"The entitlement of movement is gone and yet movement is still required." Brilliant. This reflective essay nails the reality of what our body needs as we move through life.
I remember the moment my body fully-protested the games of my youth. Eight years ago I was playing kickball at a community function, and rounding second base at full speed (at least 'full speed' for me) my legs literally gave out on me... and I face-planted straight into the grass. A humbling experience, and while I remember those healthy moments of youthful glory? I remember that, too.
I also remember I got up and scrambled to be safe at third, so... at least there's that LOL But yes, the 'soft' definitely creeps up on us - well said.
65, and I just went for my run. I’ve struggled with the mind/body disconnect of how I felt running a 5k in 18 minutes when I was 25 and how I struggle in a 5k and finishing at the back of the pack. Still love it though. Thank you for sharing.
Seventy-three and I feel like I'm coming out of my skin if I don't exercise. It would be easy not to, but then there's that little rush of endorphins, that rush of health that says I can still move and damn, it feels good. I've certainly had to adapt. No tennis anymore, because my back won't take the pounding, so I do Pilates. I'd love to be on a court though. Tried a few years back because my body remembers exactly how to play the game. But then spent two days down for the count with low back pain from disc degeneration, which is why I stopped tennis in the first place. I don't run, but I hike. Can't push around weights the way I used to, so I swim. Adaptation is salvation. Keep moving, that's what I tell myself.
I asked my mom before she died, if she wished she'd done anything differently -- and she said, "yes, I wish I'd left my dancing shoes on a little bit longer." Don't take off your dancing shoes, Dee; we still got miles to go before we sleep. . .
64 with a body currently feeling like 94. I somehow find the will and energy to move, but it can be tough at times. The back and knees are shot from pounding cement of floor hockey and squatting while catching in baseball. Broken bones, numerous sprains, assorted arithis, 1 knee replacement. The list goes on and on. I still snicker hearing my brother 😇 practically giving me an award for my broken wrist as a 10 year old. “I’ve had scrapes, stitches, bruises, bloody noses…but never any broken bones” said he. Since then, I’ve done it enough for the both of us. Yes, my body remembers and misses the long bike ride excursions, long long walks hiking in the woods and hours upon hours of playing one sport or another.
We’re not too far apart on this Dee, not too far apart at all.
I hear ya! And I’ve worked out my whole life. At my age it must be lack of hormones has reduced my motivation? Fortunately I’ve made exercise a habit. Keep going Dee!
I never truly paid attention to when exercise became a chore to complete over a way to spend time that I loved (running was my thing, or swimming, water skiing. A long time ago (ahem 42 years) I was a fairly decent downhill skier.. not any more.
It’s a funny twist in the mind when it’s told you may no longer do xyz, and it’s confusing to ponder the last words of that sentence, which are: ever again.
I’m not quite willing to agree to never again, but we’ll see.
Oh Teyani you’ve been through much more than the normal wear and tear I was writing about. I hear what you’re saying—I can imagine you in those youthful days of frolic. We took it for granted in many respects even as we were living it and enjoying it. I remember having a strong sense of invincibility.
I guess Acceptance is the overriding sense now. 🙏🙏
"The entitlement of movement is gone and yet movement is still required." Brilliant. This reflective essay nails the reality of what our body needs as we move through life.
Thank you Donna 🙏
I’m glad you felt it.
Always interesting to peer into your life!
😳☺️
Another thoughtful piece, Dee.
I remember the moment my body fully-protested the games of my youth. Eight years ago I was playing kickball at a community function, and rounding second base at full speed (at least 'full speed' for me) my legs literally gave out on me... and I face-planted straight into the grass. A humbling experience, and while I remember those healthy moments of youthful glory? I remember that, too.
I also remember I got up and scrambled to be safe at third, so... at least there's that LOL But yes, the 'soft' definitely creeps up on us - well said.
I had a giggle at the image my friend. Been there done that. The mind writing that un-cashable check. ☺️
Thanks for reading—glad it evoked a fun 😳memory.
65, and I just went for my run. I’ve struggled with the mind/body disconnect of how I felt running a 5k in 18 minutes when I was 25 and how I struggle in a 5k and finishing at the back of the pack. Still love it though. Thank you for sharing.
Keep going Grant. It’s what we have. 💪🏻👊
Excellent read. Thank you.
Thank you. 🙏
Seventy-three and I feel like I'm coming out of my skin if I don't exercise. It would be easy not to, but then there's that little rush of endorphins, that rush of health that says I can still move and damn, it feels good. I've certainly had to adapt. No tennis anymore, because my back won't take the pounding, so I do Pilates. I'd love to be on a court though. Tried a few years back because my body remembers exactly how to play the game. But then spent two days down for the count with low back pain from disc degeneration, which is why I stopped tennis in the first place. I don't run, but I hike. Can't push around weights the way I used to, so I swim. Adaptation is salvation. Keep moving, that's what I tell myself.
I asked my mom before she died, if she wished she'd done anything differently -- and she said, "yes, I wish I'd left my dancing shoes on a little bit longer." Don't take off your dancing shoes, Dee; we still got miles to go before we sleep. . .
I love that Stephanie. Thanks for sharing that piece of wisdom from your mother 🙏
64 with a body currently feeling like 94. I somehow find the will and energy to move, but it can be tough at times. The back and knees are shot from pounding cement of floor hockey and squatting while catching in baseball. Broken bones, numerous sprains, assorted arithis, 1 knee replacement. The list goes on and on. I still snicker hearing my brother 😇 practically giving me an award for my broken wrist as a 10 year old. “I’ve had scrapes, stitches, bruises, bloody noses…but never any broken bones” said he. Since then, I’ve done it enough for the both of us. Yes, my body remembers and misses the long bike ride excursions, long long walks hiking in the woods and hours upon hours of playing one sport or another.
We’re not too far apart on this Dee, not too far apart at all.
,
I understand Ken. glad it resonated with you.
I hear ya! And I’ve worked out my whole life. At my age it must be lack of hormones has reduced my motivation? Fortunately I’ve made exercise a habit. Keep going Dee!
🏃♂️ 🤸🏋️♀️
I never truly paid attention to when exercise became a chore to complete over a way to spend time that I loved (running was my thing, or swimming, water skiing. A long time ago (ahem 42 years) I was a fairly decent downhill skier.. not any more.
It’s a funny twist in the mind when it’s told you may no longer do xyz, and it’s confusing to ponder the last words of that sentence, which are: ever again.
I’m not quite willing to agree to never again, but we’ll see.
Oh Teyani you’ve been through much more than the normal wear and tear I was writing about. I hear what you’re saying—I can imagine you in those youthful days of frolic. We took it for granted in many respects even as we were living it and enjoying it. I remember having a strong sense of invincibility.
I guess Acceptance is the overriding sense now. 🙏🙏