Last year on January 10, 2021, I encouraged everyone to select a “Star Word.” A word to guide them through the year, just like the Magi were guided by a star to the stable. My star word was fitness. I was not thrilled with the choice of words. I’ve never considered myself athletic or someone who even likes fitness. And although I love my dance classes somehow, they’ve never in my mind fallen into the category of “fitness”. You can watch my introduction to the star words right here. Start at 10:21.
As you can tell I even try to get myself out of fitness as a star word! But I could not ask all of you to do something that I wasn’t willing to do myself. So I stuck to it! Thirty days of yoga turned into three months. And then, just as Easter was approaching, I was feeling ready for a new challenge. Was it really a star word if I didn’t keep pushing myself to do more? Everywhere I turned there were signs for Whelan Wellness. On the way to Costco. On the way to Carrie’s cheerleading practices. Friends of mine kept posting their “sweaty selfies.” The program was all online and I could do it from my home. So I thought, why not? It’s only 4 weeks and it's only $50. The worst-case scenario is that I waste $50. So if I can’t or don’t do it it’s not a big deal.
On the first morning, I laid out my yoga mat and go ready to move – even if I was worried I wouldn’t be able to do it! In the first many classes I thought I was going to die. It was hard. The only reason I didn’t quit on the spot is because my amazing daughter would come downstairs and say things like, “You can do it Mom!” or “Go, Mom, you’ve got this.” How could I quit in front of my daughter? So I kept going. It’s one year later and I’m still going.
My star word is a gift to me. That random choice from a stack of cards has reminded me of the importance of caring for all of me –body and soul. One year later I look forward to all the ways I can move. I love my classes with Whalen Wellness. I love my ballet classes. I love going for a walk. Each morning I wake up and choose to move in some way every day. The simple act of moving each day has improved my mental health and given me more energy. Is it easy? No. Can I now say I love fitness? Yes. God is always surprising me! A year ago I never would have dreamed that I would say this star word has made a difference in my life for the better.
Now it is your turn? How did you use your star word? Did it make a difference in your life? Our service is online, but if you want a star word right away, I’ll pick one for you and send it to you. My email is revmiriam@cochranestreetuc.com