Move a Muscle, Change a Thought

“True enjoyment is from the activity of the mind and exercise of the body;

the two are ever united.” -- Wilhelm von Humboldt

One of the tools in my toolbox of life -- coping skills -- is "Self Care." Self care encompasses both physical well-being as well as mental. Both areas need to be maintained daily for a happier and serene life.

"Move a muscle, change a thought" is a phrase I've often heard since my sobriety. It's hard to stay stuck in your head when you're out walking in nature or with your best doggy friend!

My days are usually (blessedly) calm, but there are times that a day can get too full of tasks or obstacles to maneuver. The harder days require me to pull out some more tools from my kit of living skills. When I feel overwhelmed I reach out to friends or family to talk, pray and meditate a little longer, practice acceptance and gratitude and then I put on my sneakers and go to a yoga class (if it's raining or cold) or for a walk when the sun is shining.

We lost our dear fur friend Paisley in February so I don't go for walks as often. But knowing I enjoy walks with fur friends, my husband and I have decided to foster dogs, starting in a month. While I'm waiting I'm practicing yoga more often, but I can't wait for the opportunity to help some soon-to-be-adopted dogs and enjoy the outdoors with them!

There's nothing like walking in the woods, or on a beach, anywhere in nature where all I have to do is listen to the wind and smile as I feel the warmth of the sun ... until it's time to come back inside to my computer and my writing :)