I am six. Or twelve.

remember when we did this?!

This month MizFit turns six.

This year marks twelve years since I started blogging.

(I began, in 2001, as a blogger for hire for Roger Applewhite.  He no longer blogs, but hes TRULY the O.G. of fitness blogging. Roger posted daily pics of himself back in 1999 when NO ONE thought this “online writing” thing would last.)

Id not planned to “pause for applause” (the Tornados new fave saying. love. ) and acknowledge either of these facts.

Until yesterday.

The Tornado & I went to our new park, with new friends, wearing new winter duds in our new neighborhood.

As I watched her play I reflected on the fact she was in *diapers* when I launched MizFit.

She’s learned to walk, talk, pee in proper places, moved houses twice, gotten stitches, made friends, moved away from friends, demonstrated great kindness, talked back to her mama, given charity, received tremendous kindnesses, had headlice, and plain ole GROWN UP over the past six years.

before and AFTER.

My initial thought was:

Wow. So much change happens over six years when youre young!

And then I paused (not for applause) and considered all Id done, experienced, given, mourned, received and celebrated over the past six years.

I was amazed at how I, too, have changed.

before and after?

I launched MizFit as a vehicle to giveaway all the fitness knowledge Id accrued over time.

The Tornado was TINY & I couldnt quite volunteer in the way I’d had before she was born.

Blogging seemed a GREAT WAY to find a community & give back.

I never imagined I’d still be MizFit’ing now & *never imagined* how much I’d RECEIVE from blogging, either.

Which brings me back to the fact Id not planned to PAUSE FOR APPLAUSE (seriously. it kills me every time she says this) on this none-too-momentous occasion.

I urge you to join me in celebrating LIFE today.

Stop.

Make time.

Add in some play.

As I reflected it dawned on me the biggest lesson Id learned was we grown-up types don’t get enough play.

Far more than a time-waster or procrastination technique the Tornado has taught me play has myriad powers.

Yes for fitness, but also to eradicate life-frazzle, recharge our HOPE-batteries, change our perspective and and spark creativity.

Ive decided to CELEBRATE SIX and live TODAY with the backdrop of that playful notion.

I invite you to join me.  Laugh. Be silly. Be childish. Play.

And feel free to pause for applause.

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