Thoughts are things and I
decided on creating a shift away from the status quo and toward progress and a
refreshed frame of mind. First I took the piles of junk off the treadmill. Flat
surfaces are too attractive to ignore. The garden gloves, clippers, extra hats
and gloves, old magazines etc. are moved. I looked in the closet and found low self-esteem clothes, those that have stains, holes, paint, loose
elastic, and delete them.
First steps.
Did you make a New Year’s resolution about getting more exercise? Are you thinking about buying a gym membership? Are you ready to add a treadmill or exercise bike to your daily routine? There may be a way to fill the resolution and be part of the community at the same time without costing a cent and reaping great rewards.
ReplyDeleteI get a lot of exercise distributing the Senior News. Once a month I take the paper to locations all over the community. The walk downtown usually means socializing as well as noticing what’s going on. I enjoy seeing the other volunteers on my route like the hospital gift shop ladies and the St. Vincent’s helpers. I am met with smiles as people grab up their copy of our newspaper. I would be glad to share the fun with someone who wants to learn the route.
Here in Crescent City there are opportunities for exercise while volunteering. The Marine Mammal offers training in working with the animals that come for care. It is the only facility of its kind on the north coast. The animal control staff welcomes people who want to walk the dogs that are waiting for new homes. They also provide trainings for volunteers. All it takes is to want to help and apply at the office and enjoy the animals.
The various parks in our area are visited by tourists and local people year round and the trails need to be maintained. Good exercise, out in the fresh air, raking and picking up branches or litter. Good for the community to present a neat appearance. The dunes and the marshes need attending also. There are valuable people who clean the paths and keep out invasive species of plants. The police volunteers get out and walk through businesses to talk with the residents and the tourists about their concerns. They answer questions and take information back to their police departments. Just getting out and walking through neighborhoods and business districts give so much information about what is going on in the community. Driving around doesn’t give the same in-depth knowledge. And besides, walking gives an opportunity to read the notices at the courthouse or posters on store windows about coming events. Art walks are another great way of staying current with the support the community contributes to the artists among us.
So forget the gym membership and find a place to exercise in a way that contributes to our community.