Fighting Our Brains One YES at a Time

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“It feels like we should be further than just four miles by now.” “This hill SUCKS!” “I’m not doing this again; I’m switching to swimming.” “This is no fun.”

These are just a few of the things Matt and I said to each other while running 13.2 miles together—for the fifth or sixth time (I honestly can’t remember anymore). Now, match those words with the expressions on our faces in the photos below. There’s no denying it: we had fun. We definitely didn’t get hurt. We. Had. Fun. No matter what our mouths said. (For the record, he beat me officially by one second. 🙂)

Obviously, my point is that everyone should love running and sign up for a race.

NO!

My point is that the brain is a powerful (sometimes evil) genius that can try to convince us not to do good things. It tries to stop us from saying YES.

Saying YES to going around the block for a five-minute walk instead of doomscrolling. Saying YES to adding a little more weight to a lift that feels too easy. Saying YES to cooking yourself a delicious, healthy meal instead of ordering Taco Bell (though I do love a Crunchwrap from time to time).

I have two points:

  1. Sometimes our brains are out to get us. And if we just start the thing we’re debating—something we know is good for us—even if we grumble through it, we’ll likely be all smiles at the finish line.

  2. You don’t have to do/eat/practice things you hate. That usually leads to a NO instead of a YES. Exercise (and wellness in general) can be something you love—or at least like. If you truly hate running, go for a walk, try swimming, hop on the bike or rower. If you can’t find something you enjoy or that works for your body, holler at me—we’ll find your thing.

I have my things. I love running. I like lifting weights. I actually LOVE yoga—but like many of my busy clients, I struggle to find the hours in the week to fit it all in. I often find myself stubbornly not getting on the mat.

Recently, I thought of my dear childhood friend Brett. She was (and still is) magical and artistic. When I think of her, I think of the little note cards she used to put up in her room (and in mine) that said YES! They were colorful and covered in stickers.

In her honor, I got out my colored pencils and made a YES sign. (Okay, I’m not artistic—but I’m proud of it!) It’s a reminder to make space for new things and to do the things I know are good for me—the ones that will likely make me smile, just like I did with Matt in July, finishing those 13.2 miles.

I’m happy to report: I said YES to yoga yesterday. And I left smiling.