I’ve been AWOL from Blissfully Domestic for months now.  Blame it on our move back in June.  5 months later, here I am, ready to share a recent “duh” moment that came to me with the help of a fellow blogger, Jillian Michaels – 30 Day Shred, and. . . my children.

About two weeks ago, I was inspired by an friend to join her in an attempt to fit into a favorite, albeit, tight pair of pants by Thanksgiving, while also being motivated by the fastly approaching decade of age 40. We agreed to hold each other’s hand, via cyber-space by exercising for a minimum of 20 minutes a day, at least 5 days a week.

Having set up a partnership between the two of us,  I also invited others to join the party.   On day one of the project, it was me, my friend, and Jillian Michaels on the DVD.

And then, along came . . . my children.

Wouldn’t you know that Annie’s Organics cans are perfect for an 8 year old to lift upon deciding to join me in my “20 Minutes A Day Workout Project”? Had you been a fly on my wall tonight you would have seen me and my children all huffing and puffing along with Jillian and her kick-butt looking assistants during 30 Day Shred.

The best part? Watching my son do hip circles. For that is something to behold. I also learned that my daughter has a mean push up. But, really, the highly focused hip circles a la my four year old were adorable. Had I stopped at that moment to grab and squeeze and hug on him as I was tempted to do, I’m certain Ms. Michaels would have leaped out of the screen and rung my neck.

There’s no phoning it in.

My children kept up with me for about 10 minutes of the 20 minute workout. I with my 3 lb weights, my daughter with her Annie’s Organics cans, and my little man, weightless.

It was actually motivating to be working out with my children.

Day one. Check.

Day two. Check.

And so on and so forth.

And while I haven’t actually invited my children to join me for each daily workout since that bonding exercise moment, (nor have they begged and pleaded to do so) it was a wonderful activity to share with them.

It reminded me that at times, I fail to invite my kids to join me in activities, thinking that either they won’t themselves or will find the activity to taxing for them. And with those thoughts, I fell straight into the trap of not inviting my kids to join me in something that could be fun all because of how I assumed they would answer.

Assuming is a dangerous habit. Family bonding is a good one. As is exercise.

So, I’ll ask you?

Wanna join me in 20 minutes of exercise a day, for a minimum of 5 days a week during the month of December?  Small goals.  We can always expand the challenge past that date.

And while you’re at it, why not ask a family member, even (GASP) your children to join you?

Glad to be back at Blissfully Domestic. I feel, well, blissful.

And a wee bit sore.
Photo by Mike Schmid