Just MOVE!

The phrase ‘If you don’t like where you are - MOVE!’ has been a guiding motto in my life for countless years. Yet, there are moments when I forget the simplicity of this advice. Times when I inadvertently talk myself out of opportunities to pivot, try something new, or view life from a fresh vantage point. Often, the culprit behind these missed chances is the trap of overthinking. I know I’m not alone in dealing with this mental hurdle. So, when I sense the creeping influence of overthinking into my life, I take inspiration from my friend KJ and channel my spontaneous side.

Taking action in life doesn’t always require monumental steps, sometimes even the smallest shifts in daily life can carry significant meaning. Just a few days ago, I decided to work in a different location for the day. With a midday appointment in St. Louis around lunch time and could have easily returned home to finish the workday, but it felt like I was given an opportunity. So, after my appointment, I drove to my favorite library with tables set up overlooking Grant’s Farm. In this space, huge windows surround the work area, allowing you to see the beautiful day and all the animals wandering around the farm. It’s peaceful and refreshing. During those next couple of hours, I found both my creative and productive side, all while enjoying the view of my new workspace.

Another instance where a seemingly minor move that can make a big difference is infusing joy into your normal workday routine. Embracing spontaneity on a Tuesday afternoon may be just what you need to spark the dopamine rush in your body. This could be booking a massage, a therapy session, time at a pool to read, walking in the park with a friend – the possibilities are endless. One of my fondest memories during the past year was taking off a couple of hours on a weekday to go horseback riding with a dear friend. We hopped up on two of her horses and spent the next hour roaming through fields and woods, chatting all about life. It was a warm, sunny day and on the ride home I was sweaty and had dirt on my boots – but I was happy to my inner core. That one hour of activity that was so different than my normal schedule created a sense of freedom that still courses through my thoughts.

Occasionally, the moves we make are a bit larger. Just last Friday, my casual remark ‘I miss the beach’ was met with a swift ‘let’s go!’. For the next 12 hours, I wrestled with every reason why the trip wouldn’t work out. I had a full work week of calls and content deadlines, I have a new dog that I haven’t traveled that far with yet, we would need to find a place to stay, it’s expensive, I would need to pack, the list goes on and on. But, after sleeping on it, I decided to take the leap and just go for it. This impulsive decision turned out to be a momentous one. I have so much to share about how this impromptu beach trip helped my life (more in the next blog post). What I can reveal now, is that by taking that step and altering my surroundings for a few days, the rewards and benefits were immeasurable.

Life is short and moments are fleeting, so you might as well savor the journey. Pursue what ignites your joy, embrace relationships with full passion, and when the need arises – MOVE!