June, 2016: Today is another beautiful June summer day! What a joy it is to see blue skies and sunshine, another day to be thankful for! At MotionWorks Physical Therapy, we are excited to be planning our fifth year in business next month! Where time goes, we’re not exactly sure, but as we reflect on the hundreds of physical therapy patients and fitness clients we have had the honor of meeting and working with over the past five years, we are definitely feeling very blessed!
Speaking of feeling blessed, these blue sky sun shining brightly days make me think back to life in summer as a kid. Lying on your back in the dewy grass on a hot summer morning, looking up at the white puffy clouds with my siblings, wondering which animals we will see in the clouds today. Organizing a summertime baseball game with the neighbor kids after evening chores were done. Or catching fireflies late at night. Or better yet, running through the tall grass, without a burden in the world or a single worry in your mind.
What do each of these scenarios have in common? The celebration of freedom - a free spirit unencumbered by the cares of this world. Isn’t that the ultimate joy of childhood - the freedom to be care-free at anytime and at all times. The hope of a future that is limitless. The dreams of upcoming events and adventures- life is something to look forward to, to be excited about, and to celebrate.
And then we all grow up. Paying the monthly bills, facing unexpected expenses like medical bills and getting the car repaired, and responsibilities like caring for aging parents and children with a schedule so busy we don’t quite know if we are coming or going. What if we could go back? What if we could re-capture a piece of that freedom of being a kid again? While we all have responsibilities as adults, can we take some time to set them aside and play, skip, and dream like a child again? Can we lighten the load from time to time and experience life again as a care-free little one?
Consider these lyrics from the song “Suitcases” by Cara McClean…
How can you move when they’re weighing you down? What can you do when you’re tied to the ground, yeah? You carry your burdens heavy like gravity Just let them go now, there’s freedom in release.
You can’t run when you’re holding suitcases It’s a new day, throw away your mistakes And open your heart, lay down your guard You don’t have to be afraid.
Just breathe, your load can be lifted There’s a better way when you know you’re forgiven Open up your heart, lay down your guard You don’t have to be afraid.
Can you imagine what it’s like to be free, oh, oh, oh? Well, send those bags packing, they are not what you need, oh Abandon your troubles by the side of the road Just let them go now, believe me
You can’t run when you’re holding suitcases Yes, it’s a new day, throw away your mistakes And open up your heart, lay down your guard You don’t have to be afraid.
Just breathe, your load can be lifted There’s a better way when you know you’re forgiven Open up your heart, lay down your guard You don’t have to be afraid
There’s nothing holding you back now, just run.
Easier said than done, right? Due to the heavy weight carried by everyone in our society (even our kids), be the example and teach your children how to do this themselves without tethers to a schedule and devices. Lay down your burdens and have some fun - enjoy life. Your burdens will wait for you (I promise!). Go ahead and do the picnic in the park. Go to some fourth of July fireworks. Go to the historical reenactment, the water ski show, the boat ride, the swimming pool, the beach, or better yet, relax and read a book in the hammock in the backyard. Walk or run without your headphones to listen to the busy excitement found in the sounds of nature. Allow yourself the time and freedom to play, and you’ll find it lightens your load for the rest of the week!
