Lorrie Sullenberger

Within a few days of this writing I will turn the big 5…0… Don’t get me wrong, I don’t feel 50 and frankly don’t think I look it (with the help of a little Clairol). But, it is a weird thought. What is 50 supposed to feel and look like these days? I thought at this magic age the wisdom of the ages was supposed to be bestowed upon me somehow. Life’s questions and uncertainties about relationships and ourselves would just slip away. Apparently not! And so in honor of my birthday, I am going to write the fitness article I have been saving for this very special occasion.

I am a perceptive observer. I have always had a keen sense of people and have spent my life taking in the emotions around me. And growing up overweight and being very self conscious about it, I have been particularly interested in that area. Over the years, leading outdoor hikes and owning a women’s gym, I have come to the conclusion that we women are our own worst enemies. I had hoped that somewhere around 50 we could stop worrying about the size of our butts or anyone else’s for that matter. Yet, I have worked out with women in their 60’s and 70’s who are in relatively good shape and still fret about that 5 or 10 pounds.

So here is the big secret, we need to see other women as allies, and realize that there isn’t one clear winner, or one healthy body type. Have you ever not wanted to go to the gym because you have recently gained some weight? Or compare yourself to the other women on the treadmills? It seems we live in a winner take all society and it is hard not to want to win. But together as allies to support and nurture one another we can finally achieve that healthy body for life.

At a recent conference I heard a great story I would like to share with you about how we came to get stuck with...um...I mean have the bodies we do. And it goes something like this...we were once all little light beings bouncing around in the universe. The day before we were to come to earth we received a scroll containing our orders. The scroll contained our life’s purpose, our meaning for being. We were all so excited! Then in the next room we were to pick out a physical body to serve that purpose. This room contained tall bodies, short bodies, fat bodies, and skinny bodies. Happily we all picked the perfect body for our life purpose. Shortly after we got, The Call, we were going to be earthbound finally. Only somewhere in the process we lost our purpose and when we fell to earth we were confounded by this body. Only to spend the rest of our life trying to make peace with our...you fill in the blank, thighs, butt, thick arms, skinny arms. You name it we can pick on it.

So this is my birthday gift to you. You cannot achieve that healthy fitness level until you make peace with your body. Trust it to serve you well. Find things you like about your body and focus on that while you continue your workouts. You have the right body for you. Don’t compare it to anyone else, that will serve no purpose.

As I started climbing mountains years ago I was struck by one of the books I had read about climbing Mt Whitney, the highest mountain in the U.S. at 14, 500 ft. It said that those who were the most successful in climbing the mountain were the ones that were slow and steady. They said anyone can climb Mt Whitney, point your feet in the right direction and take one step at a time.

So what ever your mountain is, if you are struggling with being overweight or would like to feel stronger or have more energy, find a really supportive friend, a person who makes you feel better about yourself, point your feet in the right direction and take it one step at a time and you will get there.