What are your favorite physical activities or exercises?
Growing Up Active
Growing up on the farm, movement wasn’t something we planned, but a way of life. We spent our days feeding animals, keeping them clean, stacking hay bales, and pulling weeds in the garden. It was tough work. But it taught me early on that using your body is purposeful, satisfying, and good for the soul. Even now, when I feel that pleasing ache in my muscles after a workout, I’m reminded of those crisp mornings when effort came as naturally as breathing.
Finding Balance in Movement
That active foundation stuck with me. Today, I still crave that connection between effort and reward — walking, gardening, or tackling a tough workout. I love almost every exercise, especially when it challenges me. During a workout, I might grumble through the final reps, but afterward, I always feel lighter, stronger, and proud. That post-exercise glow makes every drop of sweat worthwhile.
The Simple Power of Walking
If I had to choose one favorite way to move, it would be walking. It’s simple, grounding, and fits into every season of life. Sometimes I listen to music or take a phone call. More often though, I walk while letting my mind steady to the rhythm of my steps and talking to myself. Walking clears my head. It reconnects me with gratitude — for my body, the air around me, and the life I’m privileged to live.
Living an Active Lifestyle
Our lifestyle naturally keeps us moving. We still raise pigs, chickens, and turkeys, and every season brings new chores and outdoor projects. I also make a lot of our food from scratch — stirring, kneading, chopping, and gathering ingredients from our garden. Those small, steady movements fill my days with a rhythm that feels both productive and peaceful.
Family Fun in Motion
The best movement, though, happens with my kids. Whether we’re sledding down snowy hills, digging in the sand, or playing our beloved “burrito game,” we’re laughing, racing, and making memories. My husband and I stay active both for ourselves and to show our kids how important it is to move. Activity isn’t only a chore, but a celebration of life and health.
Joy in Motion
Movement shaped my childhood, sustains my adulthood, and strengthens our family bond. It’s not only about fitness or strength; it’s about gratitude, connection, and joy. Walking — the simplest movement of all — ties it together. Each step reminds me where I came from, grounds me in the present, and carries me toward every new chapter ahead.
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