Thankful

1 Thessalonians 5:18
"Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."

You see that?? ALL CIRCUMSTANCES. 

I strongly believe that there is something positive that comes out of every situation. 

I mean, really. Stop to think about that for a second.



If you asked me about my knee and foot issues right away while they were happening - you probably honestly heard me have a negative tone about it. But now, I am fine with it. Do I wish my body was functioning healthy right now? You bet. But I am also THANKFUL for my injuries, because they have forced me to SLOW DOWN in my life. 

I feel like I have been sprinting through life the past few months but going nowhere. 

Every situation that happened - I focused on the negative and not the positive. But for the past week or two - I have had the privilege of finding and renewing myself again.  So often in my life I just fly from one thing to the next with my mind on things of the future - instead of focusing on my life right now, in this moment. I think it was maybe because I never felt fully satisfied with my life the way it was - I was always searching for the next thing. And I would search for satisfaction in earthly things that could never satisfy me - but instead just let me down. 

I may be the only one dealing with these issues- but I have a feeling there are many of us that need to slow down and be more aware.

I attended a yoga class this week. I am probably the least flexible person that I know - so yoga is anything but easy for me. The instructor had us close our eyes for the entire class and listen to her. It forced us to be aware and do each move with carefulness and intention. Instead of fixing our eyes on her to see what move she wanted us to do next - we had to think about ourselves, our bodies, and our breathing in each moment and observe what we were doing. 

It may sound silly or boring but I got so much out of that class. Physically (yes, I was sweating, and yes, I was sore the next day) and mentally - I found myself wanting to open my eyes and look at her and take the easy way out instead of just feeling the movement with my body. Very powerful. 

I was able to take that class and relate it to my life. My mind and body need to be in line with everything I do throughout my day. If my knee is saying "hey - I don't want to jump today - I'm swollen and I am achy" - I need to respect that and honor that and not force it through 10 minutes of plyometrics. Same goes for my mind. I need to be present. And not thinking of the million things I have to do throughout the day.

Anyways, getting back on topic - I am thankful for what these "injuries" have brought into my life. I will list a few below before ending my post for the day.

Yoga - Wow. I mean - I knew my body needed it - but wow. Words cannot explain how good it has been for my body and my mind.

Rest - its not a bad thing. It's a good thing. A really good thing. My body needed rest but I was not aware my mind needed to take a little break as well. 

People with knowledge about the body - I am a personal trainer and fitness instructor so I have a decent knowledge base when it comes to the body - but what I have been learning about my body from my chiropractor and physical therapist has completely blown my mind and I would not have been able to get better on my own. They are absolutely amazing and their knowledge is almost overwhelming. (in an amazing sort of way)

Foam rollers -  I almost wanted to leave this one out of my "thankful list" - but it has earned it's spot. Painfully, so. 

Relationships - taking a break has freed up some of my time to catch up with old friends, as well as make some new ones. And I feel blessed by all of the people I have been able to connect with recently. 

Swimming - this is one of the only cardio exercises I can do until I get better. If you know me - you'll know that swimming was a huge part of my life from 3rd grade all through high school and I didn't think that I missed it - but I totally did. I have been able to get back into the pool recently and I am LOVING it. 

I could go on. I encourage you to take a moment out of your day today and write down some things you are thankful for. It will brighten your mood and take your focus off of the negative things in life. :) Better yet  - take some time to think about something negative in your life - and list some positive things that have happened because of it.

Short update: if  you haven't realized from my post - I am currently unable to teach ANY of my classes. I miss you all, a lot!! But I am hoping you are having a chance to maybe change up your workouts for a while, attend a new class, meet a new instructor, etc. Change is GOOD! :) 

Be blessed.


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