Ever felt that tug-of-war between wanting a healthier, more active lifestyle and actually having it?

It's like standing at the threshold of a gym, staring at all those machines, and feeling a mix of excitement and uncertainty. Sound familiar?

We recently dove into this topic in my previous post and the responses poured in.

Turns out, we're not alone in navigating this tricky space.

It's this zone filled with hurdles that make taking that first step toward physical activity feel like an uphill battle.

Consider these three examples of what might show up….

​Picture this – you finally muster the courage to walk into a gym, only to be hit by a wave of fear. The equipment looks like a maze, and self-doubt creeps in. "Am I doing it right? Will I embarrass myself?" It's that fear of the unknown that keeps us stuck in the comfort of wanting, far from the reality of having an active lifestyle.
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​Meet Sarah. She's dealing with type 2 diabetes, and there's this heavy feeling of unworthiness that hangs over her. Thoughts like "I caused this myself, so I don't deserve to be healthy" become a daily struggle. It's a mental barrier that convinces her she's not worthy of the benefits that come with being physically active.

Now, let me tell you about Tom. As an overweight kid, he was the slowest in completing laps around the school playground. The punishment? A bunch of push-ups and extra laps. Fast forward to adulthood, and that childhood trauma still lingers, making the idea of being physically active more of a challenge than a joy.

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These are just a few examples of what might emerge in that space between wanting and having. So, what resonates with you? What shows up on your radar in this dance between desire and attainment?
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​So, how do we break free from this space? Enter self-compassion – our secret weapon.

It's like giving yourself a warm, supportive pep talk as you navigate through the gym or face health challenges. Remember, you're not alone in this journey.

Self-Kindness: Treat yourself like you would a friend figuring out the gym. The fear and uncertainty? Totally normal.

Common Humanity: Sarah's not the only one facing health challenges, and Tom's not the only one with a past to overcome. We're all in this together.

Mindfulness: Be present in the moment. Listen to your inner dialogue without harsh judgment. It's shaped by experiences, but it doesn't have to define you.

To bridge the gap between wanting and having, let's acknowledge these barriers together. Recognize the fear, self-doubt, the impact of the past or something else that is personal to you. It's time to make peace with the discomfort and grow from it.

Our journey from wanting to having involves rewriting our stories, facing fears, and letting go of past traumas. It's about creating a safe, judgment-free space—one where physical activity is a celebration of what our bodies can achieve.

So, as we navigate this space, remember it's okay to feel uncomfortable. That discomfort is where the magic happens. Let's tackle our fears, reshape our self-perception, and embrace the joy of having the active, vibrant life we truly desire.

Need some help with this?

Send me a message and let's have a conversation. I am here to support you in your physical activity journey.

Because it is never too late.

Stay well and happy moving,
Lisa

Have you ever reflected on the narratives you tell yourself about incorporating physical activity into your life?

Are there lingering beliefs or thoughts that place limitations on your capabilities and sense of worthiness?

Do you find solace in yearning for a more physically active lifestyle, rather than taking the step to make it a reality?

Are you more comfortable wanting than having?

For many of my clients, a pervasive belief takes hold—that being physically active is an unattainable feat.

Such thoughts become a barrier, making it challenging for them to break free from the notion that physical activity is beyond their reach.

In a recent conversation, I encountered an adult child deeply concerned about their declining parent's limited endurance and reliance on a mobility aid. Despite the evident decline, the parent remained adamant that nothing could be done to improve the situation.

Imagine the difficulty of functioning when one's physical abilities are severely diminished—it's akin to a healthy person grappling with illness. This analogy became particularly poignant for me during a recent bout of sickness, where exercise took a back seat.

Did the thought cross my mind that I might never regain my previous level of fitness? Not for a moment. Because I understand that it's never too late.

Commencing the journey anew is always an option. Whether it's a simple stretch on the bed, a leisurely stroll around the block, or a light resistance session at the gym—there are always opportunities to restart.

Yet, the prevailing mindset often insists, It's too late.

I'm here to dispel that notion. It may not mirror the past, but being physically active is undeniably possible.

So, I pose the question once more: Are you more at ease with the desire for change than the actual pursuit of it? Are you more comfortable wanting than having?

Ask yourself: Why not you?

It is never too late.

In my guide, Get Back to Enjoying Your Best Life: Three Choices You Need to Make Today, I offer a beacon of hope and emphasize that the journey toward improved physical and mental well-being can commence at any life stage.

​Download now to embrace a rejuvenating approach to savouring life's finest moments and unlocking your inherent potential.

Stay well and happy moving,
Lisa