Reclaiming Strength, Energy, and Freedom from Within
What if the smartest fitness plan was simply listening to your body?
“You don’t stop playing because you grow old; you grow old because you stop playing.”
—George Bernard Shaw
There’s a photo of me—smiling, flushed with adrenaline—right after finishing a half marathon in my early 50s. From the outside, I looked strong and vibrant. But what that photo doesn’t show is what happened less than an hour later: I collapsed.
My body, depleted and cramped, had finally forced me to pay attention.
At the time, I believed I was the picture of health. I exercised for hours every day, followed a strict diet, and was laser-focused on performance. But I wasn’t truly well. I was exhausted. Inflamed. Disconnected from my own body’s wisdom.
That fall marked a turning point—a moment when I stopped chasing external results and started tuning into something deeper.
The Freedom That Comes from Movement
This month, as we reflected on Independence Day, I found myself thinking about freedom in a different way—the kind of independence that lives inside our bodies.
True independence is being able to rise from the floor with ease.It’s walking confidently. Playing with your grandchildren. Traveling with confidence.
Saying yes to life.
And it begins with movement.
Not just workouts and reps—but conscious, intentional movement that fuels your energy and supports the life you want to live.
Movement vs. Fitness: What’s the Difference?
We often use the words “movement” and “fitness” interchangeably, but they are not the same.
- Fitness is structured. It’s measurable. It’s often about appearance or performance.
- Movement is intuitive. It’s how you function, adapt, and feel in your body.
Fitness has its place—but when it becomes obsessive, it can disconnect us from our bodies instead of strengthening our relationship with them. Movement, on the other hand, is a return home. It’s freedom in motion.
🌍 Real-Life Independence Through Movement
One of my clients came to me a few years before retirement with a simple but powerful goal:
“I want to be strong enough to travel the world when I retire.”
She wasn’t training for a race. She wasn’t trying to change her body.
She was preparing to live fully—to explore, hike, swim, climb, and say yes to every experience on her bucket list.
We worked together on building strength, endurance, balance, and flexibility—not with perfection in mind, but with possibility.
Today, she’s been traveling the globe for over two years.
From mountain trails to city streets to coastal waters—she’s exploring nearly every continent. Her body is her companion, not a limitation. And nothing is stopping her.
This is what movement makes possible.
This is what independence can look like—at any age.
Her full story is in my book, The Vibrant Sage, and it still inspires me every time I think of it.
Try This: A Gentle Movement Check-In
Want to reconnect with how your body is moving today? Try these four functional exercises:
- Balance on one leg for 15-30 seconds
- Hold a wall squat for 30 seconds
- Do a few push-ups (against a wall, on your knees, or from the floor)
- Sit down on the floor—and stand up without using your hands
These are not tests. They’re invitations to listen.
Need a Boost? Try the 4-Minute Energy Reset
Looking for a way to increase circulation, energy, and oxygen flow—without a gym or equipment? Try this:
🎥 The Nitric Oxide Dump: A 4-minute movement sequence developed by Dr. Zach Bush.
It’s simple, effective, and when practiced regularly, offers benefits similar to 30 minutes of cardio.
▶️ Watch my guided version here → https://youtu.be/-YwXSwqgzp4
The Vibrant Sage Approach
Movement is one of the five pillars I explore in my book, The Vibrant Sage: Arousing Energy for Health and Happiness. Along with Breath, Nutrition, Sleep, and Purpose, it’s a key part of creating a vibrant, fulfilling life—on your terms.
📚 Learn more or get your copy → https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DKP6Q1K5
What Does Independence Look Like in Your Body?
Let this be your invitation to reflect:
- What kind of movement gives you energy, ease, and joy?
- Where do you feel most free in your body?
- What’s one small thing you can do today to move with more intention?
You don’t have to do it all at once. You just have to begin.
To strength, vitality, and movement that lasts,
Nancy
P.S. If you're new here—welcome. I'm Nancy Waring, author of The Vibrant Sage: Arousing Energy for Health and Happiness, health coach, yoga teacher, and former speech pathologist turned movement and wellness advocate. I help women 50+ reconnect with their bodies, reclaim their energy, and live with purpose, one sustainable habit at a time.
You don’t have to do this alone—your next vibrant chapter starts with a single step.
