My family LOVES the outdoors. And I've had cousins jokingly say, "Wow, you used to hate being outside and sweating when you were a kid." and it's sadly true. I was intimidated by the outdoors. I didn't want to be the sweaty, chubby kid who couldn't keep up. And I wouldn't dare try something new in front of others for fear of failing so I found myself just in my own world.
It was safe there and I rarely stepped out of my comfort zone. That was ALL me, feeling pity and making excuses any chance I'd get. However, my dad never exposed me to the outdoors because he was "busy" with his things. The saying, the family that plays together-stays together that I use often-I BELIEVE IT. We did neither.
Moments like THOSE changed my outlook on life. Especially reflecting on who I am today.
I want to explore all of the things I was afraid of for so long. Life isn't living without trying new things. Stepping out of our comfort zone and seeing what life has to offer. Yes our routine is safe but what if we're missing out on more? Moments from my childhood help in raising my children to LOVE the outdoors, to try new things and escape from the ordinary. They are exposed and then able to decide if it's something they want to try. Giving the opportunity to take a hike together, ride bikes or throw rocks into a pond or lake...fishing, swimming, jumping, swinging...life's little moments that bring us joy!
We LOVE camping as a family. Yes, I'm a bit of a wuss and we don't tent camp but we take our family on many adventures, as often as possible! It's FUN!
This past weekend we visited our favorite place to camp on the lake. It's beautiful, relaxing and has gorgeous views. As I enjoyed my morning oatmeal the other day, I watched the families as they played, gathered around the picnic tables, went on walks, rode bikes and scooters, told stories, swam and laughed. It didn't matter if they were in tents, group shelter areas or travel trailers and motor homes...they were ALL enjoying the moments. We can be tall, short, rich or poor but it's how full our life is that matters, isn't it? All those moments wrapped into one...the joy we get from watching our child pedal without training wheels for the first time, the moment your child first says, "I love you Mom" or the moment your child makes friends with another child just because-not judging the way they look, act or where they live.
It doesn't get any better than that, right?
Well maybe if I had that beautiful ski boat that camped across from us??! Ha!
Little moments like making healthier choices because we want to live longer, we want to better our lives and the lives of our families. I had the choice as I woke up this morning to make a positive food choice, didn't I? For years I always opted for the endless bowl of Lucky Charms but that was my choice and in the moment I made the wrong one every time because overeating just felt better in my mind, not my body.
We have choices throughout the day and we must consciously make them in order to succeed.
It's Move It Momma shout out time again...
Another insanely strong, beautiful Momma with A LOT to be proud of!
She took the moment and opportunity to better herself and while I thought she looked healthy and incredible "before", who knew where this journey would lead...and look at her NOW??!
AMAZING!
I had the privilege of running beside her as she completed her first half marathon in Feb and she's signed up for another in Dec!
If we allow moments of opportunity to pass us by, we may never know how much further we can fly.
She's proof that anything is possible...whether it's 5lbs we want to lose or 500.
I am so proud of you and all you've accomplished and can't wait to see where the future takes you!
1 comment:
It is the small moments that make the difference!! You and your husband are setting a great example for your children. You have chosen to break the cycle and your boys will only benefit from it!!
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