Hello friends, and welcome to this month’s Joyinmovement newsletter.
Have you ever wondered where your Joy-in-movement comes from? Is it nature? Is it nurture? Do you ever think about why you enjoy being active and who were the earliest champions and mentors of your active lifestyle?
In my case, while it’s undeniable that I was born to be athletic, my earliest champion was my father. He passed away this past week and it got me thinking about all these questions.
From an early age and because of my dad’s influence, I came to see movement as FUN and life without it would just not be complete.
My earliest memory is learning how to swim. My dad was a lifeguard at a summer camp we attended. Throughout my youth I waterskied and swam in lakes. You might recall, from an earlier newsletter, I got lifeguard certified as well. As an adult I became an ocean swimmer and still swim, though in a pool, three times a week. I love to swim and love the water!
My father also loved to dance, and he made sure I knew how to dance as well. In our den he’d put on music and teach us the dance steps. Cha cha, merengue, foxtrot, and lindy hop. I’m dating myself here, so think early 60’s! I also took tap dance lessons and performed when I was very young. Throughout my life I’ve loved to dance, and if I do say so myself, am one heck of a great dancer. It’s probably the movement form I do the least these days, and miss the most!
And it was because of my dad I learned to play golf. When he had more leisure time in his 50’s, he took up golf. Though he lived on the east coast and I’m a west coast girl, I knew that when I saw him, if I was going to spend time with him, it would be on the golf course. So I determined to play golf. As all new golfers know, the beginner’s phase is quite a struggle, but I emerged a golfer. I think my father was quite surprised and pleased when he saw me play! And of course for me, learning to play golf over 20 years ago now, has led to an amazingly fun time with incredible friends on golf courses all over the country.
While I’m relating stories about my dad’s influence on my movement lifestyle, I’d be remiss if I didn’t also mention he was a very healthy eater too. He loved fruit and salads and kept himself lean. I have fond memories of us enjoying a big Greek salad after a round of golf.
So thank you for reading along and for letting me reminisce about my life through my Joyinmovement history. If you’d like to share, I’d enjoy knowing who encouraged your active lifestyle. It’s good to go back and trace your roots and connect the dots.
For me, a Joyinmovement life has been, and continues to be, a HUGE blessing. I’m thinking yours has been a blessing for you, as well.
Until next month, when I’ll share with you perhaps my most favorite place on the planet for healthy food, go out and find Joyinmovement!
shelli
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