An object in motion stays in motion, an object at rest stays at rest. We have all heard that, it’s Sir Isaac Newton’s first law. It’s true about a lot of things I have come to think about in the context of my training for this (Los Angeles) Marathon.
The race is in the early spring, which means living here in New England I have to train in the winter, getting up early in the cold, dark mornings. Often I don’t want to get out of bed and do it. However, I have found that when I commit myself to do it, I get up, I get out there, I start moving…and it starts to feel good. It does not take long, boom, I’m into it, my mind is there, my body is there, I’m into the groove. The inertia of my actions take over and keep me going. My mind initially focused on just getting out the door, not anything about the elements, or the distance, or the time. Just get out there and start.
And when I am done, it’s “Wow, I can’t believe I just did that.” I try to take the time to thank myself–I did it! You really need to have gratitude for yourself. We all beat ourselves up over things we do or don’t do, so make sure to catch yourself doing something good.
I started thinking how this whole concept of body in motion stays in motion can affect other parts of our lives. When there is something I want to do in my life, or in my work, but it is too much, I can’t do it…if I could just get started…
Beginning is the hardest part…if you can start then the momentum of what you’re doing takes over to help you get done whatever you have to get done. It starts to feel better: you just had to breathe and jump in. You innately know how to take care of the rest.
No matter what you want to do, whether it’s lose weight, start exercising, start saving money, learn pottery, go to yoga, anything…put your energy into that initial step and let that great feeling of starting and doing what YOU want to do keep you moving toward your dreams.
It makes me think of another concept related to facing problems and overcoming obstacles that are so big, we just can’t fathom being able to overcome them. You put up your hands–I give up!
Just remember the old adage–and this is kind of funny coming from Vegan Dad–“How do you eat an elephant? (I’m certainly not condoning eating elephants, but “how do you eat a tree” does not sound the same). The answer is that you eat an elephant one bite at a time. You don’t have to tackle everything at once, just get started! Finish a piece and move on to the next one.
Those two things I believe are key to getting you and me motivated and going to where we want to be. Get in motion, get it started, one step at time. Give it a shot, you have nothing to lose. That’s what I’m doing!
Have a beautiful day.
Peace
Lee
The Vegan Dad MOVEment 