The truth is, I haven’t worked out in two days. But I don’t see it as failure—or at least I’m fighting against that feeling. I recognize it as much-needed rest. I’m in some kind of flare-up with my neck, back, and hips, and even sleep is uncomfortable right now. I’m not sure what triggered it—maybe adding heavier weights or lifting that heavy stroller—but either way, I’ve had to shift into the slow lane the past couple of days. And I’m okay with that. This is exactly why gentle fitness accountability matters. At my age, stage, and situation, I have to find a sustainable path forward. While I can’t push myself too much right now, I’ll be back at it as soon as my body cooperates. In the meantime, I’m realizing I can pivot toward some gentler restorative work. That’s the plan for now. I’ll be hitting my mat tomorrow and checking in then. How’s everyone else doing?

Sometimes walking down my stairs feels like the last thing I want to do. With back and hip issues, it can be painful to bend, pick something up, and then climb back up again. But lately, I’ve been practicing a mindset shift. Instead of focusing only on the discomfort, I remind myself of the privilege it is to even be able to walk those stairs. Every step is a small opportunity to strengthen my body and move it, even if it doesn’t feel easy in the moment. That doesn’t mean ignoring the pain or pretending it’s not there. It also doesn’t mean pushing myself when rest is the better choice. But when it’s the right call to go down and grab what I need, I’m learning to pair the action with a kinder thought: one rooted in optimism and hope, instead of frustration or sadness. I can’t always control the pain, but I do have a choice in how I frame it. And choosing a gentler, more hopeful perspective makes those small, tough moments feel more meaningful. 👉 Do you find optimism comes naturally to you, or do you have to practice it? P.S. being upside down like in this GIF seems like it would feel amazing!

👉 What’s one piece of fitness advice that’s really stuck with you on your health journey?

I’ve been a bit inconsistent this week with getting to my mat. To recharge my accountability, I’m posting here and will check in below in the comments for each mat session I complete—big or small. ✨Feel free to do the same for your own goals too!