For those who can’t

I barely worked out in 2024.

Despite dedicating the majority of my time to focusing on class, extracurriculars and all that comes with being a senior such as navigating living off campus for the first time, soaking in my last fall semester and planning for post grad, I still found myself lying around and doing a whole lot of nothing. Rather than occupying that free time with something beneficial, I usually opted to sleep doomscroll on my phone instead.

I used to be a much more ambitious person when it came to spending my free time wisely, but over the years, that habit has dwindled more than I’d like to admit. And the fact of the matter is I don’t even have a good excuse — I’m just another 21-year-old with a phone addiction

Now it’s not like I don’t ever get up and move my body, because I most certainly do. Last summer, I worked at a local garden in South Bend, a job that ended up being a lot more physically demanding than I had initially realized. I also really enjoy taking walks with my friends and attending yoga when I am able to (even though the prices for workout classes right now are actually insane), but have never made daily movement a high priority. Because of this, I recently found myself for the very first time in my life beginning to feel and see the effects of neglecting your health … and it doesn't feel too good.

Now whenever I look in the mirror, I notice the subtle yet prevalent changes in my face and body that prove the fact that I am getting older. And while this reality is at times mind boggling and hard to accept, I thank God that I’m getting to experience it. I thank him for the reminder that all of this is way too precious and rare not to take advantage of because it very much so is. I am lucky to have an able body that allows me so much, something I didn’t really take the time to appreciate or understand until my roommate recently presented a speech about her time playing lacrosse at Saint Mary’s.

Prompted with the question “Why do I play?” she responded with, “Well, why not?” Ever since that came out of her mouth it has stuck with me. She made me realize how much of a privilege it is to get up and move. It is something I’ve always known, as it is pretty self explanatory, but it really went over my head until it was told to me in that way. I have been gifted this vessel that can successfully take me through this life and has done so with such ease, so why am I not loving it back? Why am I not fueling it the way it deserves or moving it the way it wants? Why am I actively choosing not to use it and instead indulge in doomscrolling or sleeping? 

I am not saying this as motivation to take up ultramarathons or go on some insane physically demanding challenge. I am just saying that if you are able, move. 

Use what God has given you, and use it for good.