Community Perspectives: Finding Joy in the Way We Move

by OAC Members

Spring 2025

What if we told you that movement could be joyful – not something to check off a to-do list, but something that fills your life with energy, connection and purpose?

For many of us, whether or not we’re on a weight management journey, having a positive relationship with exercise can be tough. It often feels like an obligation rather than an opportunity. But what if movement wasn’t about changing our bodies, but about celebrating them?

Movement is exactly what it sounds like—moving your body. And all movement matters. It doesn’t have to mean going to the gym or pushing through grueling workouts all the time. It can be as simple as taking a walk, stretching, swimming or doing yardwork. The most important thing is that movement should feel empowering, not punishing.

Movement as a Source of Fulfillment

OAC Community Member Kesha Calicutt captures this beautifully:

“I love, love, love hiking with my son! It fills all of my cups. I’m fulfilled emotionally and physically.”

For Kesha, movement isn’t just about physical activity—it’s about enjoying time with her loved ones and nourishing both her mind and body. Movement can bring about fulfillment in many ways!

Shekinah, another OAC Community Member, shares how movement allows her to fully experience the things she loves.

“On the hardest of days, what keeps me motivated is remembering that movement empowers and supports me to do the fun things I like in life—like taking special tours while dressing in cute ‘Disney-bounding’ attire and walking 8-10 miles per day in Disneyland!”

Movement isn’t just about fitness – it’s about freedom, adventure and living fully.

Finding Movement That Works for You

Movement can be fun, and it can be something we look forward to rather than dread. Shekinah enjoys a variety of ways to move:

“Walking gives me fresh air and builds endurance and strength. Dancing is fun while also being great movement. Tai Chi provides gentle conditioning and strength training, which is especially important as we age. What’s not to love?!”

For Kevin, movement is also about inspiration. He finds motivation by seeing others push through challenges.

“Watching my neighbor with a knee replacement encourages me to get out there and move.”

His go-to form of movement is walking:

“I enjoy the fresh air and seeing the beautiful world outside.”

But movement doesn’t have to look the same for everyone. Whether it’s swimming, cycling, chair yoga, or even dancing to your favorite song while cooking—what matters is finding movement that feels right for you and fits your needs, goals and lifestyle.

Overcoming Barriers to Movement

Some days, motivation is hard to find. Time, energy, mobility or past negative experiences with exercise can make movement feel impossible. But movement is adaptable—it can be whatever works for you.

Debe Gau finds inspiration in a simple yet profound quote:

“On those days when I don’t feel like moving, and the sofa is calling to me, I think of this quote from Jerry Dunn: ‘Don’t limit your challenges. Challenge your limits.’ This serves as the inspiration to do something—to remind myself that I’m worth it and even small amounts of activity energize me.”

Debe also embraces variety in movement, choosing what feels best in the moment.

“I enjoy moving my body in a variety of ways, but the top two that I can do anytime and cost me nothing but time are bicycling and walking. Bicycling gets me out of the house, off the sofa, and gives me a sense of freedom. Walking allows me to go indoors or outdoors. It slows me down and lets me appreciate the feeling of the sun on my skin and everything around me.”

For some, physical limitations might mean modifying movement. Chair exercises, aquatic therapy, stretching or even breathing exercises can all be meaningful ways to engage the body and mind.

Celebrate Movement—However It Looks for You!

These perspectives remind us that movement is personal. It’s about what feels good, what brings us joy and what allows us to fully experience our lives. Whether it’s walking, dancing, hiking, biking or simply stretching, movement is a gift—one that supports us physically, mentally and emotionally.

In honor of its 20th anniversary, the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) is launching an exciting new way to get moving—the 20 Million Step Challenge—coming soon! Stay tuned for details.

How will you move today?

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