Gym Shorts to “Kim Shorts”… Changes are afoot!

Like the seasons, life, in general, and the world around us, we are always experiencing change. And that’s no different for this column, “Gym Shorts.”

After a year of writing about fitness, health and wellness, it’s time for a change.

So, in celebration of keeping the pen and ink flowing (in this case, the keyboard clacking), I will be making some changes to “Gym Shorts” starting in September.

As I evolve as a columnist, I want to cover more ground and broader topics. I plan to write about more than just a healthy lifestyle – although, everything we do in life can be about living a healthy lifestyle as much as is possible for each of us. My topics will not always be about health and fitness. I will focus on the activities and places in Grey-Bruce, exploring the region and beyond.

Future columns will cover everything from the adventure of living in Kincardine to thrifting through the Bruce. Lucknow and Paisley are on my list to talk about as they are among my favourite places to visit and explore, along with the villages and towns that dot the countryside, and have amazing ice cream shops and bakeries.

I have to admit the bakeries were our downfall since my husband, Jim, had to cut back on the sugar due to rising levels of glycerides. Not a happy man when told to cut back on the sweets. But that, too, is another story!

I plan to take (and then write about) that funky on-line tour in the vibrant Village of Blyth with its deep history, festivals and the ancient and quaint downtown inn.

But there’s no need to put down that stretch band, jump off your bike, or slow down on your walks. I will continue to focus on wellness, and staying active in mind and body. It’s an important part of who I am and there’s always something new to learn about living a healthy lifestyle.

I'll always try to keep the columns light and uplifting, and hopefully, share a few learning gems along the way. While no one said life was going to be easy, these columns can be a happy space. As I continue to engage in this new journey of my life, retirement, I am trying to do what we all try to do – live the best life possible. A challenging quest, given everything thrown at us as we try to get through the day.

I made a promise to myself that when the kids were grown, and thankfully, out of the house, and I was no longer working full-time, that I would focus on the “me” time that we all talk about when pushing through our careers and jobs.
Well, I am here now and trying to make good on that promise.

Among those promises, Jim and I said we would be active retirees and that includes more regular exercise. He tries to be at the local gym about five times per week and you’ll see him out and about walking our dog, Joplin. I have the VON SMART classes and biking to help keep me moving.

Writing the column for the Kincardine Record and short stories for the Writers’ BLOC group in Port Elgin, help me keep my mind sharp … although Jim would argue that one.

Another change to this column, is that it will appear monthly instead of twice per month. That’s the beauty of retirement. You get a bit more control over what you want to do and when. So, watch for this column appearing the first Thursday of each month.

Finally, the title - yes, that has to change too. I took considerable time thinking of new names for this column. Ideally, the updated title needs to be more all-encompassing and less restrictive in terms of topics. Would the readers know I am still the same person writing the short pieces? What title makes the best segue from “Gym Shorts?” Will it be an easy transition for readers?

I consulted with editor Liz Dadson, my friends and my Kincardine “Ladies’ Night” group, and, they offered great feedback. So, after chewing on many variations, and knowing that a lot of beach-related names were already taken, and that “Kimcardine Shorts” likely wouldn’t cut it, I settled on “Kim Shorts,” along with a new picture to accompany the column.

So stay tuned, there’s lots more to write about!