Mama Needs a Refill

I have gym rat friends, triathlon buddies, know lots of runners, a few climbers, a handful of swimmers and a bunch of walkers and yoginis  — all women with their preference of exercise.  All women who know what works best for them.

In my twenties and thirties I was all about the runner’s high. I have participated in a number of half marathons and enjoyed every race over the years.  Running was where I would pray, unwind, de-stress and burn all that extra energy.  It was the only way I could get in shape, feel good after thirty minutes, totally disconnect from the rest of the world.

My body is done with running for now.  It aches to find a different high, the one I get in hot yoga. It no longer de-stresses with pounding the pavement nor does it relax when I put on running shoes.

I long to be barefoot, focusing on my breath, getting stronger in a different way than in days past.

Doing what your body wants is the only way to physically fill your own cup.  Just because everyone else is doing it doesn’t mean it is right for you.  If you tense up at the sound of yoga, then don’t do it.  If running causes you a side ache before you leave your house, try something else.

What exercise have you wanted to try?  What thing makes you sweat in such a good way you can’t wait until your next work out?  Or perhaps you prefer the non-sweating type of exercise?

Exercise shouldn’t be something you feel like you “should” do, then it won’t refuel you in the way you need. A workout shouldn’t be painful to the point of hating it. Discover what you love and watch your cup be filled up over and over with exercise that brings you joy, not more stress.

Try something different. Dance. Walk. Sprint. Float. Whatever it is, Just Do It.

Have you shared your dreams with a friend?  Have you told your spouse about your crazy idea?  Or do you choose to keep your dreams locked away, safe from judgment?  Take a risk today, tell one person your dream then envision it coming true.  It is a risk to voice your fantasies, your beautiful dreams, your wild ideas but if you keep them secret they will only collect dust.

Giving them air time puts them out there, into the world, one step closer to being made reality.  A chance to see light and breathe in possibility instead of suffocating tucked away inside your brain.

Figuring out that you are not just a mother, a parent raising children, you are a woman, a poet, a dancer, a listener, a runner, an organizer with a vision – whatever it is – will unlock the key to your soul.  You will peel back a layer, making it more difficult to be stuck, paralyzed by fear.

Start with one action.  Do something today that moves you closer to your dreams.  Enroll in a class, take a walk, send that email – step out of your comfort zone and see the magic happen.

Taken this moring, with my "Thursday Friend" during our writing time. She offered me her favorite cup for me tea. How could I refuse?

As I rushed from coffee date, to grocery store, to stuffing lunch in my face, to throwing ball for dog to volunteer time on Picture Day today at my kids’ school, I was given a free refill.  We don’t need you, I have plenty of volunteers. Sorry to do this, I know you planned on helping.

The mom was reluctant to tell me she didn’t need my help not realizing she had given me a gift not hurt my feelings. Not even close. So I wasn’t needed at the school today, I will be there volunteering Thursday and again Friday, so today Tuesday, I can go back home and fill my own cup.

I have spent the last hour writing.  The dishes are in the sink so when I go upstairs to do them I will have a song on my heart and lightness to my step because I stopped and put myself first. I gave myself a hall pass and found where I was really needed today. On the blank page.