Inspired to Move by Ashley Farrar

As a 24-year-old (in my "peak") there is this weird extra pressure to push and be intense in movement because 20-year-olds "can" or we "should" be able to. Choosing gentle, mindful, and meaningful movement with Ashley is a really affirming and powerful choice to make that actually centres what I want rather than what is expected of me! This made my heart swell. What matters most is that your movement practice is about YOU.... Thanks so much for sharing this with me, Emma .

Up and down and round and round. That’s how life feels to me this month. Emotional days.... Days of feeling like I’m experiencing exactly what I need. Days where I’m hard on myself. Days where it’s easier to remind myself that I’m enough. Pushing myself to work hard. Acknowledging that when I work hard that I’m still, at best, completing half of what a neurotypical person can complete. Allowing myself to not work so hard. Knowing that I don’t need to push myself into exhaustion to fit into neurotypical productivity standards... whether those standards are set by the education system, work, or the cultural expectations of being a mom and wife. Feeling grateful that getting an official ADHD diagnosis has allowed this belief to sink more deeply into my body (instead of sitting precariously in my thoughts). Feeling my knowing standing stronger against the winds of others' beliefs and perceptions about me. Practicing forgiving myself for all the things that I want to do but can’t. Life, work, self-care practices, movement... it all ebbs and flows with the flow of life around me. That’s true for you too. Just as with life, the image of exercise that is projected at you doesn’t have to be your reality. You don’t have to work so hard to fit into that box. Your reality is okay. Your imperfect movement practice is normal. Your desire to rest is worth honouring. We are all doing the best we can with what we’ve got. I see you. by my sweet #ellababy

Winter doesn’t have to mean we stop moving our bodies outside. If you have the desire, but struggle with the execution, here are my top tips for making the most of winter! ... Invest in warm layers. I’m partial to merino wool because they keep you warm without overheating, and if you get sweaty, they don’t get cold on your body. Sometimes you can find them at second-hand stores which is a bonus win . Keep moving! I’m always amazed by how warm I get (even in -30 weather) if I’m cross-country skiing or hiking. Standing still (like watching your kids play instead of playing with them) is when you’ll start to notice the cold. Eat a snack! As a Girl Guide, they always suggested cheese. Things that take longer to digest can help you feel warmer.

What if it was okay to not always be getting stronger, better, more flexible? What if we were perfect as we are right now? How would that feel in your body?... Would you be more likely to choose physical activities that spark joy and/or that support the things that spark joy or create meaning for you? Would you feel more comfortable resting when you hit your just-right challenge, even if it’s not the number of reps the teacher is suggesting? Hmm. What do you think?

You have so much to be proud of. That’s all.