Throughout my life, as most people do, I’ve encountered many setbacks, from physical challenges like a slipped disc and a torn rotator cuff to personal battles such as overcoming clinical depression, a long and arduous eating disorder in my youth, and navigating life as a single midlife mother on welfare. At the heart of my resilience was my active lifestyle, always providing solace and strength.
The discipline from regular running and the mindfulness from yoga have been more than just physical endeavors. They’ve fundamentally shaped my mindset and approach to life. This resilience isn’t purely about physical recovery; it’s about navigating life’s unexpected turns.
While mental health certainly requires a holistic approach – I take medication for depression and anxiety, see a therapist when needed, and never neglect regular check-ups – physical activity remains a cornerstone of my well-being during trying times.
When feelings of sadness or loneliness overwhelmed me in my late teens, twenties and thirties, running was my solace. No matter how daunting it could be to get moving, I never once regretted a run, whether I was drenched in rain or pushing through fatigue.
During my challenging period as a single mom on welfare in my forties, not only did I persist with running and at-home workouts, but I also took what some might consider an indulgent step: I enrolled in Latin dance classes every Thursday night.
This wasn’t just about the dance; it provided joy, a reprieve from daily struggles, and a space for my children to connect with other kids at the dance studio. Moreover, these classes unexpectedly opened doors for my stalled writing career. I inadvertently networked at the studio and was able to bounce back from the 2008 recession by taking my journalism and communications career online.
In my fifties, yoga became more than a practice; it became a lifeline. Becoming a certified yoga teacher helped me navigate my kids’ teenage years, mourn the loss of my grandmother and the death of my best friend, and navigate a close call with colon cancer.
A recent injury to my rotator cuff – a partial tear – curtailed some of my advanced yoga poses for nearly two years, but it didn’t halt my journey.
I adjusted my practice, immersed myself in long walks, rediscovered rollerblading, and danced once again. For me, there’s always a way to move. If one limb is restricted, I channel my energy elsewhere.
Yoga, breathwork, and walking also helped me deal with the pain of the rotator cuff injury. Chronic pain is one of the hardest things to deal with not only physically but mentally and emotionally.
Given my experiences, I passionately advocate for embedding exercise into our daily routine from an early age. It’s a tool, a shield, and a comfort for the inevitable challenges life throws our way.
That said, it’s never too late to get into the habit of working out regularly. Don’t let age stop you from embarking on this fruitful commitment to your well being.
