Yep! I said it. 

In a world where we are told to be everything to everybody and to prioritize the needs of others above our own, I’m here to tell you: Don’t STOP prioritizing your active lifestyle. To do so is likely damaging your physical and mental health, and that, my friends, is what I BELIEVE to be selfish. It is ultimately a disservice to the ones you love above anyone else.

Before you spit out your coffee and start rage-typing at me… let me explain where this is coming from. 

Think about the people you love most in your life. How does it make you feel knowing that on days when you sacrifice the movement your body needs to stay healthy, energized, and focused, you show up sluggish, stressed, and foggy? 

It’s days like these where you try to keep your energy and ideas centered on your loved ones, yet you are still innately begging for a chance to fill your cup with a yoga session, a jog a few miles up the road, or just a bit of fresh air and activity outside. If you’re like me, times like this are when resentment grows like weeds. 

And no one enjoys spending time around the dinner table with a continuously cranky Karen, amiright?

Over time, the more you let your active lifestyle priorities fade, the less like yourself you feel. You show up for others in a different way that doesn’t feel like you. And you notice. They do too.

But what if we gave ourselves permission to schedule that daily workout, even if it’s just 30 minutes. What if we told ourselves that this time we find sacred is worth prioritizing above anything else for the sake of how we show up for others?

It may seem like we are using up time for ourselves that could be spent caring for and supporting others. But if we continuously try to pour into others’ cups before first ensuring our own cup has something to pour out, the well WILL run dry. 

If this is challenging for you, I urge you to reframe how your active lifestyle impacts not only yourself, but the people you surround yourself with. 

This time dedicated to what makes you feel whole is a chance to introduce a source of happiness to the people you surround yourself with. It’s a time to invite your children, parents, friends, and partners into a world that has brought you joy, health, and purpose. 

By displaying what we find meaningful and why, I genuinely believe it isn’t being selfish. Instead, I find it to be the most generous way to open your heart and share what makes you feel like your best self with others. Because you never know if they are yearning to feel better, to find something that also gives them a nudge towards more happiness, agility, health, and clarity.

Give yourself permission to prioritize your active lifestyle and healthy habits. Instead of seeing it as a selfish act or solely as self-care, see it as caring for every aspect of your life (the people you love included).