I know it is endlessly raining. Many of us walk for activity and that does put a damper on things...funny joke. Maybe you're still doing your usual amount around the neighborhood or Spring Lake, in between or in the middle of the wet, but my guess is you have diminished your energies in that direction.

Meanwhile there are so many other options if we'd just take the leap and try them. I know walking needs no specific clothing, no schedule, it costs nothing, and can be done right out your door. I know it can be great exercise, but some of us are walking our dogs, or having casual strolls with friends, and claiming this is exercise. I beg to differ.

It can be scary to try a new thing: especially when we do not feel solid in our bodies. You know what I mean. Maybe you feel clumsy, awkward and afraid of failure. Maybe you've never been a "physical" person and have never really wanted to be.

Or have you? Deep down inside don't you envision yourself doing something with your body that you never imagined doing? I know you're not planning to compete in the Olympics, but what if you learned a few dance steps or lifted some weights? What would happen if you tried something new?

At first you might be overwhelmed and embarrassed. You are convinced everyone is looking at you and laughing inside. If they are then what you have done is make them feel much better about themselves. Good job...But seriously, most people are just focused on their workout, and if they do look at you struggling your first few attempts they will remember what it was like to be there. No one gets it right away.

After about a month you start to get hooked. It feels good to move. It is begins to spark that endorphin business you've only heard about, but suspected was all baloney. It isn't. When you get into that groove it is unbelievable how great it makes you feel, and how blissed-out you can be after you've finished a good workout.

If you keep going you will get better. You will know all the moves, and you will look like all the people you thought were watching and judging you a few months or a year before. This is exactly how it happens. You just keep going, and you get stronger and better. Eventually you explore more of what is possible physically, and you get better at that. One step at a time...

Why bother: I'm too old. I'm too out of shape. I hear those words coming out of some of your mouths. Well besides the obvious benefits like sleeping better, feeling stronger, and giving your heart, lungs and muscles some added years, what if the whole reason you take this leap is to prove to yourself you can do it?

~Zumba...I rave about it endlessly, and it is everywhere. Anyone can do it. It's great if you have dance skills, but just as wonderful for those of you who are not dancers: it will teach you basic moves.

~Join a gym...A world of possibilities opens up when you belong to a gym. Not only do you have the equipment, but the classes as well. You could do Zumba, kickboxing, yoga, muscle conditioning, line dancing, spin classes, step, water aerobics, and so much more. Gyms are not just for jocks or young twenty-somethings. And the social value cannot be ignored. You can make a world of new friends there.

~Water aerobics at your local pool are amazing at building core strength while feeling easy to do. If you have issues which keep you from doing other forms of activities, this would be a great thing to check out.

~Take dance lessons. You all know I am an avid dancer. I primarily do swing, but I have done so many different types of dancing, and it is a blast! You cannot find more opportunity to create friendships and get exercise at the same time. If you're single you might even meet the love of your life at a dance event. And depending on the kind of dancing you choose there are endless opportunities for a social life, with or without a partner.

You might notice I am emphasizing group activity here. This may not be your thing, but here's why it should be. It will push you harder than you will push yourself. You'll meet people. And very importantly, it will give you a schedule. And a schedule will allow you to create a habit.

A year from now you will be saying I should have started last year...Don't be that person. Take the leap and get past your current story. A new chapter is about to unfold. Make it the best one yet.