Often times, we get too focused on our goals and responsibilities that we forget to stop and open our hearts to the blessings that surround us. Be it hurt, fear, or sadness, we are all going through something in our lives. We allow those circumstances and emotions to consume us.

Then, in the whirlwind of chaos and emotions, we tend to close ourselves off from the things that could possibly offer peace and love.

Someone I recently met described how, as a Marine, he would be stuck in a hole in the Afghan desert for days. Somehow, during all the fighting and destruction, he took a moment to just look up. There in the midst of all the darkness was the most beautiful night sky. The stars were the brightest he had ever seen.

What a great reminder for us all to take a moment and truly embrace all the blessings that surround us. Find beauty and light, especially when you think life is hard and near impossible to handle.

How does this all relate to health and fitness? Well, how you do on thing is how you do everything. When we keep our hearts and minds open, confidence and strength grows. When we have more faith in ourselves, we learn to conquer our struggles and battles no matter how hard they may be.

It’s so easy to let the aesthetics and end goal of fitness to be our motivation and only mission.

That motivation can become shallow and then we cause extra stress on ourselves to look a certain way or run a certain pace. I’m definitely not saying you shouldn’t set goals and aspirations. I’m saying that during the journey, do not forget that what you may be seeking is already inside of you. We are all born blessed with life.

So, as you focus on reaching the end of the race, don’t forget how blessed you are just to have the opportunity to move, feel and build a better body. If you’re given the chance to run just a little farther or lift a little heavier, take it! Be thankful to know you can and will.

Open your heart, especially in your world of chaos when you are full of fear and doubt. No matter what you’re going through, don’t forget to keep your heart open. God’s blessings never stop.

Namaste.

 

Vivianne Khounlavong-Vallance is a personal trainer, health coach and yoga instructor working in Lawrence County.