What I am grateful for: to have a healthy body

The first thing people say when they hear I like to run or hike is "I don't like running/hiking" This phrase always makes me think of my personal mantra "As long as I can, I will." I might not always feel like running, or hiking long distances but because my body is able to do so; I feel this ought to be celebrated through my actions. 

As a youth, I did my best to develop healthy eating and exercise habits and as an adult this has proved key in relieving stress and finding joy in my life through fully partaking in my surroundings. Although all this activity has helped keep my body in shape, I have also been blessed to have a healthy body. Over the past several years I have seen first hand the frailty of human life and I am acutely aware this might not always be the case. So until I am no longer able I will run, hike, walk, swim, sweat and push my body up and down mountains, hills, and any other obstacle I encounter. When my heart is pounding or my breathing becomes heavy, I will thank my heart and lungs for treating me so well and for the mere ability to do so. 

I would be remiss if I did not mention my gratitude for the ability to create life. There has never been another moment when I have been more in awe of my body than when I was able to deliver a child. I know it may seem like a small thing, an automatic thing or even a god given right, but I realize the great privilege and blessing of having a healthy body and it is a blessing I try to never take for granted.