I squatted into the awkward position. I didn’t know where my hands started and where my feet ended. All I knew is that the instructor, a fit and gentle man in tight athletic clothing, was constantly reminding me to center myself on my intention.

As I followed the next instruction to “twist towards the heavens,” I wondered how anyone could center anything with their spine digging into their kneecap.

Nevertheless, I felt my my muscles stretch and retract and my bones bend and release as I unbound myself from the twisted, seated, crow-tree-table-dog pose (or something like that).

It has been refreshing to spend more time focusing on my health. I have taken classes at various gyms, explored two different yoga studios – and I’ve become a member at a new rock climbing wall. I even purchased climbing shoes and a harness for my weekly visits.

Very few things changed to make this possible. My workload hasn’t lightened, my level of income hasn’t increased dramatically, and my modes of living/transportation are just as simple as before.

But, it’s not just about making time, it’s about getting to the point where we crave those hours. It’s invigorating to feel our bodies be pushed in unique ways. We feel younger, more fit, and more focused over time. Yes, life’s stresses will still present themselves, but they’ll be managed in a different way.

Treat it as such.