You don't have to run a 5K

I just want to let you guys know that my mom is battling breast cancer. Or rather, she's battling the chemo that is getting rid of her breast cancer. So if my posts are spotty, I apologize. My goal is to give you guys quality content and entertainment, and some days are just harder than others. So thank you for being patient and understanding, and thanks for all the prayers and support. My family greatly appreciates it!

And moving on..

I am by no means a fitness or nutrition guru. I've never been the athletic type. I'm a book worm, I'm a writer, I'm an editor. My place is in a chair at my laptop or in bed with my Kindle. But I'm not a teenager anymore, my knees are wobbly and achy, and as I've told people time and again, if you see me running either something is chasing me or look for burlap bags in my hands with big $$ symbols on them. That has led to a little extra around the belly and other aches and pains that come from being stagnant and still for so long. Because of the knee issues, I have to keep my movement low-impact and low-key so as not to aggravate old injuries. This doesn't mean I can't be healthy and fit.

So what is this post about? 

I want to let you know that you don't have to be a runner to be fit. You don't have to do a triathalon to be healthy. And you definitely don't have to prove to anyone your fitness by how much you can bench, how far/fast you can run or by winning medals in sporting events. 

Take it from me. Just move. Play a dance game on your favorite console (We love Just Dance on the Wii). Go for a walk in the park when the weather is nice. Walk your dog (or your cat, I suppose, if your cat doesn't mind a leash-mine does, he gets very mad when he's harnessed). Do yoga. Swim. Do situps while Rachel Ray cooks delicious food on the screen or while Jimmy Fallon cracks you up. Stretch your muscles every morning. See a chiropractor. Meditate. 

And equally as important, nourish your body. Take care of it because it's the only one you'll have (in this lifetime at least, if you believe in multiple lives). I swear, now that I eat a little healthier, small changes here and there... now when I eat greasy or fatty foods, my body lets me know that I have to be nicer to it. It's okay to eat bacon once a week. It's okay to have cake at parties. It's all right to eat some girl scout cookies when you have your period. It's really true when they say moderation is key. It is.

Most importantly, don't feel ashamed when you see that girl running down the street; ponytail bobbing, skinny legs striding along the pavement. You're not her. Your body is different than hers. Same for guys too... that guy with the six pack and no shirt running along, that's not you. The key is finding out what works best for you and your body. Listen to what your body is telling you, it will tell you what it needs. Once you listen and give it what it wants, you may not be the skinniest person, but you will be the healthiest version of yourself, and that is what really matters.

Curves are good. A little extra weight is okay to have. Healthy comes in all shapes and sizes. Just be the healthiest version of yourself, and that will be good enough. 

***To be fair, there is NOTHING wrong with people who love fitness, work out in the gym, run 5Ks or anything like that. If you're someone like this, I'm betting you're smart enough to understand that everyone works out in different ways and has their favorite ways to move their bodies. I just want people to know that it's okay to be fit in a non-traditional sense. Thanks!

Take care of yourselves, and thanks for stopping by!