Then there are those of us who would rather keep our limbs intact for a while
and stick to ground sports. Whichever method of exercise we could choose, there
is always some degree of risk and, therefore, we need to get instruction and
then practice, practice, practice. Our bodies cannot stay healthy without some
kind of movement. We were made that way to last a lifetime.
Our Choice
Our hearts and minds are also fragile, inner parts to take care of. We have been through enough heartache to become experts at recognizing when we need to take a deep breath, seek out a friend, and just sit down and talk. We owe ourselves that much.
Nowhere does it say we have to go, go, go as if we are on a never-ending
treadmill. It is not only okay to slow it down and take a break, but also
strongly recommended that we do it for our own sanity. Let us just understand that
it takes some time to be able to live on our own successfully. To figure out
what to do and when to do it.
Establishing a daily routine will help. One reason why we cannot get out of bed
at times is because there is no reason to put our feet on the floor. It’s just simpler
to stay under the covers since we have nothing to do, no one else to take care
of, no purpose, and no short or long-term goals.
True, making breakfast for one is not necessarily exciting. But it does not
have to be that way. Vary the kind of food for each day if that sounds like
fun. Once a month or more, try eating out with a friend and sharing coffee and
conversation. Whatever it takes so we can look forward to the day will be worth
the effort.
Basic “Take Care” Instructions
There are many ways to get our adrenaline going each day. Start with a basic routine and build excitement into it little by little. Do not just sit around and let everyone else have all the fun!
- Soon as the feet hit the floor, drink eight ounces of room temperature water to get organs moving (with lemon, if wanted). Set it out the night before. Remember, ice cold water causes the body to work harder to warm it up to internal body temperature.
- Try a new soap and jump in the shower to wake up while the coffee/tea is brewing.
- Easy breakfast: protein bar or cheese plus a favorite fruit. Really, it is the most important meal of the day to avoid “crashing” mid-morning.
- Check your calendar, digital day planner, or whatever device is available to keep a schedule of daily activities. This is imperative even if unemployed at the moment.
Build in the Fun!
- Sign up for Zumba, hiking, biking, or join a swim class to train the body to move.
- Plan a lunch with a friend once a month.
- Add restful activities like cooking, baking, an art class, or book club.
- Balance life by volunteering at a non-profit organization to help someone in need.
There are so many things to do with ourselves now that we are free to enjoy the good things. Once we learn we are able to create a new and different life, we will not have time to spend an extra minute in bed.
No Fear
There is absolutely no reason to fear anything we want to do. We have a heavenly Father who will guide us and keep us safe. God enjoys seeing us use the gifts He has freely given us. He also gave us the most important gift of spending eternity with Him when we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior. So, see. . .He has our backs!
“But as for me, I almost lost my footing. My feet were slipping, and I was almost gone. Yet I still belong to you; you hold my right hand. My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever” (Psalm 73:2, 23, 26 NLT).
