Just Start Already!

Fear can be a heavy weight, especially when it combines with health worries. At 39, when the first signs of heart palpitations started, I felt a wave of anxiety wash over me. Those unfamiliar sensations—little thuds and jolts—were both terrifying and confusing. Despite multiple tests confirming my heart was healthy, the fear lingered, keeping me from truly living. This post reflects my journey and offers hope to anyone trapped in a cycle of fear.

Understanding the Fear

Heart issues are serious, and wisely so. When I first experienced my heart skipping beats, I jumped to alarming conclusions. Terms like PVCs, PACs, and ectopic beats felt like a different language, yet they intruded on my daily thoughts.

The racing heart could soar to 144 beats per minute, amplifying my anxiety. Even with reassurances from healthcare professionals, worry overshadowed my calm moments.

Many can relate to this feeling, where fear turns into a barrier, stifling motivation to move. I became a spectator of my own life, rooted in place, even as the world continued around me.

The Turning Point

After two years of living on the sidelines, I made a promise to myself:

“Move your body. Every day. In any gentle way. Just once. And see how you feel.”

This commitment became my lifeline. It was a simple yet powerful decision to reclaim my life from fear. Life is limited, and waiting for the perfect moment to begin again is a false promise. The moment to act is now.

Movement became essential, like breathing. Despite my fears, insecurities, and persistent anxiety, I began to notice small, positive changes in my life.

Finding Joy in Movement

Now at 44, I proudly have over 560 consecutive days of movement under my belt. Some days I bounce on a trampoline, laughing and letting joy soar. Other days, I dance freely or take simple walks—just me, my thoughts, and the ground beneath my feet.

I learned that movement doesn’t have to be grand or perfect. It just needs to be genuine. Each small action became a declaration: "I’m still here."

This realization inspired me to create Just Start Already. It serves as a refuge for those paralysed by fear, struggling with health anxiety, or facing avoidance. There’s no need for high-pressure challenges or unrealistic goals. We focus on real experiences—offering a hand for that hesitant first step.

Empowering Others Through Community

The impact of movement stretched beyond my own life; it fostered a thriving community. Just Start Already provides support for individuals navigating anxiety, grief, procrastination, and the chaos of life's transitions.

People show up, whether it's for a court appearance after losing custody or striving to fit into a wedding suit after years of discomfort. These stories remind us that you don’t need to be fearless, perfect, or even fully ready to make that first step; you just need to be willing.

The Importance of Small Steps

At the heart of this movement is the belief that small steps count. Every tiny action represents progress. It’s not only about the end goal; it’s about the journey.

In the early days, amidst peak fear, my daily promise might have been as simple as stretching my arms overhead or walking once around the block. Each tiny movement built my momentum. I learned to meet myself where I was, honoring the vulnerable space before change sparked its magic.

“You’re not lazy. You’re not broken. You're not too late. You’re just in a challenging phase before momentum kicks in, and that’s where I meet you. That’s where we begin.”

Connecting with the Journey

Through Just Start Already, we’ve established an atmosphere of compassion. Recognizing your current state, without judgment, is vital for growth. We share stories, challenges, and triumphs, building a culture of resilience.

“I started by making a promise of one tiny movement each day, even when fear weighed heavily. Now I’m here to help you keep your promise too.”

In this community, we celebrate the fact that health journeys are unique. Each story enriches our collective experience, with every small step offering encouragement to others on their paths.

Your Path Forward

The journey from fear to movement transformed my life and many others who found courage within Just Start Already.

No matter where you stand right now, keep this in mind—starting small still counts as progress. Today could be your day to take that first step and promise yourself just one tiny movement. The journey may seem intimidating, but within each challenge lies the potential for incredible growth.

So, let’s begin this journey together. Just start already. Your movement matters; you matter.