When Was The Last Time?

by Angie Miller

I want to live well, and that, as opposed to living long is my goal. To live well I believe we have to take risks, go after our goals, seek challenges, practice self care (exercise and proper nutrition), and we have to ask questions! Asking questions takes courage because the answers to those questions can impact our lives in ways we never imagined. There are so many questions we could ask, ones that require soul searching and ones that require nothing more than the opportunity to put aside our inhibitions.

I have three questions for you for a little Monday Motivation. The first two are light and fun and will require nothing other than for you to be open to more joy in your life. The third question might require some soul searching, and of course I love that question because that’s where true growth and life-changing opportunities lie.

 Three Questions for Monday Motivation:

1. When was the last time you did something spontaneous, something that wasn’t in your “plan” for the day? Consider the possibility of waking up to your mental whiteboard of must do’s, the white board that’s filled with notes, lists, and errands. What would happen if you cleared some space on that white board and called a friend to meet for lunch, or headed out on a little expedition to visit a museum or an exhibit you’ve wanted to see? What about getting a pedicure, or finally sitting down to cherish a good book that’s been sitting unopened on your nightstand? What’s the worst that might happen if you push back a few self-imposed should’s for another day and take an opportunity to be spontaneous and do something unexpected, just to embrace the sheer joy of living in the moment? Remember my post last week: “Today is the youngest you’ll ever be.” This day will never happen again, and this moment is the only moment we can count on, so why not?

2. When was the last time you were alone in your thoughts, meditating on them, reflecting on them, and possibly journaling about them? Self-reflection is a critical cornerstone to a healthy mind. Thoughtful engagement with your personal worries, concerns, goals, hopes, and dreams is the key to being healthy from the inside out. Journaling provides the opportunity to purge our thoughts and it gives us great insight. We become our own personal sounding board. Giving our voice a place to be heard is cathartic. It makes our worries much more manageable and much less powerful. Grab a pen and paper and give it a try. What have you got to lose?

3. When was the last time you did something that made you uncomfortable; that challenged you on a personal or professional level? If it’s been awhile, this will require some self-reflection and goal setting. Remember, age is not a limitation; it’s inspiration to get started, if you haven’t already, in accomplishing that goal that has been speaking to you and calling your attention. This past weekend I accomplished one of my goals. I spoke to a group of all mental health professionals, something I have never done before. I typically present and educate to health and fitness professionals, but this was a different audience. The best, most rewarding part was that less than a year ago I passed the National Counselor Exam to become a Licensed Professional Counselor. Though I earned my Master’s in counseling many years ago, licensure was a two-year process that involved three more master’s level courses and many other challenges, to sum up that process as briefly as possible. My goal was, and still remains that I help bridge the gap between the world of physical health and emotional well being, and bring the fitness and mental health community together to recognize that you can’t have one without the other. As a counselor, educator, and fitness professional, my mission is to help people get well from the inside out. Yesterday, in reflecting how long it took and much work I invested to make all this happen, to get accepted to speak at the conference, and to have the opportunity to influence mental health professionals, all I could think was, if I had to do it over again I would in a heart beat. Goal setting is worth it. Challenging ourselves, getting uncomfortable, and stepping outside our comfort zone opens up a world of possibility. We have nothing to lose, and everything to gain, because failure is only in our lack of willingness to try.

Today, ask a question or two, and go on a fact-finding mission of sorts. Bring a little extra joy into your life, and grab onto opportunities for growth. Be inspired~ 

Best to you in Health~
Angie

Angie Miller, M.S., is a fitness educator, university instructor, and Licensed Professional Counselor who blends her skills and expertise to empower individuals, mentally and physically, and provide them the tools they need to succeed. A veteran group exercise instructor and personal trainer, Angie is the star of acclaimed exercise DVD’s, including the Bedroom Body™ workout. Her passion for progressive education brought her to Northern Illinois University, where she teaches in the Dept. of Kinesiology & Physical Education. Outside of the university, she presents at fitness conventions worldwide and leads industry trainings as an AFAA Certification Specialist and Kettlebell Concepts Master Instructor. Angie writes for fitness journals and digital communities, and blogs for Collage Video. Connect with Angie at: http://www.angiemillerfitness.com