I have a vivid memory of the Sunday afternoon my family drove into this sleepy little town in our yellow station wagon. Our parents had purchased a huge fairy-tale Victorian to raise four little girls in and we were seeing it and Salida for the first time.
With the wisdom of a 5 year old, I thought to myself, “Well, this place looks like a lot of fun… it looks like a Ghost Town.” There was not a soul to be seen on any downtown street or in any store as we drove through. My other memory of those early years here is that if one were to pass through town on an evening, the only visible sign of life was the blue glow that came from each living room window.
I loved Salida before. I adored growing up here. What I really love about it now is its collective health conscious attitude! Morning, daytime or evening; heat of summer or bitter chill of winter, we see healthy bodies moving in all directions and by all means. Just the other morning, I saw a guy jogging in shorts- and the bank thermometer said it was seventeen whole degrees! Baby-joggers, Townies, Road Racers, Walkers, Joggers, Trail Runners, Mountain Bikers, Skate-boarders, Soccer Players, Dancers, and Kayakers- they’re everywhere, moving.
As I recollect growing up here, (as in any Hometown, USA) it seemed that fitness was only for the very gifted athlete, and health was for the wealthy. They were the lucky ones that received the encouragement, care and attention. The ‘rest’ just seemed to fall by the way-side. We, the rest, tried. We tried being better at Dodge Ball and Kick Ball. Still we suffered the humiliation of being picked last when teams were chosen. (And I’m not even bitter!) We tried Thunder Gals Track. “No thanks, Shot-Put just isn’t working for me.” We tried to excel in gym class. “Hey you, don’t just stand there! Forget about that hangnail. At least bend your knees and lean on them like you’re into this…!” With a childhood nickname like Delicate Elephant, gymnastics only left Yours Truly with a dislocated shoulder. Still, we soldiered on, trying this and that, looking for motivation; for something constant.
Gradually, like a train chugging uphill (can you hear it?) slow and steady, a momentum was established, and now we are all MOVING along together! Healthy lifestyles and fitness are for Everyone! How did this happen? What changed? Do you remember?
It’s a beautiful thing, this change we’ve seen. How blessed are we? Living in this gorgeous area with its healthy lifestyle and vitality!
Have you started moving? If not, begin. The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. You think you’re too busy? No time? No energy? You only have one amazing body. Love it and it will love you back!
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