It's funny how aging has a way of quietly changing the conversation we have with our bodies. I notice it when I'm moving or when a familiar pose needs more support, or when strength and flexibility show up differently than they used to. For a long time, I thought that meant I was losing something. What I'm realizing now is that it simply means that I'm being asked to listen more closely.
There's still a part of me that loves a challenge, that enjoys feeling capable and engaged, even if the expression of that looks different than it once did. Lately, I've been paying attention to how I move instead of how far or how fast I go. Some days that means slowing down more than I expect. Other days it means stopping and taking a breath, or letting myself enjoy what's right in front of me instead of pushing through it.
What's surprised me is how much steadier I feel when I do that physically and mentally. I've noticed that when I stop trying to push my body into a version of itself that's not in alignment anymore, everything softens a bit. The movement feels more grounded. My mind settles. And I walk away feeling steadier than I expected.
That's what I want to explore today as you lean into your inner athlete, at any age in real time, with all the adjustments and recalibrations that feel supportive. We'll carry that sentiment into today's Wise Walk and let it unfold gently, as we stay connected to our bodies, our breath, and our True Stride.
- As you age, are you leaning into your inner athlete and finding different activities that satisfy your need to overcome mental or physical challenges?
- Are you willing to keep doing some activities that you've done for a long time, and modify them to support the you that exists right now?
- What is an experience or activity you find yourself leaning into, and how is it supporting you?
- Why do you love it so much?
- Are you in touch with the feelings that surface when you participate in that activity and how it nurtures you mentally, emotionally, energetically, and physically?
- As you reflect on an activity or experience that feels aligned for you right now, are you focusing on enjoying the journey, not just the destination?
- If you are not, what are some ways you might begin to enjoy the journey more?
- How can you treat movement as a physical gift and take in the sights and senses as you appreciate it?
- Are you pacing yourself in a way that feels like your own natural pace?
- Are you avoiding rushing unless moving faster truly fuels you?
- What do you love about this activity or experience?
- How can you incorporate more of what you love so you receive both an energetic and an emotional high, not just a physical one?
- What is an experience or activity in your life that gives you a sense of purpose and belonging?
- How can you experience more of that in this season of life?
- In what ways can you explore or talk with others about the activities and experiences where they lean into their inner athlete?
- What does leaning into your inner athlete mean to you at this phase of life?
- How have you witnessed your own mental fortitude and athleticism by embracing successes, failures, and the modifications you need along the way?
- Are you willing to pace yourself in ways that feel aligned for you?
- Can you move through moments of fear or self-doubt because you know you can press on and it will be worth it in the end?
- Do you have the self-awareness to recognize that you are capable of far more than you sometimes give yourself credit for?
Whatever you're doing in life, lean into that inner athlete and keep moving in a way that feels aligned with your True Stride. As always, I'd love to hear what you took away from today's episode.
I look forward to next Thursday's Wise Walk, and until then, read the signs, direct your path, and get your Stride on!
In this episode:
- [02:41] I love hiking because I get to physically move my body and I get to do it in a beautiful setting in nature.
- [03:18] There are moments of pushing yourself with rocky terrain or steep elevations.
- [04:05] When hiking, we're using so many of our natural abilities and instincts. We also get to move at our own pace.
- [05:42] How working out with an accountability partner and tracking your progress really benefits you.
- [08:05] Sometimes it gets in my head that I can't do the things that I used to be able to do. With hiking, I have no choice but to keep going and it helps eliminate some of the self-doubt.
- [09:07] There's gratitude and appreciation and positive self-talk that builds when you're hiking.
- [10:45] Being partnered with people that you can rely on increases your ability to succeed.
- [11:31] Hiking is truly just one step after the next. It is about surveying the landscape and then navigating to the destination that you want.
- [12:29] All of that focus, awareness, and positive self-talk gets ingrained in you, creating muscle memory that helps you recognize what success and failure actually feel like.
- [14:23] Another thing I love about hiking is the idea of being present whether in nature or outdoors. It's just magical.
- [16:38] Whatever you're doing in life, can you lean into that inner athlete just to put one foot in front of the next, to align with your True Stride, and then continue on your path?
Memorable Quotes:
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- "Hiking is about enjoying the journey, not just getting to the destination." - Mary Tess
- "Hiking is building confidence in me, strengthening my mental fortitude, and helping me embrace both success and failure." - Mary Tess
- "You get personal satisfaction by navigating and building self-belief and overcoming challenges through your own positive self-talk and the support of others." - Mary Tess
- "Being partnered with people that you can rely on increases your ability to succeed." - Mary Tess
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