Your Mountain Doesn’t Have to Look Like Mine

People sometimes tell me, “I could never do what you do.”

Maybe they mean running. A long hike. Moving across continents. Signing up for another challenge. Getting up and moving when staying home would certainly be easier.

But here’s the thing:

I don’t think you should do what I do.

Being active and being outside happens to be something that gives me energy. Beach does. Hiking somewhere beautiful does. Setting a goal that scares me just a little — and then finding out what I’m capable of — does too.

But your thing might be completely different.

Maybe it’s walking your dog every morning. Dancing. Gardening. Swimming. Traveling. Getting strong enough to hike somewhere you’ve always wanted to see.

Or maybe it’s simply having enough energy at the end of the day to say yes instead of “maybe tomorrow.”

Your mountain doesn’t have to look like mine.

My favorite pacer 🐾

Find your why.

I think we often start in the wrong place.

We decide we should exercise more. We should eat better. We should get stronger. We should lose weight.

But “should” isn't always a very good reason to keep going.

What if, instead, you asked yourself:

What do I want to have the energy for?

That question feels different.

Maybe you want to keep up with your kids — or your dog.

Maybe you want to travel without wondering whether you'll be able to handle all the walking.

Maybe you want to feel strong enough to try something you've never done before.

Maybe you want to sleep better, feel better in your clothes, or simply have more energy for the life you want to live.

There doesn't have to be one impressive answer.

It just has to matter to you.

Where I recharge most…

Start with where you are.

You don't have to run five miles because somebody else does.

You don't need their morning routine, their workout plan or their goals.

And you definitely don't have to wait until you feel completely ready.

Walk around the block.

Take the stairs.

Try the class you've been thinking about.

Go outside for ten minutes.

Sign up for something that sounds exciting — even if part of you wonders whether you can do it.

Then see where it takes you.

For me, one run led to another. A hike made me want to see what was over the next mountain. One challenge made me curious about the next one.

Not because I suddenly became a different person.

Because I discovered things that made me feel alive..

Always wanted to try SUP yoga. I did — and I love it!

Your mountain can change.

This part matters too.

What gives you energy today may not be what you need a year from now.

Sometimes your mountain is a big adventure.

Sometimes it's rebuilding.

Sometimes it's starting again.

And sometimes it's simply taking care of yourself when life gets busy.

There is no finish line where you finally become the person who has wellness figured out.

We're allowed to change.

We're allowed to start over.

And we're allowed to choose a completely different mountain.

So no — I don't want you to become a runner because I run, or move around the globe because I do.

I don't want you to climb my mountains.

I want you to discover yours.

Find the reason that makes you want to get up, move, explore, try again or say yes.

Then start there.

Find your why. Find your energy. Move your mountain.