My whole family has began exercising more, and I'm very happy about that. I was hoping this would happen as I renewed my commitment to exercise. The boys have made a goal to run a mile each day on the treadmill and DS14 this week increased his goal, running 1.5 miles a day. My DH is back to his running routine too and also often walks with me. I can remember back in high school gym class groaning about having to run the mile. We only did it once or twice every two weeks or so, but it was the dreaded day of P.E. "We're running the mile today, ugh!" Usually we tried not to sweat. LOL!
Now here I am as an adult and I feel blessed to be able to walk a mile. I WISH I could run like I did back in my thinner youth!
My boys have a completely different outlook when running on the treadmill than I had at their age. Maybe that's because for them its about fitness, and they don't have worry about being sweaty and smelly around their peer group? Plus, they get to watch TV while they run, or if they walk with us, they know they have our undivided attention to speak their minds.
DS11 will also tell me, "This will make me a better cop one day, being fit." To him, the exercise is a way a meet his goals. To me back in high school, running the mile felt like a punishment the gym teachers demanded of us.
This is another example of how self-schooling (unschooling), is so much better than trying to force something on someone. You have to decide to want the change, growth, advancement, education, etc. for yourself. You make that personal commitment to do it for yourself first and no one can ever take that away from you.
I want my children and husband to be healthy, but it would be wrong for me to say to them, "You need to exercise, You're out of shape and unhealthy, " and expect them to want to change. I would only be passing judgment on their choice of lifestyle.
I have learned a better way is to first do it yourself and wait to see if others will be inspired by you and follow. By nature, I believe God made us to be monkey see, monkey want to do too, and if we "be the change we want to see" it will work to bring others closer to sharing your world.
Because we self educate living in a family dynamic, we also are aware we are setting an example for those we love, not just acquaintances. This makes a difference because due to the strong bonds you have with loved ones, you want nothing but the best for them. You also want to be the best you can be FOR them as well.
The family environment is designed to support and lift us up as we work through life's obstacles. This effect cannot be duplicated in any other social network. Our family loves each other unconditionally. We've created the perfect safe place, our sanctuary, for inspiring and learning from each other and the world around us.
4 comments:
Well, I was expecting a move across the country!! You are so right in everything you say, and your approach to it is right on!! I wish I could run like I used to. I was on the high school girls' track team, and ran the 440 (quarter mile). Gosh, that was a long, long time ago. Now it hurts to walk down the driveway for the newspaper sometimes. My bad ankles, feet and knees may be because of track and marching band all those years ago... who knows? I love your family dynamics and your approach to learning, Dawn. May God continue to bless you!!!
lol I was thinking you were moving to another place too!:o) Being the example is the best way to influence. Force feeding just doesn't work. I think it's awesome your family is enjoying themselves!:o) Walking on the treadmill IS more fun when you can watch tv.......time passes by much more quickly!;o)
Have fun!!!!!!!
Ugh I hated gym class. That's so great that your family decided on their own to exercise. I really need to get back to my Wii Walk It Out.
That is wonderful Dawn, I'm so happy that your whole family is getting involved. I remember disliking PE because it was in the morning and would ruin my hair for the rest the day lol. I did participate in sports after school which I just loved. I would like to get a treadmill but I want to wait till I know I would be committed to using it, it's expensive and I would hate myself if after a few months it would just sit there because I got lazy. You and your family are doing great, keep up the good work.
Post a Comment