Finding Joy in Movement

I had a wonderful experience in Hawaii recently, (of course I did, who doesn’t love Hawaii?) But after a few days of rest and relaxation… I went on a little explore…. and found a Pickleball court in a nearby park! Playing on it were the nicest people.  It was so fun to meet these locals, fun to play with them and really fun to move my body.  We met everyday at a different court to play.  There were some players who were better than me, and some that I could beat, it was just a wonderful group of people, who loved to play the game. The week ended with a potluck, which they invited me to. ( I told you, they were really, really nice)  The old man who came just to serenade us with his Ukulele was pretty awesome also. I had so much fun playing this game, even though I was sore and tired by the end of each day.

It got me thinking….  I’ve realized  that movement, at whatever level, can be a celebration for us. A celebration of what our bodies can do. Unfortunately, all too often, exercise feels like a chore, something we have to check off our to-do lists. Yet, what if we approached movement as a joyful experience?

I’ve discovered that finding joy in movement is all about choosing activities that I love. Whether it’s dancing in the living room, walking with friends, hiking in the mountains, practicing yoga, or of course Pickleball, there are endless ways to move our bodies that bring us joy and fulfillment.

In “The Joy of Movement,” Kelly McGonigal talks about the psychological benefits of physical activity, highlighting how it can enhance our mood, reduce stress, and create a sense of community. She emphasizes that the key to sustaining an active lifestyle is to find activities that make us feel alive and connected.

Let’s redefine our relationship with exercise. Let’s find the forms of movement that make our hearts sing and our spirits soar. This sounds like too much, but I think when we move with joy, we not only nurture our bodies but also our minds and souls. #wellness goal!

Here’s to joyful movement, 

Kathie