After spending that incredible week hiking through Kentucky, finally exploring Mammoth Cave, climbing to waterfalls and fire towers, and rafting both portions of the Ocoee River, I came home feeling incredibly grateful.
Grateful that my body allowed me to experience all of those things.
Ironically, as I sit here writing this newsletter, I'm also nursing a sore ankle. For the first time in longer than I can remember, I skipped my morning walk. I'll admit, I was tempted to beat myself up over it. Walking has become such a normal part of my day that missing it felt strange.
But this week has also reminded me that stewardship isn't about expecting our bodies to perform perfectly every single day.
It's about caring for them well, especially when they need a little extra kindness.
As fitness professionals, we spend a lot of time encouraging people to improve their health. But over the years, I've noticed something else.
We spend just as much time criticizing our bodies.
"I hate my knees."
"My back is shot."
"I wish my arms look different."
"I can't stand getting older."
I hear comments like these all the time.
What I wish people could see is everything those same bodies have already accomplished.
They've carried you through years of work. They've raised children and grandchildren. They've recovered from illnesses, injuries, surgeries, and seasons of stress. They've adapted, healed, learned new skills, and kept showing up through all the ordinary moments that are actually quite extraordinary.
We tend to notice what our bodies can't do before we appreciate everything they still can.
That perspective changes when you spend a week hiking steep trails, swimming in refreshing rivers, marveling at natural arches, or simply watching a beautiful sunrise. I found myself thanking God more than once for the ability to experience those moments.
Not because my body is perfect.
Because it's capable.
And that's a gift.
The truth is, we only get one body while we are here on Earth. It won't always feel the same from one season of life to the next. There will be aches, setbacks, and days when we need to slow down. Stewardship isn't pretending those days don't exist. It's responding to them wisely.
Sometimes stewardship looks like lifting weights.
Sometimes it looks like preparing a healthy meal.
Sometimes it looks like going for a walk.
And sometimes it looks like resting a sore ankle instead of forcing your way though it.
As you move through this week, I'd encourage you to think less about what your body looks like and more about what it has allowed you to do.
I have a feeling the list is longer than you realize.
Our bodies aren't something to criticize into better health.
They're a gift to care for with gratitude.
Have a wonderful weekend, and thank you for allowing me to be a small part of your wellness journey.