This past weekend Hubby and I traveled south to visit our friends at Rider’s Backfield Farm.  They have been friends of mine for nearly 30 years and spending time in their home is just like being in my own.  They live right along the Blue Ridge Mountains with an amazing view.  We ate good food, drank good drink, and celebrated a birthday with a homemade German chocolate cake. 

Yes, I ate the food, drank the drink, and even ate the cake.  There was no monitoring of carbohydrates, and portion control was marginal at best.   Even in the quiet moments, the entire weekend was a celebration of life.

Sometimes you just do it.

When I lived “in town”, part of my exercise regimen was Pilates.  Although I do not have easy access to the studio now, I still practice on my own.  I love the blend of strengthening and lengthening of muscles, and the rhythm of the movements.  It leaves me feeling refreshed.  Since I have become a personal trainer, I have been searching for a niche for myself.  I enjoy my job at the gym and I love coaching people towards better health through good nutrition.  Something has been missing for me. 

As I spend time in self-exploration, I have been thinking more about how to add Pilates to my toolbox.  I reached out to my friend and instructor at Impel Pilates.  We met for a walk on a sunny day last month.  We sipped fancy coffee from Bossa Nova Café Roastery and I asked her what she thought of my desire to teach.  I was blown away by the support and encouragement I received, and she pointed me in a direction.   I registered for a class.

Sometimes you just do it.

I know there is no guarantee on how long we have on this earth.  Life is precious… a gift.  I choose my healthy lifestyle to assure I feel as good as I can and am able to embrace opportunities in life.  I want to hike to the top of the mountain and sit on a rock.  I want to roll on the floor and laugh with my nieces and nephew.  I want to run through the mud with my dog.

I am mindful that reaching out to friends and family, and making new personal connections is essential even when life is busy.  I need my community…. My people.  Social media back in the old days used to be chat rooms and email list serves.  We actually had to sit at a computer, as there we no “smart” phones.  Imagine that!  Ha!  Through those archaic means I was able to meet fly fishermen (now some of my dearest friends) all over the world.  Today I am able to use Facebook, Messenger, and email to maintain those connections, and perhaps plan a fishing trip or two.

What is the moral of the story for me today?  It is simple.  Eat the cake.  Drink the fancy coffee.  Take the class.  Reach out and connect to people.  Take the trip.

Life is short.  Time is precious.

Just do it.