Choose Any Direction - As Long As You Are Moving Forward

October 24, 2011

By Linda T. Gottlieb, MA, CPT, CET

I recall an old Toyota commercial that quickly became my mantra in my own fitness pursuits and thoughts I shared with audiences seeking a fitter life:

"Choose any direction-as long as you are moving forward"

The reason I wanted to share this particular thought with you today is that as you travel your cancer survivorship path, you have many choices along the way. Some choices are related to your treatment plan and whether or not you seek to participate in drug or other treatment trials, integrate alternative therapies into your life, change your work or family relationships, etc.

My focus is to instill in you the permission and power to choose a pathway of improved fitness with physical activity and joyful movement. Moving forward isn't at bullet train speed. Although most American's wish it were so! It's really about one moment in time. It's one moment that you use to get up out of your chair and walk to the next room, or get out of your door and walk to the next town.

Everyone is on a different part of their journey, but the results we seek are uniform: a healthy life, filled with love.

Making the most of each day, "loving the day you're dealt" as one of the local casinos advertises, includes that decision to take one step forward, sit on the sidelines, or take two steps back.

A small commitment to building or advancing your fitness plan is a way to move in a forward direction, one that research proves has no negative side effects, only positive results.

Remember, you can't drive forward looking in the rear view mirror!