Thankful Thursday: Health

9 members of Monday Night Posse at White Canyon Trail

Today, I am thankful for health. I'm thankful that I can wake up in the morning and get out of bed without pain or assistance. I'm thankful my body is capable of running 4.5 miles without fatigue, even if I'm not as fast as I would like to be. I'm thankful that, despite my lack of coordination, I can follow a Belly Butt Thigh aerobic class without fainting. Tripping maybe, but no fainting.

I'm also thankful that for the first time in three years I can consistently take my wedding ring on and off easily, hike up mountains without feeling like I'm suffocating, and live an active lifestyle without wanting to throw up. I'm thankful to finally be seeing results as I consciously make decisions to improve my whole mind, body, spirit. I like the changes I'm seeing - physically and mentally - and I'm feeling very hopeful for the future and appreciating the now.

Tomorrow I will join my best friend in Bend, my husband, and several other crazies at the Riverbend Park. From there, we will plunge into the icy waters. I've never been one for cold water, but the cause is worthwhile. Special Olympics of Oregon is the beneficiary of the Polar Plunge Oregon events. I am healthy and getting more athletic by the day. Nothing moves me more than people with the odds stacked against them doing incredible things - Special Olympics of Oregon helps athletes with intellectual disabilities be the best they can be every day, in every season, at every age. (If you'd like to donate to this awesome cause, you may do so by clicking on the Polar Plunge link on the right side of my homepage or click here. Do it for the kids.)

What inspires you to be better/healthier?

Taking the Plunge

Today my dear friend texted and asked if I'd join her 2011 Polar Plunge team. Um, absolutely! (I chickened out on her last year and they had so much fun I regretted not joining them.)

So, in February I will be jumping into the frigid waters of the Deschutes River with two of my favorite girls and their friends. (And, probably, my favorite boy, but he's needing some extra convincing right now.)

This event is a fundraiser for Oregon Special Olympics and as a team member I will be raising funds over the next four months for this awesome organization. (See bar to the left.) An active lifestyle should be open to all and Oregon Special Olympics takes up the torch to make that happen.