown