Why I don't "workout" anymore

I think we tend to forget that being able to move our body, is a gift, not a hassle. 

In today's fast paced world, I feel as if I am constantly trying to be sold or convinced that I need to change my appearance.  My surroundings, such as social media, TV commercials, magazines, advertisements, and emails, are constantly delivering the same message to me. The message that I should get "fit," lose weight, have flatter abs or buy so and so workout so that my body will one day be perfectly toned and sculpted from head to toe.  Seeing and hearing this kind of message day in and day out will surely make someone feel insecure and insufficient (a.k.a. a total bum). 

I used to doubt the appearance of my body, A LOT.  I used to believe I needed to look a certain way in order to be sexy, attractive and healthy.  But, then a miraculous event occurred that forever changed my life.  I had a baby and I finally WOKE UP.   Hallelujah! 

And now those not so nice questions I used to ask myself...

"Is my body sexy?"  
"How can I look like her?" 
"Are my abs flat enough?"

all went out the window.  Buh-bye! See ya later!  

After giving birth to Lucille, that's when I KNEW how freaking powerful, strong, sexy and capable my body was.  My "light bulb" was on and burning brighter than ever.  Better late then never, right? 

This is around the time I decided that I would never "workout" again.  I would never convince myself I had to look a certain way or do a certain workout because I felt pressured by society. 

I used to feel guilty when I skipped a "workout" or didn't make time to do a 30-60 minute structured exercise.  The term "workout" would either give me an extreme high or an extreme low, and this HAD to change. 

My body was far too precious to make it feel anything less than adequate.  This is when I decided to make a change.  By simply changing my words, I could shift my mindset from one of guilt and comparison to one of GRATITUDE instead.  I swapped the word "workout," for a word of more positivity for me, "movement."

​     "Movement" is my word of choice when I refer to any type of physical activity my body can do and is able to do. 

When I use the word "movement" instead of "workout" in any statement or question I immediately feel grateful and accomplished for what my body can do.  Don't believe me?  Try asking yourself this question and tell me which word you like using better.

Did I do a workout today?   or   Did I get movement today? 

Feel the difference?  I know I certainly do. It's crazy how just by changing one simple word, my mind and body instantly feel calmer, happier and more at peace with who I am and what I have.  

Anyways, thanks for sticking around to read my little story.   I hope reading this will help you think more highly of your beautiful body, just the way it is. 

Now you know why I don't "workout" anymore.  Now I just MOVE! 


              Always craving health + happiness,
                                   Jillian


P.S.  If you enjoyed this little nugget of a story, then I think you will get a kick out of me and my husband's new podcast, Simplified Khaos.