Live The Active Life

Deciding to live an active life takes courage. Don’t let anyone tell you different. Choosing activity over inactivity goes against the norms of our society. It is easier to just keep sitting around, not doing anything. So, if it takes courage to start, how do you find it?

The answer to that question will be different for everybody. All of us have our own reasons and motivations. We need to find our own unique “Ah Ha” moment that will jump start the pursuit of the active lifestyle. What are some things that have motivated others to change their lives for the better? Here is a quick list:

• Medical emergency/necessity/fear: Basically this means get active under “Dr’s. Orders” or suffer the consequences. Maybe it is heart disease, arthritis, being overweight, the threat of a stroke, or any number of other conditions or diseases. For some reason, when the Doctor tells us to do something “or else” we find the courage to change our habits.
• Family: Many people switch from inactive to active because of their family. Wanting to keep up with the kids or be able to participate in other family activities are the main motivators.
• A look in the mirror: Sometimes all it takes is a look in the mirror to convince us that we need to change.
• Fighting father time: Getting older takes its toll on our bodies. As we age our bodies start a slow and steady decline. Activity is one of the best ways to stay in touch with your youth and slow the decline. Research has shown that we can actually reverse some of the effects of aging through activity. This is my main motivator. Basically, I’m selfish. I want to feel like I did when I was in my teens and twenties for as long as possible.

If none of these motivators hits home with you, find your own! If you have wanted to do something to improve your life but haven’t started yet, take some time and find a reason(s) to change that works for you and your lifestyle. Whatever reason we choose, making the courageous decision to become more active will only improve and change our lives for the better.

Where are you when it comes to living the active life? What were your motivators to get started or what is holding you back?

photo credit: smithmatt