Being thankful
Taking a few minutes to count your blessings makes life more fulfilling
There are a few times each year that my writing falls on a holiday. I’ve written on Canada Day, Labour Day and Father’s Day and reflected on what each signifies and means to me.
As I write this, it’s Thanksgiving in Canada and I’m thinking about what this particular holiday means to me in terms of health and fitness. With a little bit of thought, I was able to count five specific “blessings” that make me feel thankful at this time of year, and all year long.
Firstly, I’d like to repeat a quote I read recently: “I am grateful to have a body capable of exercising.” So many people think of “exercise” as something to endure, or as a necessary evil that they never stop to think about how the simple act of being “able” to do something physical is a precious gift. In my line of work, I have trained with elite athletes who can seemingly do anything. I’ve also worked with people recovering from traumatic accidents and others who are managing chronic diseases. For the latter group, the thought of being able to run the stairs or hit the gym … and then complain about it … is the ultimate insult. They would do almost anything to be able to just “exercise” and not feel like they were dying; if they were even able to do it at all. In short; if you have a body that is capable of exercise, be thankful no matter how limited your exercise might be.
While I have changed over the years, I am grateful I can do the things I can still do while I try not to worry too much about the things I can no longer comfortably or safely manage. I am thankful for the clients who choose to work with me to better their health and well-being and to reach specific goals. On the days when I don’t feel like moving myself, they are my inspiration and give me the little “push” I need to take care of myself.
This weekend will include a lot of food preparation and I am grateful for the cooking lessons my mom and dad passed on to me and my sisters that have allowed us to evolve into pretty decent cooks. When I put together a meal plan for the week, shop and then prepare delicious, healthy meals, I don’t pat myself on the back (maybe a little) but thank my parents for teaching me, informally, how to feed myself and my family.
The best investment I have made in the past 10 years has been the gym membership I signed up for, allowing me to attend as much as I’d like. I had been away from “the gym” for many years while I had my own training studio, but, getting back into a large, busy, commercial gym has felt like coming home. I am grateful for the large assortment of equipment available, the great locker-room facilities, the friendly front desk staff, the cleaners and the other members who provide a social outlet and an inspiring environment in which to build myself up physically and mentally. I am truly thankful this business exists in my neighbourhood and I’m grateful to have found it.
Another thing in my neighbourhood that has me expressing gratitude at all times is the Niagara Escarpment (a.k.a.: the Hamilton Mountain). Being able to live in a city and then get into the wilderness of the escarpment, the conservation areas and the Bruce Trail within minutes is simply incredible. I use this unique Hamilton feature for hiking, biking, snowshoeing and for sightseeing and walking all year round.
As the seasons change and we move away from Thanksgiving, take a few minutes to feel grateful for the blessings in your life that have helped you in your journey toward greater health and fitness. You might have to dig a little, but, I promise you that they are there. CERTIFIED PERSONAL TRAINER ERNIE SCHRAMAYR HELPS HIS CLIENTS PHYSICALLY AND MENTALLY PREPARE FOR SPECIAL EVENTS IN THEIR LIVES. YOU CAN FOLLOW HIM AT ERNIESFITNESSWORLD.COM; 905-741-7532 OR ERNIESFITNESSWORLD@GMAIL.COM.