For most of my adult life, exercise has been a non-negotiable. Not for aesthetics. Not because someone told me to. But because I require movement to feel like myself.
I strength train with a trainer twice a week. I hit up Orangetheory once or twice a week for the endorphin rush and the challenge. I walk in local parks because I love being outside and need that movement to clear my head. None of it is optional for me—it’s foundational. Staying active is the baseline for how I function, how I think clearly, and how I manage everything else I have on my plate.
More Than a Habit—A Mental Reset
Over the years, exercise has become so much more than just a healthy habit. It’s a place where I meet myself honestly. It’s where I notice how I’m feeling, physically and emotionally. Some days I show up with energy. Some days I’m dragging. But I always feel more grounded afterward. Movement helps me come back to myself when life feels overwhelming.
Pushing Through—In the Gym and in Life
Working with a trainer has been a game-changer. I’ve learned how to push through tough sets that, on my own, I probably would’ve backed off from. That experience—facing something that feels hard, breathing through it, and realizing I can do it—has reshaped the way I approach challenges.
There’s a mindset you develop in the gym that applies everywhere else: keep going, stay focused, trust that you’re stronger than you think.
That mindset doesn’t stay on the workout floor. It follows me into solo parenting, work, hard conversations, and life in general. When things get difficult, I know what it feels like to do hard things and not quit. I’ve practiced that over and over again—one rep at a time.
Mental Clarity in Motion
And yes, I also get cranky when I don’t move enough. Physical activity is essential for my mental clarity. It helps me regulate my emotions, work through stress, and reset when I’m stuck in my head. There’s a deep connection between what my body is doing and how my mind is functioning. I don’t take that lightly. It’s one of the most effective tools I have for taking care of myself.
Even walking—something as simple as getting outside and moving my body through space—makes a huge difference. Some of my clearest thinking happens during a walk. It doesn’t have to be an intense session to be valuable. The point is to move.
Strength That Carries Over
I think there’s a misconception that you have to be on some kind of extreme fitness plan for it to count. But it’s not about that. It’s about building a relationship with your body where you listen, challenge yourself, and keep showing up. That consistency builds a sense of trust in yourself. You learn to recognize your limits—and sometimes push past them. You learn when to rest and when to push harder.
This isn’t about perfection or performance. It’s about staying connected to my body, my resilience, and my capacity to feel strong—even on hard days. Exercise gives me space to grow, not just physically, but emotionally. It’s where I’ve learned to sit with discomfort and come out the other side stronger.
That strength carries into every part of my life. And for that, I’m deeply grateful.
Leave a Reply