Time for a Change
I have to admit that I have become very sedentary. My job as a private practice therapist is not one that encourages a lot of movement. It’s more of a sit down and listen job. Matter of fact, it is so sedentary that I even stopped tracking my steps with my Fitbit because I was so discouraged by the low numbers. I was feeling all that non-movement around my expanding midriff and my slagging energy level.
So, time to do something about it. I first thought about joining a group exercise class, or maybe a Yoga class, but I quickly dismissed that idea. I know myself well enough to know that I would likely find some excuse to not go after the initial enthusiasm wore off. Then I would be mad at the money I spent on a class I wasn’t even attending. I needed something that I could fit into my busy schedule and that wouldn’t cost me a bunch of money. Oh and it needed to be easy enough that I would stick with it. What to do?
The Solution is A Walk in the Park–Literally
I have my husband to thank for pointing out the solution that was so obvious the whole time. One day he asked me if I wanted to go for a walk with him. I rather halfheartedly said yes and I am glad I did. Besides the nice time I had connecting with my husband, I was reintroduced to the Portage Hike and Bike Trail. We parked at the Main Street Bridge and started our walk at the falls. We went for an easy walk and–Oh my gosh–It is gorgeous and just so full of people! We walked past the Tannery Park where kids were swimming in the river, families were renting kayaks, inner tubes and bikes from Crooked River Adventure, people were jogging, and walking their dogs. We walked past the water treatment plant to a secluded section of the river where people were fishing. It was so inspiring. We ended up talking and walking about three miles that day. A far cry from the couple of thousand steps I was getting in my office job. I felt great and we have repeated the walk several times throughout the summer.
Do What You Can With What You Have
Sometimes…okay most times I make things so complicated. The Hike and Bike Trail is so close to my office you would think it would be a no brainer. Go for a walk. But I just didn’t think of it. I was looking outside of myself (go to a class) to solve an enduring problem. Like Dorothy who had the power all along in her ruby slippers, we sometimes don’t think we know what to do, when we really do. Don’t overthink it. Do what you can with what you have. Simple solutions are all around us if we look for them. What can you do to help your situation right now. The answer is not in a self-help book. You just need to stand very quietly, click your heals three times and listen for your own wisdom to speak to you.
Have you ever had the experience of trying to solve a problem with a complex solution when the simple answer was right in front of you? Comment below and share your insight!