Giving
Welcome to Tuesday Topics, a weekly linkup that I host with Jenn at Runs With Pugs. This week’s topic is Giving Tuesday – How Do You Give Back To The Fitness Community? Since I can never quite stay on topic, I’m going to talk about giving in general. Not gifts (although I do have some fun gift ideas coming up tomorrow!) but giving back to the community in general. i’ve been at my current job for ten years. In that time, a lot of the older therapists have left and we have a flock of new younger therapists (women in their 20s) joining us. At first I was a little salty about “youth today”- they’re always on their phones! They have terrible social skills! They have no work ethic (calling out sick because they aren’t in a good space mentally to “do their best work.” Sheesh!) Somewhere along the line I realized I should stop acting like an elderly curmudgeon, and consider myself in the role of mentor. Now I make it a point to periodically ask if they have any questions about the job and generally take the lead if any problems occur, instead of joining the chorus of complainers. Today a coworker- a young woman of 22- was very upset about an admittedly complicated and troublesome personal problem (nothing dangerous, to be clear). Since there’s no right answer to the issue at this moment, this is what I told her: At some point, the solution to this will become clear. When that happens, you’ll know what to do and be able to take action. The reason it seems so overwhelming right now is that you haven’t reached that point of clarity. Have faith that that point will come, and in the meantime stay calm and pay attention to everything that’s happening, so that when the time for action comes, you’ll recognize it. I think it helped her! But… maybe not. Looking back, this is what I’ve learned from my own experience. I wish I could go back and tell Young Jenny that everything would be all right, eventually (it’s definitely what I tell myself now, when I’m worried about something). But maybe it’s something you just have to live in your own life. We’ve all gone through difficult situations- do you come to a moment of clarity where the correct choice is clear? Do you have faith that everything will be all right in the end? And now- here are the Tuesday Topics for 2026! The prompts are there for inspiration, but you don’t have to write on the topic if it doesn’t speak to you- you can still link your post! Link Up With Tuesday Topics Welcome back to Tuesday Topics, as Jenny, from Runners Fly joins Jenn at Runs With Pugs to co-host this link-up! Please join us every week for a new topic! Write on our weekly prompt or choose your own topic! Make sure to add your post to the link up, link back to your hosts, and comment on the other shared posts! Introducing Your 2026 Tuesday Topics January 6: What’s your word or intention for 2026? 13: How do you reset your routine after the holidays? 20: What helps you stay motivated through the winter’s blah months? 27: Free Topic February 3: Self-care check: how do you show yourself kindness this month? 10: Share something you LOVE about your active lifestyle? 17: What habit(s) are you trying to strengthen right now? 24: Free Topic March 3: What does “springing forward” mean for your mindset this year? 10: How do you bring more balance to your busy days? 17: Luck and hard work: which one has helped you the most lately? 24: Favorite way to welcome spring? 31: Free Topic April 7: How do you add more joy or fun into your workouts? 14: How do you stay consistent when life gets chaotic? 21: It’s Earth Week: How do you stay active outdoors responsibly? 28: Free Topic May 5: What’s one goal you’re proud of this spring? 12: What does mental wellness mean to you right now? 19: Share your favorite outdoor adventure spot. 26: Free Topic June 2: What does Global Running Day mean to you? 9: How do you find balance during summer chaos? 16: Favorite warm-weather snack, meal or hydration tip 23: Summer solstice: What are you looking forward to this season? 30: Free Topic July 7: Mid-year check-in: What’s been your biggest win of 2026 so far? 14: How do you stay active while traveling or on vacation? 21: What’s your favorite way to cool down (physically or mentally)? 18: Free Topic August 4: What’s your back-to-routine plan for fall? 11: How do you keep things fun when motivation dips? 18: Share a favorite memory from the summer 25: Free Topic September 1: What’s your fall focus: fitness, family, fun, or something else? 8: How do you reset your habits after summer? 15: What does “community” mean to you right now? 22: First Day Of Fall: What are you most excited for this season? 29: Free Topic October 6: Share your favorite fall comfort meal or ritual 13: How do you stay active when the weather turns cooler? 20: What’s your favorite fall activity or race? 27: Free Topic (or Halloween fun) November 3: What are you most thankful for in your fitness life or journey? 10: How do you handle the busy holiday season without burning out? 17: Share your holiday gift ideas for active friends and families. 24: Free Topic December 1: Giving Tuesday: what cause do you care about the most? 8: Your 2026 highlight reel: biggest wins or lessons learned. 15: Favorite memories from this year’s adventures 22: What are your goals for 2027? 29: How are you ringining in the New Year? You are invited to the Inlinkz link party! Click here to enter Top photo by Ben White on Unsplash