There are some activities that sound like a really nice “idea.” Like going on a picnic, exploring a new library, or painting outside on a sunny day. Once in a long time, I will actually do those things. But not regularly. I used to put skipping on that same list. But skipping does not belong on that list. Skipping on the sidewalk is something that should be done regularly. I make sure to skip at least once a week, sometimes with others, but often by myself...
We all know that feeling: your head is tired, your brain is dead, your body is not feeling the walk to the library, but you have headed there anyway because you know if you go home you’ll just fall asleep. So there you are, dragging your feet on the sidewalk as your backpack drags the rest of your body down to the sidewalk as well.
This is your moment.
This is your time... to do the exact opposite of what you feel like doing.
The last movement you feel like making is a skip. But this is exactly what you should do. Yes, start skipping. You will not regret this.
When I am tired or feeling down, I turn the tables. I catch my feelings off guard as I begin to lift up my feet a little higher and swing my arms a little farther. I force myself to skip on the sidewalk.
The energy you experience is undeniable. This movement automatically uplifts your spirit. I like to think of skipping in the lens of that research that states if you smile when you don’t feel like it, you instantly become happier anyway. You feel an increase in joy, motivation, and energy.
Suddenly, you feel more thankful. You begin to realize how blessed you are to be able to move your legs and swing your arms. You begin to think about how lucky you are to breathe in the air of the outdoors (even if it’s a little polluted). You start to contemplate how great it really is to get an education and study. The self-pity slides off your shoulders with each skippin' step. You may look silly, but it’s worth it.
Sometimes the oddness of your act may even spread joy to others. Someone who sees you may receive that happy tingle as well. But it is important not to do it for the attention of others because this can take the joy of a genuine skip away. Let the burdens of anxiety and the need to impress drop to the ground. Skipping is a way to let yourself move and be free.
After your skip to the library, you are out of your funk. You have a better mood, higher energy state, and more thankful attitude. You are READY TO GO for your studying.
We often feel and then we do. Sometimes we need to change the order. We need to do, so then we feel (better). The simple action of skipping can alter how we feel, and therefore give us a greater do later on (like our studying).
The second piece of good news is not only is skipping good when you’re feelin’ crappy, it is a blast when you are feelin’ sure-as-heck wonderful with your pals.
After experiencing the exhilaration yourself, you can grab a hold of a friend’s arms in excitement and ask them to skip; most will find it too enticing to deny. Who can fight the urge to skip with others? People are attracted to energy, and they will join. If you want to add some pzazz to your skip, you can start singing as well! This is the perfect time to bring a little jingle.
The other great aspect of skipping is that it’s always skipping weather. Whether it’s raining, sunny, foggy, or partly cloudy. You can always say, “it’s skipping weather!” If it does happen to be icy out, it's skipping and sliding weather. Even better.
Skipping is an age-old joy of life. Don’t miss out.
Now you realize why skipping on the sidewalk can not be out on the to-do-once-a-year list. It is far too important for that. Think about all the mental and emotional benefits you attain by skipping once a week. I give you a challenge. Skip once a week. It has enhanced my life.
