Traditionally Speaking….by Pat Larsen = Moving and Being Moved

There’s a distinct difference between these concepts.

Regardless of age, no matter when the realization hits you that it’s time to get yourself focused on healthy living…you’re faced with the who, what, where and why of it all.

Let’s start with my favorite people, Baby Boomers.

No one is telling us what we should do…or need to do…

(at this point we’re not exactly the best listeners, are we?)

It’s just you and the reflection in the mirror having a conversation. There’s often this ongoing discussion that you just might be having as you scroll through your social media page or a magazine in the Doctor's office. Being confronted with those images of healthy beings who we might admire for their glow and clear evidence of a better lifestyle than we’ve been adopting is either inspiring or demoralizing.

Hold on, before you just scroll past the obviously enhanced photo image…stop…think…what is it that is gnawing at you as you look at that image?

The point of this piece isn’t to shame anyone into thinking themselves healthier. Nor is it to reject the concept that we could ever “look” like “that” at this time.

You’re the only one here that can accurately define “that”... from your own set of lifelong chapters that make up that book about you…

So the next obvious “what if” question is what might make sense for you to feel better both emotionally and physically as the doors open to a season that takes away all the barriers to perhaps, getting out for a walk, or a bike ride.

I’d love you to begin considering simply exercising (it's not a dirty word, BTW)...on a regular basis. What would that look like for you if you were being completely honest with yourself? Still employed?…Ok might you take a walk with a few others at the lunch break, perhaps?…look at you GO!

Or…is your desire to get out by yourself with a focus on enjoying the scenery from a quieter place within your thoughts.

You’re in control of the what and the where of this part.

For example, and trust me, I’m not perfect in my pursuit of fitness even if I am a fitness instructor, as I’m writing my columns or stirring a pot of sauce on the stove, my legs are always moving. Step touch, cha cha cha…come on Baby Boomers you know exactly how to move to a good Bobby Darrin song.

So the truth is if you start by exercising sensibly and on a regular basis to prevent stagnation and to enhance mental, physical and emotional performance through activity and creativity, you’ll quickly see that it IS a really great way to be moved to start off Spring 2025.

Please feel free to share some of your ideas about how you find ways to move yourself and re-frame your focus for a healthier lifestyle. It can be an exciting segway to begin again to find your own path to a healthier you.

You’ll never know who you might inspire as well.

Pat Larsen is a syndicated columnist in Northern Ulster Greene and Albany counties. Her focus is on Baby Boomer lifestyles and bringing fitness classes to an aging population that loves music and couples that with healthy movement.

Please feel free to contact Pat at 518-275-8686 to chat.