You Don't Have To - You Get To!

On January 22nd, I made an Instagram post with the caption “Don’t Have To - Get To”.  It was all about how I was changing my self-talk about exercising.  I’m sure you’ve been there, too.  Repeating the lines we all say from time to time: “I have to go to the gym.  I have to take a walk. I have to take the stairs.  I have to run, etc.  Some of you may find that your go to phrase is what you "need" to do.  At any rate, you get the point.   It’s been over thirty days since I made that post and I am not completely cured.  I still slip up, but now you’ll hear me say I GET to workout far more often than not.   This change in attitude is impacting how I look at everything around me. It’s so easy to forget how precious choice is in our world.   It takes an intentional effort to remind myself that I don’t have to do anything. I am blessed to have a choice.

I GET To Do Everything.

I get to exercise my body every day. I get to volunteer hours and hours to causes that matter to me. I get to march and protest against ideologies that offend me. I get to prepare beautiful healthy meals to eat. I get to drive to the library and explore new writers every week. I get to listen to my daughter wax on and on about her dreams. I get to hear my friend share her chemotherapy story while rubbing the bald spots on her head. I get to share silly moments with my granddaughter; creating memories as we make up our own characters and stories. I get to watch the neighborhood 3 & 4 year olds play at soccer; missing the ball, running and falling down in what seems like every few seconds. I get to brew the perfect cup of Earl Grey every morning. I get to feel the rain shower my face and dampen my shoes as I run into the grocery store. I get to hear the melody that the chimes create when the wind hits them just so. I get to see the stars and moonlight cast shadows across my backyard at night.   I don’t have to do any of these things. But how great it is that I GET to experience every last one of them.   I hope you will be inspired to adopt a "GET TO" attitude, too. Take a moment to make a list of the things you GET to do. Original Instagram Post