Fit to be Loved
Did you know that loving and being loved can boost your immune system, reduce cardiovascular disease and depression, and lead to a longer life? What an amazing prescription! Instead of looking to medicines alone to alleviate the physical and emotional aches and pains of life, we can turn to the loving relationships we have with our mates, children, grandchildren, and good friends.
Love can also inspire exercise. When my husband was alive we joined a gym together and worked out on the same day whenever possible. Just seeing one another across the room motivated us to keep at it. I still keep that routine today even though he’s gone.
Fitness expert and trainer, Maria Kang, author of “Ten Things Fitness Teaches You About Life,” [http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/maria1.htm], suggests in her article that as we challenge our bodies through exercise, we learn valuable lessons that apply to everyday situations with the people we love.
She also recommends we take care of ourselves first so we have energy left to share with others. I like this reminder, especially as I grow older. To some it may sound ‘selfish,’ but in truth it’s the best gift we can give others because when we’re exercised, rested, nourished, and joyful we have a basket full of blessings to share with them.
Keeping our minds open to new information, is also a form of fitness. As we age it’s easy to shut down and shut up. But if we remain willing to continue learning and growing in our knowledge of how to care for ourselves, then we will be vibrant, as well as interesting to be around. And we’re likely to be more motivated to walk and hike and swim and play golf, or to engage in whatever form of exercise appeals to us.
Richard Simmons, fitness guru of the 1980s, adds a unique twist to the claim that love and fitness go together. He reminds his students that each of us is worthy of our own love. “You have to motivate yourself to fall in love with you.” Unless we love and respect ourselves, all fitness and weight-loss attempts will fail.
[Shape, July, 2004 by Anne M. Russell http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0846/is_11_23/ai_n6143084]
But the most important reminder of all–the one that assures ‘fitness’ for eternity is found in the Gospel according to Luke (10:27). “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ ”
The perfect prescription for this uncertain time . . . and all times.
Thank you for your love and attention to us all. God Bless you
Thank you, Lynn. I appreciate your reading what I write.
Thank you for loving us and for your attention to God in our lives. God bless you
Thank you, Lynn, for encouraging me and all of us.
Thanks Karen, this is a good reminder! Doing my best to stay safe and healthy, as I’m sure you are 💕
Great to hear from you, Patti. May we all be well and safe in God’s care.i
Thanks, Karen. Oh so true! As the 106 year old lady who was dancing with Michelle Obama responded when was asked how she could still dance like that, she simply said: ” You gotta keep moving, Honey”.
Keep on keeping on as long as you can.
Even though the words on my little desk calendar may not be fitting for today it is a good thought so I hope you don’t mind if I share it.
I like to remember to exercise my brain by saying “Thank YOU God, for giving me the ability to exercise”
” one cross, three nails = four given”!
Blessings, Margaret
I love this. Thanks for sharing, Margaret.
Thank you Karen! Your thoughts and words are always uplifting and encouraging to me! Love you bunches!
Thanks so much, Glenda. I really appreciate your love and support and encouragement.
Your messages are always inspiring to me.
Thanks so much, Janet. Your friendship and support mean a lot to me. I hope you are well.
LOVE it Mom and I love you. 🙂
Thanks, Jim. I always appreciate your chiming in.