My word: Everyone needs a little nudge sometimes

Earlier this week, I was inspired by my dear college friend Amy to stop waiting for things to change and make them change.

Well, you can’t change everything, you might say, but there is at least one instance where we human beings have more control than we like to admit; our health and fitness.

Amy inspired me to join a group of women who felt like they had gone off track in an area of their lives and who needed inspiration and accountability to get back on track.

Over the past few months, spending a lot of time at my makeshift home desk has left me with a few aches and pains. At first, it was my back. I was reluctant and the beginning to create a more comfortable workspace because, like most people, I imagined that the work-from-home situation would be temporary and that we’d be back to the office in a few months.

But it’s been almost five months and we’re still here.

Luckily, somewhere along the way, my back pain pushed me to order a real desk. My grateful back has served me well since, but I have a few other aches and pains from spending long hours at the desk.

My hips, knees, neck, shoulders and even risk have protested loudly at one point or another. My resolve to exercise to YouTube videos or take several brisk walks around the neighbourhood always fizzled out and I ended up sinking back into my sedentary life. I therefore welcomed Amy’s invitation with open arms.

My neighbour who is also another inspiring friend (I like to call her ‘Lynda with a Y’), had mentioned going jogging every other morning so, a few days ago, I quickly sent her a text before I could change my mind. “Hey, do you still go jogging?”

It turns out that she’d taken a short break because she felt lonely jogging alone. That first day (we started with a brisk walk), I realised that what I really needed to finally hit the pavement after so many ‘resolutions’ was just a little company.

So what’s holding you back? Is it the sports shoes you keep saying you’ll buy? Or is it that trusty snooze feature on your mobile phone?

Whatever it is, I have three words for you…just do it.

?