“When it comes to life, the critical thing is whether you take things for granted or take them with gratitude.” – Gilbert K Chesterton

Today I am thankful for the gift of exercise. I know I recently wrote about strength and that it isn’t all about physical muscle, but the fact that I am able to get out of bed every day and use my body, is a blessing.

Yesterday my mom and I took my dog for a walk, in keeping with our new Saturday tradition. There is a great walking path where she works and my 10 year old dog helps us keep a good pace, wet nose leading the way. Yesterday evening I used my therapy bands and equipment and did some exercises. Some days, my body just is not up for exercise and my joints ache so much that it’s impossible to do even the easiest exercises. But I can’t get in the habit that I often fall into of letting that be my normal, and taking for granted the days when I do feel well enough to work out. I have to be thankful for those days God has given me and use them to my advantage so that I will hopefully have more of them, the more I stabilize my joints and gain muscle.

Another reason I have difficulty committing to working out is that some days I DO feel good and the workout makes my joints hurt worse. I used to be able to use 8 pound dumbbells for bicep curls and do 40 second long planks, not even a year ago. Recently my joints have decided they can’t handle that anymore. It’s often hard for me to accept that the exercises I’m doing now are much simpler and lighter than I used to do. But I can’t let that get me down. I have to push on and do the exercises I’m able, and only the exercises I’m able in order to maintain the strength I do have.

So today, I am thankful. Thankful for the bad days, because the bad days remind me to appreciate the good ones, and to use them to their full potential, making my body the best it can be.

Blessings

What a gift that’s been given,
the blessing of movement.
What are you waiting for?
There’s always room for improvement!

It’s easy to get caught up
in taking care of others
but what about yourself?
You’re the child of your mother’s!

If you don’t take care of yourself,
then what is left to give?
You’ve got to start now;
this is your time to live!

You begin the journey,
eating well, exercising,
but wait, something’s missing:
to you, it comes surprising.

Always expecting thanks
for the work you have done,
but what about thanking God?
He’s the reason you have won!

We’re not always dealt,
the best hand we see,
but look to Him for answers,
he’s the one with the key.