We were sitting in the car, on our way back from running errands and visiting the grandparents. "Thankfully, finally heading home, on our way to winding down our day" was my thought behind the wheel... or so I thought... The whole 20-minute ride home he would intently and persistently request to do exercise with me. Here I am feeling most NOT motivated, just having arrived a few days before from a long vacation, wanting to just head home, take a shower, put my son to bed and crawl into my delicious and comfy bed with a good book for a few minutes before my eyelids become way too heavy and I give into that wonderful tired sleep.
Well, little did I know that my son had other plans for me ... He further insisted on seeing the "lady with the bellybutton" (the exercise video shows attractive ladies wearing proper yet more skimpy clothing than I dare exercise with) and that I get my lazy butt off of the sofa. Nothing else other than pure, unadulterated love for my little boy got me up off my sofa at that moment.
I dragged myself to the TV, turned it on, and with the little bit of energy I had left, i just stood there and waited for the video to start. Didn't even bother putting my socks and shoes on as that would have required me to lift one leg at a time and go upstairs to get them. Well, I was very surprised at how powerful a motivator my son was for me that day. I have to say that the first 8 minutes or so of the video were still quite painful but I am pleased to say that by 10 minutes the adrenaline and other happy exercise hormones had kicked in and I began actually enjoying myself and feeling more energetic -- not enough to go get my shoes upstairs (I did this workout barefoot after all), but I did complete the session and I did give my bright-eyed motivator a big sweaty hug as I thanked him for reminding me of the wonders of having a little one around.
This encounter with my toddler reaffirmed the need that many of us desperately seek at times... a buddy or good friend to be there at the times when one is at their lowest, when it appears that there is absolutely no way that one will muster enough energy to jump on a treadmill or that one can conquer a certain craving. Someone who holds you accountable and who unremittingly insists on doing an activity that is good for you. Someone who has your best interest in mind and who wants to spend that time with you.
To finish the story, I should also add that halfway through the video, my son lost interest in the belly buttons and lunges and, so, went off to the park with his dad for a few more minutes of fun in the sun and a soccer ball. But we both did lots of exercise that day together and yes, we both slept like babies that night...
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