I live in a tight-knit neighborhood. Everyone knows everyone, and in a lot of ways, it feels like a modern-day Mayberry, complete with front porch swings where you wave to your neighbors as they walk by (also, if you know where that Mayberry reference comes from, we HAVE to be friends).

I was sitting on my front porch last week, and a mother and her young son came jogging by. He couldn’t have been more than four or five years old, and he was very obviously getting tired of running.

Do you know what his mom said to him?

“Remember: you don’t have to go fast. You just have to keep going.”

That little tidbit of wisdom wasn’t even meant for me. I just happened to overhear it. But nonetheless, I sat and thought about it for a long time after they’d passed.

I don’t know about you, but lately, I’ve felt like my progress is painfully slow. The shifting seasons. The changes in responsibilities. The approaching holiday season, and that ever-present feeling of “not enough time” all have me convinced that I’m moving far slower than I “should” be as of late.

How often do we rush ourselves toward something?

How often do we beat ourselves up for not getting to where we think we “should” be ASAP? How often do we look at the speed (or lack thereof) at which we’re moving, and decide we’re moving too slowly so we should just give up entirely?

Whatever you’re working toward right now, whether it’s healing after a major surgery, saving up to buy a house, or chipping away at a big work project, I hope you’ll keep that piece of front porch wisdom in your back pocket for the times that progress feels painfully slow.

You don’t have to go fast. You just have to keep going.

You’re free to move at whatever speed you need to. Want help getting started? Need someone to encourage you to keep going? I’ve got your back. Whether you’re looking for spinal-fusion-friendly workouts, a practice to help you manage chronic pain, or mindful movement to supplement your existing routine, I’d love to help you establish a Pilates practice. Reach out today to learn more about private sessions today and see how a Pilates practice can be part of your health journey.