“As long as you move, everything’s good.”
I welcome her encouragement, this guru of walking-at-home. Leslie Sansone has been a part of my life for many years now. And while I’m not completely convinced about her claims to Walk Away the Pounds or Walk Slim, I am convinced regarding her encouragement:
“As long as you move, everything’s good.”
I put this encouragement to the test a few weeks ago. With the onset of a new year, I decided to move in a new direction. High hopes accompanied me as I launched into a one-on-one session with Jillian Michaels and her 30 Day Shred. My hopes were summarily dashed within a couple of workouts. The only shredding that took place was inside my left knee; I’ve spent the last two weeks in a Futuro knee brace, nursing my pain along with my (uhh-hmm) . . . pride. Jillian and I have parted company, and Leslie has welcomed me back with open arms. At least with her, I’m able to keep moving forward rather than staying immobilized by a plan that will never move me farther than my couch.
Don’t misunderstand me. Not all pain is bad. Pain can be a strong motivator toward good. But when pain cripples the hope—when pain stops forward progression—it’s time to re-evaluate the plan. Time to dial it back a notch, look at the overall goal, and keep in stride with a battle strategy that makes good sense and that reinstates hope.
“As long as you move, everything’s good.”
I want to keep moving forward, and I desperately long for the good attached to that movement. Unfortunately, there are times in my life when my visioning jumps in front of reasonable capabilities. Times when I ignore my limitations and forge ahead of good sense. Instead of relying on proven, trustworthy methods for gaining optimal heart-health, I rely on lofty notions that (in the end) prove to me what I already know to be true . . .
Some plans aren’t meant for me. Some of them cripple me instead of developing me. Too much jumping and bending and straining in the wrong direction will limit me rather than improve me. Sometimes, the healthiest thing I can do for my body and, ultimately for my soul, is to anchor my will and my “want to” in what I know to be true.
“As long as you move, everything’s good.”
And so it goes. I walk on. One step at a time, one day at a time, keeping my pace steady and certain, knowing that movement wins and believing that as long as I’m giving my body, soul, and sweat to the task of heart-health, everything’s good, even when I can’t measure it.
Maybe today you’re jumping in the wrong direction; maybe your straining has landed you on the couch—an unexpected detour in your plans for a better you. You meant well, thought it was the right move, but instead of tangible gain, you’re left holding the shreds of disappointment. What you had hoped to accomplish is, instead, simmering as failure in and around your spirit. You’ve lost your “want to”, and the funny thing is you can’t even pinpoint where it all went wrong, especially because you meant for it all to finish very right.
I’m sorry, friend. Truly I am. I know this present pain of body, soul, and spirit. And so today, might I offer you (even as I am offering myself) a tender hug as well as a gentle encouragement?
“As long as you move, everything’s good.” Ditch what’s crippling you and, as an alternative, walk back to what’s reliable. Walk back to what’s proven in order to walk forward with what’s true. Don’t be sidelined by your pain; instead, keep moving. Move with the One who brought you, and surely his goodness and mercy will follow you–carry and strengthen you–all the days your life. And we’ll all dwell in the house of the Lord forever!
Movement wins. I promise. Keep to it. As always . . .
Peace for the journey,
A tender hug and gentle encouragement to YOU, too, Elaine. And thanks for the reminder about Leslie. Alas, she has been relegated to a low spot under a pile of books. It is high time to pull her out and click the clicker and begin a good old “2-Mile-Walk”.
Hoping you find parallel encouragement in your year with Alicia…
Giving you a *high-five* on this one, Elaine. Yup, sometimes I have overdone things – and ended up on the couch. And the “over-doing” isn’t always physical. I love your idea that *movement wins*. That’s the key, I think – to keep moving forward.
On Monday, I’m posting something about my thoughts on *being sturdy* – if you get a chance, I would love to have you visit.
**SPOILER ALERT** – there’s going to be a photo with a knee brace!! I feel your pain… 🙂
GOD BLESS!
Of course, I’ll stop over . . . if I remember! From one bum knee to another, hang in there.
I’ve been somewhat sidelined the past month, too, but exercise wasn’t the culprit. I just missed a step coming down some stairs. I’m still nursing a twisted ankle and knee. Can walk without a limp — unless I try to go too fast or wear the wrong kind of shoes. Yep, some limitations, but I’m still moving! 🙂
Well, it may not be applicable to this post but the words to the chorus of When You Walk Through the Storm just popped into my mind:
Walk on, through the wind
Walk on, through the rain
Though your dreams be tossed and blown
Walk on, walk on, with hope in your heart
And you’ll never walk alone
You’ll never walk alone
A small group of my senior class sang this at our graduation. I guess it was popular then. I’ve had Leslie out telling me to “keep moving” lately too! She’s a good encourager. And I find lately I need encouragement!!
Very much enjoyed reading what you shared here today!
Oh goodness, I didn’t realize you were still nursing a sore knee! Did you see the doctor about it? Take care of yourself, friend. Sending gentle hugs – from my house to yours.
Love you…
At this point, friend, it’s more about soul-healing than physical. Thanks for the hug.
Hi Elaine,
This is such an encouraging post. I agree with what you wrote. Not all pain is bad… it is often an indicator that something needs to be corrected or addressed in our bodies. And also when certain muscles have not been used for a long time, there is pain when they begin to be used again, but eventually the pain subsides.
“But when pain cripples the hope—when pain stops forward progression—it’s time to re-evaluate the plan.”
I believe that our pain should never cripple the hope in us!
Thank you for these words of insight, Elaine.
Love
Lidia
I’m so glad you were able to read between the lines on this one, Lidia. There’s so much more at work here than meets the eye. Please keep us in your prayers.
Sending you love and prayers.
Oh how often Satan tries to fool us into thinking something is good, when it is not. I’ve been there. Walking on sometimes means choosing to walk around the obstacles Satan puts in our way. Blessings to you as you heal, my friend.
As always your posts make me stop and take a harder look at my life and where I’m moving to. Thank you.
Good analogy ~
Ack! No more recommendations from me! 🙂 I sure hope your knee is much better very soon.
My knee is doing fine! I just thought this was a good soul-analogy for where I am right now. I always love your recommendations; nothing ventured, nothing gain . . . or learned!
Hey girl I’m with ya. Just keep moving! We don’t have to keep up with others or do what they do, just move our own bodies in a safe, healthy, and enjoyable way.
Never give up and keep up the good work!
Love you!
Nancy
Love it my Friend, love it!! Thank you. Thank you.
On the flip side of when vision jumps in front of reasonable capabilities: I’m glad pioneers like Columbus and Archimedes boldly moved ahead with their visions. Then there’s our so-called “heroes” like Lance Armstrong, who move ahead unfairly. Fortunately for me, he wasn’t one of my heroes, but a young friend of mine is devastated, today. Five years ago, someone ” really in the know,” clued me in about Lance. I must admit, I was disappointed, then.
I hope you heal and keep walking.
XOXOXO,
Brenda
Oh my sweet friend how I miss your voice in a surprise phone call! I can’t believe you wrote about Leslie Sansone Walk Away the Pounds. I have every tape and DVD she every made but even since 4 years ago when my feet and back began their major issues I have not been able to wear sneakers or to walk any great distance without pain. Getting older is no fun… except it means I’m closer to heaven on this side of 50. 🙂
I love you and bless you this day and love to come here for an inspiring word. You never fail to deliver that! God never fails either of us. He is our everything!
Living in the fullness of JOY,
Stephanie
Psalm 126
Elaine,
Ouch, sorry about your injury! Nice analogy to life too. Thanks…
Re your comment on my post, “What All Women Desperately Need,” …moving can disrupt a sense of tangible community for sure. And in your fight against cancer that must have been especially hard. I’m sorry. What has contributed to your recent moves? I went through some seasons of frequent moves, and can understand. May God fill this need in a beautiful way for you, Elaine.
An online friend :),
Jennifer Dougan
http://www.jenniferdougan.com
wifeforthejourney:
Here I am, late to the blog this week, sidelined by “the Crud” and still feeling about 50%. So many things can come along and break our momentum, our plans and our hopes. Returning to your encouraging word, “Movement Wins” is good medicine for me this morning. I don’t feel like moving. And, at least today, my moving does not feel like progress. “Lord help me to see that you are in my day whether I’m leaping and bounding along, or just moving. By your grace, reach my heart with your high calling, and the desire to move towards the place you are calling me. Amen.”
Thanks for helping me start my day right honey, love you!
~ Billy