Getting clear by using the power of discernment with Fact versus Opinion

Welcome to our weekly catch-up and conversation where we explore all aspects of physical activity, movement and exercise!

Today, let's dive into a thought-provoking topic: distinguishing between fact and opinion.

Consider this: facts are verifiable truths, while opinions are subjective interpretations. Facts provide a solid foundation, while opinions offer personal viewpoints.

Now, let's relate this to our everyday experiences, especially in the realm of physical activity.

Ever stopped to ponder the facts versus opinions in your own life?

Let's paint a picture using a swimming scenario:

​Once upon a time, in the bustling community of swim enthusiasts, there lived a determined woman named Clara. She was known for her dedication and perseverance in the pool.
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One sunny afternoon, as the shimmering water beckoned, Clara dove into her routine. With each stroke, her elbow gracefully bent, propelling her forward through the crystal-clear water. She successfully completed 20 laps of the pool. Yet, something felt different this time.
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Despite her best efforts, Clara's swim was slower than usual. Frustration gnawed at her as she felt a dull ache in her left shoulder with every movement. Could this pain be the culprit behind her sluggish pace?
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As she climbed out of the pool, thoughts raced through Clara's mind like a whirlpool. She couldn't shake the belief that her coach, whose opinion she valued deeply, was disappointed in her performance. "He must think I'm not trying hard enough," she mused, her brow furrowing with concern.
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Driven by anxiety, Clara made a pact with herself. She vowed to push even harder in the next practice session, determined to prove her worth to her coach and herself. After all, she had an upcoming open water swim to prepare for in the upcoming months.
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Little did Clara know, the challenges she faced were not merely physical but also intertwined with the delicate dance between perception and reality.

Fact: Clara completed 20 laps, her elbow bending with each front crawl stroke, and her swim was slower than her previous practice. These details are concrete, backed by evidence.

However, when we explore Clara's opinions—her belief that her coach is disappointed in her performance due to her slower pace and shoulder pain—we step into subjective territory.

While Clara's pain might have influenced her swim speed, assuming her coach's disappointment solely based on this is speculative.
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It's crucial to discern between facts and opinions for clarity and informed decision-making.

Let's put our insights into action:

Next time you engage in physical activity or even contemplate it, challenge yourself to differentiate between facts and opinions. This reflective practice can deepen your insight into what drives your behaviour and performance.

Remember, while facts offer a solid foundation, opinions can either motivate us or hold us back.

Keep in mind that opinions, when reinforced, can sometimes become ingrained as facts. It's an intriguing dynamic to observe!

As you navigate your journey of physical activity, revel in exploring the interplay of facts and opinions.

If you come up with some intriguing insights, hit reply to this email and let me know what you learned about yourself. Physical activity is not a static experience (pun intended!). It is always evolving and I'd love to hear how it is going for you!

The idea of sharing and evolving reminds me to let you in on a little secret….I have something exciting coming down the pipeline that isn't just just ready yet. Stay tuned for an exciting opportunity and invitation to a brand new community space that will expand and extend well beyond our weekly newsletter space! Your invitation will be coming soon!

Stay well and happy moving,
Lisa

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P.S. Here's a peek into my creative process: I often take walks to gather my thoughts. While walking and brainstorming for this email, I encountered a coyote. The fact is, I saw a coyote. However, my opinion that I needed to quicken my pace due to fear was unfounded—turns out, I was perfectly safe! This serves as another reminder of how facts and opinions shape our physical activity!