Why should we explore new physical challenges regularly? Wherever in life we are right now!

It's time to step up, rise to the challenge

Ready and willing, I'm furthering my balance;

Push and pull, tense and relax— I'm ready for this difficult dance

Stretching and working, my body leaves comfort far behind;

Focusing on every movement, pushing negative thought aside

Exhilaration fills me as I embrace my physical strength

Energized by this trial of mental and body fitness

My passion leads me through each new test with effortless grace.

Somewhere in life we start to “play it safe” . We stop trying new things, stop taking on dares from our friends, testing our physical acumen, normalise saying no and tell ourselves "we have grown up now".

And this transition – from taking on any seductive opportunity in excitment to demonstrate physical expression, to blatantly saying no to them – is one of the many beginnings to the end of healthy living and wellbeing.

It takes a lot to get back to it but it does make a lot of sense to explore new physical challenges regularly – wherever we are in life.

Whenever and whatever level we start, there is significant value in looking for and embracing new physical feats and accomplishmmets.

First, there is the value seen in a shift in your outlook on life. Putting your body and mind through physically challenging – or even demanding – activities literally trains your mind to be open to new ideas, new discoveries and new opportunities. You’ll find yourself seeking fulfillment in the joy of simply exploring – rather than trying to relive old, worn out stories.

Next, regularly challenging yourself physically trains and builds your self esteem and confidence. When you can regain a sense of agility or overcome new challenges for the first time, your self image soars with new confidence and certainty. And that sense of self gets translated to everything you do.

And finally there is the obvious health benefit. After all, how may articles, Netflix shows, books, infomercials and experts do you need to encounter before you believe that regular physical exercise heads off maladies of every sort and builds resistance to the aging process in total? Exercise is not only necessary for a long and vibrant life, it is required.

So what stories – and the lessons from those stories – will you tell to your kids or grand kids in the future during summer vacations or winter school breaks? Will it be about when you were young (like them) – or will it be about what new adventure you took on in the past year?

#livingforexperiences #wellbeing