It’s a Privilege to get up, It’s a Luxury to be Tired
I “suddenly” had the motivation and will to start a fitness journey on the one year anniversary of the passing of someone in our family. It was not intentional. I was actually having a tough emotional week prior to April 3rd. I was tempted to “give myself grace” but something, or someone, was telling me what I truly deserve is action. Like clockwork, my mood is up. I went from feeling like I was slipping into a depression, to driven, happy, and looking forward to the days ahead.
Today was one of those days where I would have easily said, "It's okay not to meet my fitness goals.” We drove an hour into Brooklyn, an hour and a half to Long Island, then two hours and forty five minutes back home. Sure, skipping a day usually isn't a big deal. Yet for me, skipping a day leads to a roller coaster of falling short. I also realized that I made the promise to myself on the same exact day Munchie, Elder Ernestine, passed last year. She no longer has the luxury of setting fitness goals. I owe it to her to take full advantage of this one unpredictable and fragile life.
Munchie and I were following each other's activity on apple fitness for years. I was always motivated by her activity. A woman 24 years my senior, taking her physical health seriously. A woman who had battled breast cancer for years and truly gained a sense of appreciation for an able body. So how could I let a day of lots of driving get in my way? So I reframed the drive as an opportunity to rest, I was a passenger princess the whole time anyway.
The drive also gave me the space to just think. I thought about grief. I thought about how we show up for our loved ones while they are grieving. I thought about how we honor those we have lost. I also thought about how I should incorporate teachings about transitioning and grief with my homeschooled children. I know Munchie baked for her church bake sale all the time. I remember seeing her pantry full of cake mixes and frosting. So I am going to start by finding out which cake was her favorite and baking it for my family in her honor.
Mr. & Mrs. Whiteman at my wedding
Together over 30 years, married over 20.
“It’s a privilege to get up, it’s a luxury to be tired”- Alex Toussaint during his 45 minute Hip Hop ride from 03/31/25. The funny thing is, I always avoid his classes because I know they are physically tough. He definitely helped me mentally get through the tough ride. I will stop avoiding him now.
May you, Ernestine “Munchie” Whiteman, rest in eternal peace, thank you for your kindness and continuing to inspire me.
