When Your Mind Says “Go” and Your Body Says “Nope”

 

Ever had one of those mornings where your bed felt like the coziest place on Earth, and your eyes insisted on staying shut? My body was fully on board with the “stay in bed” plan, but my mind had other ideas. It was yelling, “We’ve got plans today! Get up!” Who won? Let’s just say my bed had a pretty solid argument, but my mind pulled out a surprise victory.

This morning’s win wasn’t just luck it was preparation. The night before, I had mentally committed to the day: exercise by the lake, read, and tackle a personal project. That mental rehearsal made it harder to wiggle out of my plans. Procrastination didn’t stand a chance (well, not today).

Dragging myself out of bed, I debated whether my morning exercise would be a solo mission. I decided to call my neighbour, Bas. “How far?” I teased him. “When are you starting your 2025 exercise routine?” He laughed, probably thinking I was joking, but I hit him with my real agenda: “Let’s walk by the lake.” Surprisingly, he agreed. Encouraged, I tried to recruit Emmanuella too, but she had other plans her hair needed more attention than my exercise routine. Fair enough.

The lake greeted us with its usual charm, the water sparkling under the sun. Kids ran around laughing, their joy infectious. And then there she was Mrs. Ebere.

The Remarkable Mrs. Ebere

Now, let me tell you about Mrs. Ebere. She’s tall, elegant, and her melanin skin glows like polished mahogany kissed by the sun. But her beauty is more than skin deep. She exudes a calm confidence, balancing work, family, and fitness like a pro. Watching her interact with others is like witnessing pure grace in motion.

Children adore her; she makes them laugh, buys them treats, and plays with them at the park. Adults respect her for her discipline and kindness. She has a way of making you feel valued, even in the simplest interactions.

Today, I got my usual warm hug from her, and it was like being enveloped in positivity. I couldn’t help but feel inspired. “May the Almighty keep blessing you with good health and happiness,” I silently prayed.

Mind vs. Body: The Great Debate

While the lake gave me serenity and Mrs. Ebere gave me inspiration, my body was still debating with my mind. “Why are we doing this again?” it groaned. But I kept moving, reminding myself that the hardest days to show up are often the most rewarding.

Sometimes, all it takes is a small push or a little friendly competition. My neighbourhood exercise buddies are shaping up to be just that, though I’m still adjusting to the idea of group workouts. As a self-proclaimed fitness trainer (yes, that’s me!), I like to move at my own pace. But hey, maybe this is a chance to grow.

Gratitude in the Details

Looking back on the day, I’m grateful for so much:

1. The strength to push past my lazy moments.

2. The beauty of the lake and the laughter of children.

3. The hot weather (which, surprisingly, dried my clothes in minutes).

4. The humility fasting teaches me it’s never easy, but the lessons are worth it.

5. Dehydration hit hard today, reminding me of how much I rely on simple things like water. It’s funny how the absence of something amplifies its value.

A Gentle Reminder

Life’s little victories are worth celebrating. Whether it’s conquering procrastination, connecting with someone who inspires you, or simply showing up, these moments shape us.

So, what are you grateful for today? Pause and reflect you might be surprised by how much you have to appreciate. Share your gratitude, spread the positivity, and let’s keep the gratitude vibe going!