If you read last week’s blog, you’ve met my Aunt Noreen, the queen of preparation. This week, I’m introducing you to my husband’s Uncle Guiseppe, a man who had a unique outlook on life. While religious, he definitely did not call himself devout. He often said, “Perfection? That’s for the Almighty. As for me? I just do my best—and my best is when I enjoy what I’m doing.”
That perspective has stuck with me, especially when it comes to movement. Uncle Guiseppe’s attitude reminds me that exercise—what I like to call joyful movement—isn’t about striving for perfection or pushing ourselves to exhaustion. It’s about doing our best, enjoying the process, and finding what feels good.
The Joy of Movement
Take walking, for example. Using a treadmill just isn’t my thing, but give me a brisk 30-minute walk outside, and I’m in my happy place. It clears my mind, fills my spirit, and invigorates me. The more nature I get, the happier I am.
Now, this isn’t an anti-treadmill rant—promise! If walking on a treadmill while listening to your favorite music or a podcast fills you up, go for it. The key is to find what brings you joy. Maybe it’s dancing around the living room to holiday classics (anyone else love Joy to the World) or doing restorative yoga before bed. The point is to move and enjoy it!
You’ve probably heard the saying, “Dance like nobody’s watching.” Well, now’s your chance—turn up the volume and let loose! Movement is a gift to yourself, especially during this busy season.
Why Joyful Movement Matters Over the Holidays
The holiday rush can make it easy to let stress take over, leaving little time for ourselves. That’s why joyful movement is so important—it isn’t just another task on your to-do list. It’s a way to ground yourself and find a sense of calm amid the chaos.
And here’s the bonus: it doesn’t just reduce stress and improve sleep—it also gives your metabolism a gentle boost. As we get older, our metabolism tends to slow, but regular, enjoyable movement helps keep it humming along. Even small actions, like taking the stairs or dancing in the kitchen, can support a healthy metabolism during this festive season.
Finding Joy Amid the Hustle
Just like Uncle Guiseppe believed, the secret to “doing your best” is enjoying the process. Movement isn’t about burning calories or striving for perfection—it’s about celebrating what our bodies can do and finding joy in the moment.
This week, I encourage you to explore movement that feels good to you. Whether it’s a walk, a dance, or a stretch, let it remind you of your strength and resilience.
If you’re looking for more ways to stay vibrant, balanced, and fully present through the holidays, I’d love to invite you to a complimentary Thrive Beyond 45 Strategy Session. Together, we’ll create a plan that supports your hormones, honors your body, and helps you thrive without guilt or overwhelm.
Let’s keep thriving together with small changes, big results!
That sounds like an amazing way to bring joyful movement into your day— Thank you for sharing and for the kind words 💜 Keep moving and having fun!
Joyful movement is getting on my stationary bike to '80's music. In my head I'm dancing....so much fun! Fantastic article 👍💜