There Are Plenty of Reasons to Dance

"Oh The Places You'll Go," by Dr. Seuss is one of my favorite books to read to my son.  I admit that he is not always interested.  The book does talk about some pretty huge life lessons that an 18 month old can't really grasp.  But I love the books positive message.  You can do anything because "you have brains in your head and feet in your shoes."  But it is also realistic.  "Bang ups and hang ups can, and will, happen to you." So, why am I talking about Dr. Seuss on my blog today?  Because when it comes to fitness, and life, we all need a little motivation and realistic positive thinking.  

I started thinking about this because of a Kid President video.  You know about Kid President right? He's an 11 year old boy who, with the help of some very cool grown ups, posts funny and insightful videos on YouTube.  The most recent Kid President video I watched is titled, "An Open Letter To Babies On Their First Day Here."  Click HERE to watch the video.  In this video he talks about all the wonderful, and not so wonderful, things that a person can do in their lifetime.  I'm going to list a few quotes from the video here and talk about how I feel they relate to our struggles with staying fit.

• "Some days you'll get ice cream.... some days you won't."   
• That's life in a nut shell.  Some days you'll be up and some days you'll be down.  But that's okay as long as you pick yourself back up.  Fitness is the same way.  Sometimes you'll be super motivated and fit that workout into your busy schedule... and sometimes you won't.  But what matters is that you keep trying.  Don't give up on yourself because you missed one day or ate that bowl of ice cream.
• "You should give people a high-five for just getting out of bed."
• I think this one is my favorite.  Let's be honest.  Sometimes it feels impossible to get your butt out of bed in the morning and sometimes it feels impossible to get started on a workout routine.  I think if everyone got a high-five for just getting started, everyone would have a lot easier time getting out of bed.  If someone doesn't give you a high-five for trying, give yourself one... or come see me... I'll give you a high-five. 
• "Our biggest mess-up is not forgiving each other for our mess-ups."
• We ALL make mistakes.  That's ok.  You might start eating a lot of fast food and not work out for weeks.  Forgive yourself and start again.  Forgive yourself and forgive others and you will be a happier person.... period. 
• "There's plenty of reasons to dance."  
• Ok, maybe this one is my favorite.  Obviously, I'm a little biased here.  Dance is my favorite type of exercise.  But that's not the point.  There are plenty of reasons to dance. Life is a beautiful gift, just like your body is a gift.  Dance because you are happy. Dance because it is good for your soul.  Dance because, when you do, someone might join you and you could make a new friend.  Don't believe me?  Watch this video. 

Inspiration for healthy and fit living can come from anywhere. 

Keep Moving,

Amy Redmond Waran

Owner/Artistic Director

Flying Colors Dance & Fitness

www.flyingcolorsdance.com