Take A Step

"There'll be days like this, my mama said."
You know the song? When I'm having a sort of a 'blah' day, I think of this line...It makes me feel a bit better. We all have 'days', we do...Not talking major issues, just those days when you feel a bit blue. Even the most motivated people we can think of don't always feel like being productive and 'on' every single day. But if we keep our mind on our goals, as well as remind ourselves of what helps us out of 'those days', it can do wonders.
Below is a tale of a day like that.
I got out to run today.  Well, this evening. It took hours to get myself to commit to that. I just wanted to lie down, or to eat a bad of chips... But you know, I find both of those things are sweeter after I've accomplished some things ;) What's more, usually once this body gets moving, the tiredness & food cravings dissipate...
Now don't go thinking I ran a marathon...'All' I did was tell myself to get out there, rain & fatigue & all, and run for 15 minutes. Just 15 minutes! 
15 minutes for ME.
What does it really come down to, especially when people are just starting this health journey? Is it the specifics of the workouts? Not so much(!). What it really comes down to is JUST GETTING STARTED. Each day, making positive choices that will continue to lead us on a healthier path. Once that is routine and feels a part of our schedule, then we can hone in on more specifics. But if we are not moving our bodies because A. we are having trouble convincing ourselves to move at all, or B. we are paralyzed by the idea that we have to do an hour/a spin class/a HIIT workout/something major, then we can fall into the trap of doing nothing at all. Please don't! Do ANYTHING! As long as it is safe, of course. Just move. Dance around the room, walk, find some stairs and go up and down while listening to a podcast, run for 'just' a few minutes....  
And does that 'blah' day start to feel a bit better?
It was raining. It was cold. But wow do I feel better now!
(And, made it to 16 minutes ;) )
No matter what 'level' you are in your fitness, physical or mental, we all have days that are more challenging than others. Today was one of those days for me. But the mental aspect of getting out that door combined with the endorphin increase of moving turned the day around. And now I sit and write this to you, hoping that it might inspire someone out there in some way...
Small steps lead to big changes!! Take a step today.
Maybe you took the stairs. Maybe you took a 20-min nap. Maybe you are headed out to an evening walk with your dog. Maybe you are making a healthy dinner instead of pizza. #EVERYBITCOUNTS
Take a step, and be proud of yourself for doing it! 
Please share your steps in the comments--they deserve to be celebrated!

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