I think we all have beliefs about ourselves at times that are untrue! It may be something that we’ve recently convinced ourselves we are not capable of, or it may be a belief we’ve had since childhood.
For example, another thing I’ve always believed about myself is that I’m not athletic. Honestly, I don’t remember anyone ever telling me this, but there are a few things that may have led to this belief:
*I failed the beginner swimming class when I was in early elementary school.
*In junior high (that’s middle school for those of you a few years younger than me), I was playing shortstop during PE one day, and a line drive hit me in the eye and broke my glasses!
*In high school, I had to sit out of PE for several weeks because I pulled a muscle in my chest while striking out during a softball game.
*And, of course, there was a prevailing belief that smart kids weren’t athletic.
However, when I take an honest look back at my life, I realize that my belief was wrong all along. The word “athletic” means “physically strong, fit, and active” or “characterized by or involving physical activity and exertion.” While I may not have been excessively strong, I was definitely active and enjoyed physical activity. For example:
*One of my favorite toys was the Lemon Twist! (Check out the retro commercial HERE! While the original Lemon Twist is no longer produced, there are lots of similar toys.)
*I loved to ride my bicycle … especially to the library!
*In fifth grade, I tried out for and made the track team; however, we moved to southeast Texas before the season started so I never had a chance to compete.
*In my 20s, I went snow skiing, I did aerobic exercises (yes, I had a unitard & leg warmers), and I walked regularly with a friend.
*I still enjoy walking, hiking and bike riding. I even go ice skating on occasion.
So, while I may not be a competitive athletic, it turns out I am (and have been all along) athletic!
So, tell me, are you athletic? What beliefs do you have that might be untrue? Please share your thoughts in the comments.
LOL unitard & leg warmers ... I attend an 80's fitness class where the instructor freely admits to be "stuck" in that time - it's a lively class & features all the music of the 80's & she sometimes comes in her favourite unitard & leg warmers.
ReplyDeleteExcellent post - I'm glad you have disproved the false theory you are not athletic & you certainly are VERY creative.
I have not sung a note out loud since 3rd grade when Mrs Dolan told me I couldn't sing & only agreed to let me part of the choir if I promised not to sing out loud. I have absolutely no idea what if any singing voice I really have. I do not sing in the shower, I do not sing in the car.
I've always been "clumsy". When I was four, my Mom used to tell me not to run because it would invariably end in skinned knees. I was ALWAYS picked last for teams in gym class. YET, when I was younger I rode bike, roller skated, jumped rope (could do double dutch once upon a time). Then I danced - as in jazz dance classes and recitals. Now I walk and follow fitness routines online. So I stay active (fit is probably a stretch). Funny how different things are when you look back on it.
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