Just Show Up
Just show up.
I have read so many fitness “get slim in six easy moves” “lose 5 lbs in 3 days” “the secret food that will make you skinny” diet secret containing magazines that I should be invisible by now because I am oh so thin.
But wait. Apparently reading about getting thin, about shedding those unwanted pounds, is not the way to actually lose the weight.
Somewhere between the pages of those glossy fitness model pages, I lost my minutes.
I lost the time that I could find… to get thin.
And while inspired by the pages,
I lack the motivation to do the movement.
And time and time again I pledge that TOMORROW, I will go to the gym.
You see,
I am too tired.
I have too much work today.
The house is in shambles.
Someone might spoil that TV show that’s on tonight.
I just don’t want to go.
So many reasons to go home, curl up on the couch, and zone out…
Imagining the thin within.
Somewhere along the line, I lost my motivation. And my motivation is really good at playing
Hide
and
go
Seek
However… through all I have learned about myself. About how I function. And about how we work. I have one thing to say.
Just.Show.Up.
Pack that bag with the clothing you will need and go to the gym. Just go. Get dressed. Sit there. Drink a latte. You don’t have to exercise.
But if you are like me, you will find yourself on that elliptical, or in that aerobics class, or lifting weights… or on a bad day maybe you will just walk at the slowest speed possible on the treadmill.
You will find your movement. Your motivation.
I am a debate coach. I can convince myself to do just about anything. But something the only thing I can really do is show up.
Being present is motivation to move.
Movement is power.
Power gets you through the day.
And tomorrow?
Maybe you will do more than just show up.
The Healthy Academic 