You Were Born to Move: Rediscovering the Joy and Purpose in How We Move

When you were younger…

Did you ride your bike just to feel the wind?

Twirl in the living room when no one was watching?

Climb trees, race friends, or jump rope until you were out of breath and laughing?

As kids, we moved because it felt good. It was play. It was freedom. We didn’t call it “exercise.” We just lived in our bodies—fully and joyfully.

Somewhere along the way, that changed. Life got busy. Our bodies got achy. Movement became a chore—or something we felt we should do instead of something we get to do.

But the truth is:

Movement is still in you. And it still matters…maybe even more now than ever.

🌀 A Lifetime of Movement (Even If I Didn’t Always Know It)

I grew up in a rural town with fewer than 1,000 people—surrounded by open fields, woods, and endless space to explore. I was a classic tomboy. I moved constantly: climbing, biking, chasing adventure. It wasn’t planned. It was just who I was.

As a teenager, I dipped into formal activities. I did gymnastics (competed once—came in second to last!), played a little tennis, even cheered for a while. I enjoyed moving, never thinking about it as something I did for my health. 

🌱 From Training to True Purpose

It wasn’t until I trained for my first marathon in my mid-40s that I really began to exercise—with structure, consistency, and a clear goal.

Looking back, it’s no surprise I chose running. I had loved it as a child—I just didn’t realize what it meant.

I am a runner.
 It came naturally. It felt right in my body.
And it awakened something I hadn’t known I’d lost.

Once I started training and saw results—feeling stronger, faster, more confident—I kept pushing. I added more. I lifted heavier. I exercised hard every single day.

It gave me discipline and drive, yes—but I wasn’t moving with balance. I wasn’t truly listening to my body. I was chasing a finish line, not honoring the whole journey.

🌼 Then Everything Shifted

Today, movement has a different purpose.

A few years ago, I was playing Duck Duck Goose with my 3-year-old grandson. We were both laughing, jumping up, running in circles—and in the middle of all that joy, I had this moment of clarity:

This is why I move.
 Not to impress. Not to compete.
But to say yes—to moments that matter.

To bend, lift, laugh, carry, chase, hug, explore, and show up fully—for life, and for the people I love.

I share this because sometimes we do too much in the name of health.
We push harder, thinking more is better.
But movement, like life, isn’t just about effort—it’s about connection.

✋ Inspiration Can Help... But Comparison Can Hurt

You’ve seen the outliers:

Julia “Hurricane” Hawkins sprinting at 100

Ernestine Shepherd bodybuilding at 86

Joan MacDonald lifting weights at 70

That 65-year-old on Instagram with sculpted arms and 1 million followers

Inspiring? Sure.

But also... sometimes defeating.

Because when we compare ourselves to those stories, it’s easy to shut down:

• I’m too late. 
• I’m too old.
• I’m too out of shape.
• I’ve never liked exercise. 
• I don’t know where to start.
• I will never be like…

Here’s what I want you to hear instead:

You don’t have to run marathons or lift heavy weights.

You don’t need a gym or a perfect plan.

You just need a reason that feels real.

And here it is:

Your body is your partner for life. 

Movement helps you feel clearer, steadier, stronger.

It supports your memory, mood, sleep, balance, and independence.

It keeps you in the game—whatever that “game” looks like for you.

🔄 Move With Intention, Not Obligation

Movement doesn’t need to be extreme to be effective.

It doesn’t need to be fancy or formal.

It just needs to be intentional.

Here’s a rhythm I often share with clients to bring movement back into their lives—simply and sustainably:

Start with a Purpose – What’s your “why” today? To feel calm? Boost energy? Stay strong?

Warm Up – Ease in. Loosen the joints, breathe, and wake up your body.

Balance – Focus on alignment, posture, and grounding—both physically and energetically.

Main Movement – Walk, stretch, lift, dance, swim—whatever fits your life and body.

Adjust – Some days your body needs more. Other days, less. Both are okay.

Cool Down – Let your body integrate. Slow your breath. Stretch gently.

Reflect – What do you notice afterward? More energy? Less stress? A shift in mood?

Some days you’ll feel strong. Other days, stiff. But with consistency, movement becomes something you look forward to—because it helps you feel more like yourself.

💬 Reflect on This:

What kind of movement did you love before it was ever called exercise?

What feels good to you now—not just physically, but emotionally?

What do you want your body to help you do—this year, next decade, or today?

What’s one small step you can take to move with more purpose?

🌿 You Were Born to Move

You were never meant to be stuck, still, or disconnected.

You were meant to move—freely, joyfully, purposefully.

So let movement evolve with you.

Let it support your energy, your strength, your presence.

Let it remind you what’s possible—at any age, from any starting point.

Because you weren’t just born to move—

You were born to thrive.

💌 Want help finding your unique movement rhythm?

That’s what I do.

If you’re ready to reconnect with your body, shift your habits, and create movement that fits your life—not someone else’s—I’d love to help.

👉 Schedule a complimentary 30 minute Discovery call or visit My website 

Here’s to movement that feels good, not forced. Let’s keep showing up (and maybe even play a little Duck Duck Goose along the way).

To Living Vibrantly and Authentically,

Nancy

✍️ About Nancy

Nancy Waring is a holistic wellness coach, yoga and breathwork guide, and the author of The Vibrant Sage: Arousing Energy for Health and Happiness. She helps women over 50 reconnect with their bodies, build sustainable habits, and live with energy, clarity, and purpose—no matter where they’re starting from.