Purpose...Connection...Courage...Spinning...#woundedwarriors

In theory, we all exercise. I've known for what seems like forever that exercise is good for body and soul. But I haven't been consistent, consistently.

Nothing earth shattering happened on August 10th to spur me to start exercising again. I just started. And I've continued. It's only been a month, but it's been a wonderful month. My persistent shoulder pain has eased. My clothes feel better, and I feel more comfortable in my skin. But that's not what inspired me to write today.

What inspired, I mean, who inspired me to write today is a woman named Rhodie. Rhodie is a co-founder and lead instructor at JoyRide in Westport, CT. I don't know a lot about Rhodie, but I learned pretty much all I need to know about her this morning during her spin class.

I wasn't feeling particularly great. I had some things on my mind and I hadn't slept well. Before class, to clear my mind I took a walk at Compo Beach. My hope was that the beautiful morning views would help me breathe and feel better. It was wonderful but my mood remained, well. " eh."

Enter Rhodie. I thought to myself, "OK, so she's obviously a pro. She has this whole spin thing DOWN." I figured she'd inspire me to work hard and sweat, and she did. What else she offered the 45 or so other souls in the room, however, is clearly her extra gift. Seamlessly and seemingly effortlessly, Rhodie ran the class like a gentle Sargent while weaving in her thoughts about three things she learned last weekend from her time spent with Wounded Warriors. Quite simply, her three keys to Joy are purpose...connection...and courage. 

Rhodie combined ideas about working hard and hitting our individual edges while reminding us that we all need a purpose; a reason to work or play...or do a tour of duty. Without purpose we wander. 

Connections are necessary for us to survive. Love, returned smiles, people who have our back at home and on the battlefield; they all make life meaningful. Exercising in that room filled with other people this morning made me feel connected to a purpose larger than myself. It helped me put my life into a more global perspective.

Courage. Anyone willing to put him or herself in harm's way for the benefit of people they will never meet has exceptional courage. To those who serve, I thank you and honor that your courage wins over the fear that must creep in. Courage in everyday interactions may be 'just showing up' to spin today, or it may mean fiercely building on a foundation of fitness they've been working on for years. Courage doesn't exist in the absence of fear. It exists alongside it.

Thank you Rhodie for inspiring me to work hard and take care of myself today, as well as reminding me that the world is big, few sacrifice for many, and that purpose, connection, and courage are necessary ingredients to a truly meaningful, Joyful life. And thank you to the other sweaty bodies and souls I connected with today. I hope you know how much you matter.