Projo Fitness Blog

A few years ago, one of my best friends, Cheryl, went to our local bookstore's book signing for one of my colleagues, Providence Journal columnist Mark Patinkin. She had just read Mark's inspirational book, Up and Running, and couldn't wait to meet him.

When it was her turn to meet the author, she handed over her book to be signed, and Mark, being the nice guy he is, asked her about herself so he could make the signature more personal. "Who is Cheryl?" He asked her.

My friend started talking about her husband and her children, because as a stay-at-home mom, they were always first on her mind. The more Mark pressed her for details about her own life, the more she stumbled. She finally got out a few remarks about her hobbies.

Cheryl left that book-signing with a lot to think about. Who was she? I could've answered about a million things for her -- starting with what a great friend she is (and she's the organizer of most of our friendly gatherings), but she was disappointed in herself for lack of a quick answer.

So, who are you?

That little bit of inspiration from The Who (and it's a really great workout song, to boot) -- is meant to get you reflecting about your inner being. Are you strong? Are you healthy? Are you a better person today than you were years ago?

Having a fitness regime gives us an identity. When Joe Biden introduced his wife Jill this campaign season, he noted that among the many things she does, she is a marathon runner. I tell people in my Twitter profile that I'm a yogini -- a woman who does yoga.

I'm also reminded of this by so many of my Web friends, who daily identify themselves by their passions: Mark Salinas, who often talks about the "journey" of staying fit and healthy, Cathy Blount, of A Life Less Sweet, whose mission is to keep her family away from fat-packing high-fructose corn syrup, and even the 10-Minute Man, who gives us quick bursts of fun exercises, with lots of creativity.

Who are you? Find out through the way you move, the way you feel alive. And I'd love to hear how you define yourself.

 Tags  body image high fructose corn syrup identity journey The Who yogini

Comments

Mark Salinas said:

Our journeys are constantly taking us down unique, ever changing paths...I wouldn't have it any other way! Cathy (one of my favorite sites!) is on a fantastic mission to help us see beyond the HFCS that is so prevalent in our foods. I will check out the 10 minute man. thanks for the mention...great post!

Link | October 29, 2008 7:06 PM
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Anya said:

A beautiful post, Pamela. Like your friend, I sometimes struggle with having a clear answer to "who am I". But it is definitely an adventure!

Link | October 31, 2008 8:41 AM
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