A properly functioning body is one of the most basic assumed expectations of being a human. Having grown up with a mom who has a debilitating, chronic illness, I am and have always been profoundly aware of the fact that nothing in life is promised, not even an able body. Having watched as her’s has become less and less an entity within her realm of control, I am abundantly aware of how extraordinary a working body is. I have been exercising daily for so many years I’ve lost count. To me, exercise is as given in a day as brushing one’s teeth. Among the reasons why I show up for myself by moving by body (shedding negativity, achieving a quieter, more balanced state of mind, trying to get a mad hot bod, et al) is the enduring and powerful truth: I do it because I can. I exercise because I am the possessor of a body that does exactly what I want it to do. That bends when I think bend and kicks when I think kick and pounds the ground when I think go. Because this body–so fundamental to my being– is to others only a sweaty and desperate dream. The reasons why you unfalteringly commit yourself to any goal will have to be many and highly warrantable. Among them must be the grateful acknowledgement of your ability to do so.  There are certain moments that commonly inspire us to embrace our ability as reason enough to take action; many show up on election day as much to support their political beliefs as to demonstrate their recognition of their ability to vote, for example. The awareness of your ability to do something is a powerful force that can be applied to every area in your life, to every endeavor you undertake. Move your body because you have a body that you can move at your whim. Nourish it with whole, natural foods because you are fortunate enough to be able to access them. Devour books because you have been taught to read, even because you are the owner of that magical thing called a brain. Take nothing for granted. Relish the ordinary. Enjoy easy blessings.   The fact that you are able to do something will never alone be sufficient motivation to keep you doing it, nor should it be. But its contribution to those reasons is invaluable. Because when you shift from seeing something as an assumed right or an optional challenge to seeing it as nothing short of a privilege, your efforts will exponentially increase in both effectiveness and integrity. And that’s a pretty good way to live, if you ask me.    ]]>