Moving

You get to be 49, and you realize there's not TOO much more time to shape your life. As the kids get older, more independent, and, perhaps most importantly to MY freedom, start driving, I am trying to imagine/goal/habit my way into a new ratio of time. I am inching my way to more activity - more yoga, bike riding, tennis. Turns out moving my body moves me. 

And I am not yet satisfied with my strength, my endurance, how much I push myself. In all other aspects of my life, I push 95-100%. Why, with my activities (which I LOVE and find FUN), do I hover around 60%?

My friend told me this week that overachievers need to build their skills to give 80%. Care but don't push into the red, no need to call up reserves, exhaust yourself and others. 

And so I don't need to work out 4 hours a day, or even an hour every day. But adding a little swimming, a little tennis, a little more biking, maybe daily dog walking... that's my goal. And walking the dog and listening to Chief Inspector Armand Gamache learn/teach life lessons? It's all so good. So sweet. 

I have been successful in doing more puzzles. Listening to my books and doing puzzles is kinda my best life. Or doing a puzzle with my friend (puzzle dates? YES!). After my daughter's birthday at our house, where a small group ended up finishing the puzzle I was working on, the family decided to do puzzles at Easter. 2 tables, 2 groups, a little competition. So great. 

And yes, all of this is a little ostrich-head-in-sand, given the dumpster fire of our country and the world right now. 

But the question of -- what grounds you? What brings out the best in you? What do you give your time/energy/attention to? And not having the answer be: raging at what I can't control. 

Maybe this is a little resting up before the storm. Getting ready to get called up. Ready for the movement.