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257 N. Main Street, Manville, NJ 08835 908-842-2400 Open Monday-Saturday (11am-6pm) Receive 10% off when you spend $50 Visit Our NEW Location: SLICE OF LIFE Building the Flexibility Muscle By Ellyn Mantell

NOV 2024-JAN 2025

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My running clothes were at the foot of my bed, shoes unlaced, daring me to even think about being flexible. No, the run must be done or I was a failure, and that was not an option. As I have aged, however, I realize that there are more variables presented in life than what I have prepared for in many ways. Being sick

any age positively and begin to build that muscle? Perhaps reframing a “must” to a “maybe I will” is the key. By looking at a situation from a different vantage point, we can impart a more positive view. Rather than feeling tethered to an action, which may cause untenable stress, perhaps we can weigh other options. Recognizing

I

that success or failure is not a line drawn in black mag ic marker on white paper. It is more likely to be drawn in shades of gray. Building this muscle of flex ibility, like all of our muscles, takes time and mag muscle of flex

requires at tention to my body. Power comes from taking charge and giving in when it is the better choice. Lots of things all work ing together nurture my soul as much

As a younger woman, I thought that de termination and drive were intrinsic to suc cess. Mentally, physically, and profession ally, I believed that they made me strong and tough. Little would stand in my way of completing whatever task was set before me. If I set my alarm for 5:00 a.m. to run six miles before work, then getting out of bed and on the road was going to happen, period. Flexibility was not an option even if I awakened with a sore throat, aching back, headache, or had been up all night with a crying child. I dug in my heels and laced up my shoes. Snow, ice, rain, or wet leaves did not deter me from my goal. If the opposite of being flexible is being rigid, then I was the poster child for rigidity. It kept me on my path to whatever success I needed to achieve. The more I eschewed flexibility, the better about myself I felt.

f aging has taught me anything, it is that not only does my body need to be agile and flexible, but so does my mind. Looking at mental flexibility as a muscle to be strengthened may just be the key to aging gracefully. Recognize that bend ing easily is an incredible strength, not a weakness! As I have aged, however, I realize that there are more variables presented in life than what I have prepared for in many ways.

as my body and mind. Exercise, eating healthy, getting enough rest and deep sleep, even chatting with friends and en joying a meal together are all essential to a healthy mind, body, and spirit. There are no rewards for overdoing it in the gym, starvation, punishing regimens, or the like. How do we embrace that flexibility at

intention. The good news is that it can be done throughout the day while walking, conversing, or dining with friends. The goal to set may be as simple as “I will en joy this evening with my family” with little expectation that things need to happen in a certain way. In reality, as a newly minted flexible person, you may find the ride to be as much fun as reaching the destination!

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