Perspectives

Trying to talk with Gabe about fitness.

ME: “Gabe, why do I run?”
GABE: “Because you do races.”
ME: “Okay, that’s true. But why do I do races?”
GABE: “Because you’ve signed up for them.”

We had a nice chat about why one would intentionally sweat and work one’s body, as I pointed out to him that all this is supposed to be fun as well as healthy. Growing up, I didn’t really have that perspective on it – exercise was sort of like eating the vegetables you didn’t like: something you did because people in charge said you had to, and you couldn’t wait to grow up and not have to do it anymore – so I didn’t realize that it could be like everything else I was learning. I studied all sorts of maths and sciences in school, and while the basics of those studies do get used on an everyday basis now that I’m grown, the early studies also offered me the chance to see whether I might develop a deeper interest in them that could lead to a career or hobby. (Answer: heck to the no.) We read and discussed novels, short stories, essays, and missives from all eras and on many topics, not simply to become well-read youths, but to open our minds to wide-flung areas of study. We were not all to be professional artists, musicians, or actors, but gentle encouragement toward extracurricular activities (one or two, anyway; my school was heading toward the “that’s all fine and good, so long as you can squish it in between the ‘important’ classes” philosophy as I aged) was beneficial for creating a balanced young adult.

And physical activity should have been handled the same way, not as a gauntlet for elevating the Alpha Children over those of lower tiers.

Oh, it’s an argument for another day; today, I want to focus on what should be, not what, regrettably, was. My kids and I talk, and will talk, about all their avenues for moving their bodies and keeping the systems in top shape. Whether they’re competitive athletes or not, my hope is that they can find enjoyment in movement. I do try to lead by example, but sometimes actual literal discussion helps, too. After all, I wouldn’t want them thinking the only reason I’m out there, day after day, is because some trick of my psyche leads me to compulsively register for races I’d rather not even do, all things considered.