Nudged: Stand Tall

In January, I participated in a 21-day plank challenge with personal trainer Coach Kelli Poindexter. “There’s no way,” I thought, when she told me the goal was to hold a plank position for 3 full minutes. But with her guidance and a few adjustments, I increased my hold time in small increments every day and…I did it! The experience blew away my expectations of what I thought I was capable of.

By about the halfway point of the challenge, I noticed how I started to carry myself—without having to think about standing up straight. It just happened. I felt great! And while I would love to regain my ballerina posture in this week-long exercise, I sense there’s a deeper message here. This Nudge might be an exercise in exuding confidence—naturally, without conscious effort. Maybe this is also an opportunity to practice standing my ground, standing up for what’s right, standing up for others.

Lots of possibilities. Let’s see where this Nudge takes us.

What Happened: I set an intention to do a :30 plank and get dressed every day this week (knowing from previous Nudges that pulling myself together helps me feel my best). Monday: check, Tuesday: check. Wednesday: stayed in sweats all day after a long walk with the dog. Thursday: back on track. Friday: check!

A small goal and a big win! And as a bonus, this practice was something that lifted my spirits every day because I have two dogs who get involved. As I tried my best to hold my position and my focus, they did their best to distract by scooching under me, rolling on their backs, pawing at me to scratch their bellies, and kissing my face. When the timer went off, I not only met my goal, but I got to give into laughter and get covered with love.

The Ah-Hahs: I’ve been thinking lately about how much I “put myself out there.” Between this blog, my book, other writing, and speaking engagements, I share from my personal experiences and get real with people. Friends tell me I’m brave. I…well…I am. Every time I stand up for myself and others (primarily other people who are childless-not-by-choice), I run the risk of being criticized; some people even try to shame me. Part of me doesn’t much care what strangers think of me; I’m old enough to recognize when a mean comment is more about the commenter than me. But it still hurts. And yet, standing up is what I do, and I’ll continue to do it because that’s who I am.

So as I reflect on The Ah-Hahs of this week’s Nudge, I recognize that it isn’t just about strengthening my physical core, but also about my mental and emotional core. When I roll back my shoulders, straighten my spine, take a deep breath, and step out into the world with confidence, that is “standing tall”—every meaning of it. There’s an element of embracing my authenticity in this, and it feels so good, so right.