Ready, Set, Sweat
Com·mu·ni·ty - A feeling of fellowship with others, as a result of sharing common attitudes, interests, and goals.
If the dictionary definition of the word community doesn’t describe Fernie perfectly, I don’t know what does. As a town that continually sees growth, I think we owe a lot of it to our deeply rooted sense of community pride. It’s just who we are. I am so excited to write this month’s column about a single word that is bursting with potency.
Being a person who is an advocate of high fives and good vibes, I have two words for you: Group Activity. I speak truthfully when I say that I witness the positive impact that comes from a group dynamic on a daily basis. People begin to elevate, motivate, and inspire each other. We encourage one another to become the best versions of themselves. Maybe it’s weekly bike rides, running club, swimming or ski teams. Heck! It could be a knitting night or book club; (a glass or two of red while conversing about a book inspires us to be the best version of ourselves, right?). The point is, that when you get together with likeminded people, you form a tribe. People who were once acquaintances become friends, common interests are established, and a community is shaped.
Did you know that on average it takes sixty-six days to create a habit? That’s over two months. When it comes to a healthy lifestyle and creating long term habits, I think the most important part is to enjoy the process. If you are new to something, the key is often dedication and commitment to continually show up. This is where the support from fellow members comes into play. As a lover of group fitness, not much makes me happier than seeing a new person walk through the doors, unsure of what to expect than leave with a giant smile and confidence boost to show up again the next day. Music to my fitness ears! Why is this likely to happen?
Because that person had fun, and having fun is fun. They felt encouraged and supported by their neighbour who at the end of that gruelling hour gave them a sweaty high five. If you ask me, that is community.
“Magic happens when you step outside of your comfort zone.”
Take a moment to soak that in, really absorb it. Whether the outcome is what you hoped for or not, you’ve likely grown as a person from the experience. (Five stitches and a separated shoulder on Swine Flu totally creates growth, I’m sure of it.) As we see a shift in seasons, I say this is the perfect time to step out of that comfort zone. Grow a little, ya know? Sign up for something new, with people you haven’t met. Sweating it out with a crew of likeminded people on the regular releases those feel-good endorphins while holding you accountable and committed to a healthy lifestyle.