Fit in the City ~ Leigh Ann Root
Enhance your life
You can enhance your day every day, if you stop and enjoy some small pleasures. To enhance means to increase in intensity of, why not increase the intensity of your happiness?
One day last week I was reminded of how the little things in life can have a big impact if we choose to recognize and appreciate them. It was 4:50am, I'm in my car and I reach for my first enhancement of the day, a giant cup of coffee. My day has officially begun! Some habits are worth keeping, I believe you have to indulge a bit each day. After a few sips and a short drive, I'm at work, opening the gym.
Members begin to file in, some with "bedhead"and some sleepwalking, but all of them have come with a fitness mission. All dedicated to their own self-improvement, they'd have to be, to arrive here at this ridiculous hour! These good people with their positive attitudes are my next enhancement of the day. It's contagious, they're spirit has rubbed off on me. I feel lucky to be a part of their day! I'm also reminded at how fortunate I am to have this as my workplace, a place where people actually want to be. Unfortunately, not the case for every workplace. Just working here enhances my daily life. I highly recommend working in an environment that is uplifting.
My morning continues, I begin searching for a new music station to help the members get moving. No station can completely satisfy everyone's taste but, nevertheless, I found one which I thought most would appreciate. Here comes my next enhancement of the day, music. Music can turn a good workout great, a car ride more enjoyable or cleaning more bearable! Next time your in your car trying to de-stress from your day, turn it up and let it go! Today's music selection has enhanced my mood, no question. From the disco hits (I love the 70's!) to Billy Joel's "Only The Good Die Young", to "Maniac" from the movie, Flashdance. I'm reminded of many happy and funny memories. I know I had once owned one of those ripped- off-the-shoulder-sweatshirts" like the one worn by Jennifer Beals in Flashdance! Next came "Born to be Alive" then "Shiny Happy People" - both ideal songs to play in the gym!
What enhances your life? What makes your days brighter, your average day, better than average? Maybe it's time to recognize the simple pleasures that can feel like hidden treasures during your daily grind. Start today. Maybe it's a friendly and familiar face you see at one of your daily stops or a helpful person who comes along just when you need it. Or maybe it's time to buy some new music or change the pictures on your office desk. It could be hearing a loved one's voice on the phone, that can be reassuring or lift your spirits. Try calling an old friend. Embrace these things, they're what make our lives so sweet.
I thought my column was complete, but yet another song has come on that had me reflecting one more time. This one is so fitting. It's "Do You Want To Funk", it speaks to my early years as a fitness instructor. Fifteen years ago, this particular song was on most of my aerobic cassettes, I thought it was such a racy song! This was at the beginning of my journey into the world I now make my living in. I've come along way from the workout thongs (thank god!), shiny spandex and big hair. Some songs can bring back unfortunate images but also some much needed laughter!
