What muscle are you building this summer?

Photo by Lisa via Pexels

I’ve been thinking about muscles lately. And by “muscles,” I don’t mean the kind you build with lifting weights — although that is great, too. I’m thinking instead about that new skill you’re developing or wellness habit you’re trying out. Each time we practice that thing, whatever it may be, we strengthen the neural pathways that support our motivation and ability to keep doing it. It could be writing Morning Pages, meditating before bed, taking a daily walk, or setting a healthy boundary in a relationship.

I’m currently working on building the muscle of using up all my farmers market produce in creative ways before it goes bad. I always feel so guilty when I come across a soggy, brown fruit or vegetable that I didn’t use in time. It feels wasteful on so many levels. Plus, every fruit or veggie I don’t eat is one whose nutrients I could have benefited from. Missed opportunity.

So I’ve been experimenting. I’ve learned I love the following on my avocado toast: homemade chimichurri, broccoli sprouts, sesame seeds, or a mix of chopped cilantro and parsley. A squirt of fresh lime juice is a nonnegotiable for all of these options. So fresh! So delicious! And I’m using up my herbs before they expire!

The beautiful thing about life muscles

What I love about thinking of habits and skills as muscles is how it reframes the whole experience. When you’re building physical muscle, you don’t expect to lift heavy weights on day one. You start small, you’re consistent, and you celebrate the gradual progress. Some days feel easier than others, and that’s completely normal. The same gentle approach works beautifully with any life muscle you’re developing.

Maybe your muscle is asking for help when you need it instead of powering through alone. Perhaps it’s pausing to take three deep breaths when you feel overwhelmed, or remembering to drink water throughout the day. These might seem small, but they’re actually profound acts of self-care that compound over time.

Start where you are

The wonderful thing is you’re probably already building a muscle without realizing it. Think about what you’ve been doing differently lately, even in tiny ways. Have you been more mindful about putting your phone down during meals? That’s your presence muscle. Been choosing to go to bed fifteen minutes earlier? Hello, rest muscle. Started saying “let me think about that” instead of immediately agreeing to every request? Your boundary muscle is getting stronger.

Sometimes we don’t give ourselves credit for the growth that’s already happening. We’re so focused on what we’re not doing perfectly that we miss the beautiful progress we’re making in small, consistent ways.

Your muscle, your pace

The muscle you’re building doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s. Your daily walk muscle might be a gentle stroll around the block, while your friend’s is training for a marathon. Your gratitude muscle might be noticing one good thing each day, while someone else writes three pages in a gratitude journal. There’s no wrong way to strengthen what matters to you.

What I find magical is how building one muscle often strengthens others without you even trying. When I started working on my farmers market muscle, I also accidentally built my creativity muscle and my mindful eating muscle. It’s like a beautiful ripple effect of positive change.

Stronger every day

So here’s my gentle invitation to you: What muscle feels ready to grow a little more?

Maybe it’s the muscle of giving yourself permission to rest when you’re tired. Or the muscle of celebrating small wins instead of rushing to the next goal. Perhaps it’s the muscle of speaking to yourself with the same compassion you’d show a dear friend.

Whatever it is, start small. Be patient with yourself. Trust the process. And remember that every time you choose to practice, you’re rewiring your brain to make that choice easier next time.

Your future self is already thanking you.