Muscle Memory

Thought This Would Be Easier by Michele Maule

Aside from a small handful of moments when I’ve been able to (miraculously) enjoy exercise, physical activity, by and large, remains a task to check off of my to-do list six times a week. I’ve grown to think of it the same way I think of brushing my teeth or washing my hair. It’s not up for debate. In order to be a healthy member of society and blend in, I have to do it.

And so, three mornings and three evenings each week, I strap on my well-worn, beloved sneakers and get down to business.  At times, physical goals such as weight loss, or fitting into a smaller size have motivated my rigorous schedule, but they never ultimately get me through a workout. In my opinion, a truly good workout will push you to a place where weight, size, or any other materialistic motivations cease to matter. It’s just you, a bunch of sweat, and a crucial decision. Keep going or throw in the towel?

Now, at first glance, you may not think this is a crucial decision, but in our day-to-day lives, we don’t get many opportunities to literally cheer ourselves on. A rigorous workout, if done right, will always guarantee an you an opportunity to quietly whisper to yourself, “don’t give up.” Even if you only continue on for another 30 seconds, the point is that you’re building endurance.

In the year and half that I’ve spent building my business, a regimented exercise schedule has been the sole, consistent source of emotional nourishment. No matter how my personal or professional life might be going, I have those few fleeting moments every week when I take a deep breath, look down at my holey, worn out sneaks, and feel an overwhelming urge to quit. But don’t.

To learn more about the artist featured this week, visit Michele Maule’s Etsy shop by clicking here.

Filed under Blackbird Diary, Heavens to Etsy |