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On Mondays, we’ll lock in together: See below for a motivational tidbit to start your week, perspective on movement I’m focusing on, and music I’m enjoying I’d like to share with you 🙂
1/3. Motivation
"With realization of one’s own potential and self confidence in one’s ability, one can build a better world."
I really love this quote. But I love it even more if we extend it beyond the individual. I firmly believe that one of the most powerful things we can do to create the space for others to become their best selves is simply by showing them you believe in their ability. That belief, when given freely, enables them to see their own potential in a powerful new way.
This concept of belief has a fascinating ripple effect across three key areas of our lives:
How we interact with others Are you giving those in your life the space and trust they deserve that shows you believe in them without needing to outwardly say it? True belief often looks less like cheering and more like quiet confidence—it’s giving someone the room to figure things out, knowing they are capable of doing so.
How we interpret others’ intent This is perhaps the most nuanced and interesting. If you entered a one on one check in with a supervisor thinking they already believed in you and that was the foundation of the conversation, would you act differently than if you thought they didn’t have that faith in you? Even if we may not feel that way all the time, leaning into a glass half full view of how others accept and see us allows us to move better throughout the world.
How we interact with ourselves If there is such power in giving others in our life the trust and belief in their capabilities, why are we so quick to judge our own? We are constantly giving other people a second chance, but we often deny ourselves the same grace. A little reminder that we believe in ourselves is often exactly what we need to lean into growth.
Intention for the Week: Move about your world with faith: in the ability of others, that others believe in you, and you believe in yourself.
2/3. Movement
Prioritizing Safety
I often write about the tactical aspects of movement but what about the exterior factor we might take for granted: our safety?
Two separate moments this week drew my attention right to this. I was reflecting on how I could fall back in love with running outdoors by exploring new routes solo, and my mom, out of pure care, asked me to be careful. Separately, a friend at the gym questioned how I worked out with music so loud he could hear it next to me, and shared he doesn't use headphones due to the fear of injury. Those two conversations two me felt like a slight nudge and a sign…Am I taking my safety for granted?
No matter how many years you’ve been active, we are not invincible. It is hard to remember that sometimes when you just want to get a quick session in before work or when a new route looks exciting.
This led me to reflect on some simple ways I can practice being safer. They are not revolutionary, but perhaps they spark a reminder to reflect on the importance of taking care of ourselves in these small ways:
Mind Your Ears. I transitioned from AirPods to Shokz headphones a while back. This allows me to be more aware of my surrounds and the crucial noises I hear when running, like a car horn, an animal noise, or an approaching bike.
Volume Control. I should work to reduce my dependency to lift to loud music, even if it is more fun sometimes. This is especially true when lifting a heavier weight or trying a new exercise that requires intense focus, and when I realize I am listening so loud the person next to me can likely hear it.
Light Up. I need to look into using my headlamp not only when I am doing a 3 AM hike with company on a trip, but even if I am running outside alone in the dark or before the sun comes up as the mornings get darker, no matter how familiar the route is.
Share the Plan. You can never text your parents enough. A short “I’m going on a run” and “I’m home safe” text might be something that makes their day and also keeps you safe. Hell, share your location while you are out there.
We focus so much on improving the strength of our bodies; we need to spend a little time improving the safety of our habits.
3/3. Music
Our first dance song was “Wonderin’ Why” by The Red Clay Strays. And when I hear it, the rest of my thoughts disappear. I am immediately transported to that special moment Dylan and I shared, and every bit of noise just fades away.
I have been listening to it a lot lately. It truly grounds me, fuels me, and fills me with gratitude…it is everything my nervous system needs when I am feeling unbalanced or overwhelmed. Music has this incredible power to act as an instant reset button for me.
While this song might have that impact on me because of my personal experiences with it, I hope you like it 🙂 . Even more so, maybe take a moment to think about what your own personal “Wonderin’ Why” equivalent is? If there’s one song that shifts your emotional balance and serves as your auditory anchor, lean into it this week!
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