As I reflect on my journey toward physical literacy, I鈥檓 pleased to report that my goal of 5,000 steps a day is coming along quite well. In fact, I鈥檝e even added a bit of mild snowball fight training to the mix, practicing my aim by trying to hit targets in my yard. And yes, I鈥檓 toying with the idea of starting a territorial sport organization for snowball fighting.
鈥淚鈥檓 just kidding,鈥� as we often say in the smaller communities of the Northwest Territories. Or am I?
On a more serious note, let鈥檚 talk about my progress: I鈥檝e found that getting up earlier, about 45 minutes before my usual routine, has made a significant difference. I start my day with a warm cup of water, sometimes with a touch of honey, and then I bundle up in my ski pants and jacket for a 30 to 60-minute walk. This morning ritual not only helps me reach my step goal but also sets a positive tone for the day. And of course, random tree poses to connect with trees all around me.
Throughout the day, I make conscious decisions about my transportation. Living in a small community has its perks - everything is just a 10-minute walk away. I often find myself choosing to walk instead of taking the truck. I also consider whether to take the elevator (though I don鈥檛 think we have one in our community) or to walk up that one level. These small choices add up and contribute to my daily goals. It鈥檚 crucial to start with small, achievable, and measurable goals.
One valuable lesson I鈥檝e learned from listening to audiobooks and reading articles is the importance of just getting started. For instance, challenge yourself to do just one push-up a day. That鈥檚 it! I鈥檓 confident that after a week, you鈥檒l find yourself thinking, 鈥淚 can do a second one.鈥� And soon enough, you might even be ready for a third.
If you鈥檙e unsure where to begin, start with a wall push-up. Place your feet about 30 degrees away from the wall, put your hands high on the wall, and push. It鈥檚 not so hard to start, is it? It always comes back to that initial step, whatever it may be. And yes, that includes target practice with snowballs, because you never know when the first territorial championships will be happening, and you want to be ready!
In addition to my daily steps and walking to meetings, I鈥檝e decided to incorporate 30 minutes of table tennis every weekday into my routine. I鈥檓 also excited about becoming an on-ice helper at the local hockey rink once a week or every two weeks. While I may not be a skater, I excel at encouragement, love playing music for everyone, and enjoy capturing those memorable moments with my camera. I proudly call myself the 鈥渙n-ice helper鈥�!
As I continue on this journey, I encourage you to reflect on where you are in your own physical literacy journey. What small steps can you take today to move closer to your goals? Remember, it鈥檚 not about perfection but rather progress and finding joy in movement. Whether it鈥檚 a walk around the block, a few push-ups, or even a friendly snowball fight, every little bit counts.
So, let鈥檚 keep moving, supporting one another, and embracing the fun in our physical activities. Who knows? Maybe one day we鈥檒l all be ready for that first Territorial Snowball Fighting Championship! Until then, let鈥檚 make every step count and enjoy the journey together. Stay active, stay engaged, and let鈥檚 see where this adventure takes us!
Thorsten Gohl is co-ordinator of Physical Literacy NWT.
