I’m sitting in what I call my “workout chair.” It’s the chair I collapse into after a workout — the one where I catch my breath, rest, and just enjoy the sensation of sitting down.
Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about this journey I’m on. I’m getting closer to my goal of private practice — I actually have two intake sessions scheduled. I’m not fully independent yet, but I’m two steps closer than I was yesterday. And that feels really good.
As I’ve moved closer to this goal, I’ve been more mindful of things I never used to think much about. Like today — as I sat here, grateful to not be out in the heat running anymore — a phrase popped into my mind: “Do it anyway.”
It’s one of my favorite slogans. I use it with clients when they’re struggling to do something that’s good for them — and just as importantly, I use it with myself.
I struggle. And honestly? I’m starting to realize that the struggle is what makes life beautiful.
Without the run — in the heat, in the humidity, uphill — I wouldn’t appreciate this chair the same way. That’s a metaphor for life, in a way. Rest wouldn’t feel as meaningful without the run.
Granted, I’m no runner. I walk-jog. And DAMN, it’s hard. Right now, I walk more than I jog. And to be honest, I’m really proud of myself.
Consistency has always been a challenge for me. I used to joke (half-seriously) that the only thing I’m consistent at is being inconsistent. That was my narrative for a long time — until I started working with an amazing life coach (shoutout to ALEX MOORE) who helped me challenge that belief.
With their support, I shifted from “I’m inconsistent” to “I never give up.”
That shift — though it might seem small — was life-changing. It gave me permission to stop beating myself up, and to start appreciating the effort I do put into myself.
Those two statements — “I never give up” and “Do it anyway” — really go hand in hand. I think one makes the other possible.
Not giving up means I acknowledge that this thing is hard.
Doing it anyway means I’m choosing to try, even when I don’t want to.
Put those together, and I’ve found something like a formula for a good life — or at least, a life I feel proud of. A life where I’m intentionally putting effort into myself, even when it’s messy. Even when I pause. Even when I don’t get it perfect.
My mental health is better when I move my body. My physical health improves too. But for some reason, I’ll still stop doing the very things I know work. I’ll feel it — in my mind, body, and soul — and I’ll keep not doing it until I get uncomfortable enough to start again.
I guess that’s part of the cycle of life. Or at least, the cycle of being an imperfect human.
And I’m okay with that — just for today.
I’m okay being an imperfect human who never gives up, and who keeps doing it anyway — even if I stop for a while.