We don’t have a dining room table in our house. Not because we can’t get one, but because we don’t want one.

Most of our meals are eaten on the floor, together as a family. We also use floor beds. That might sound a little unconventional, but for us, it’s intentional. Getting up and down off the floor every day keeps us moving. It helps us stay mobile, flexible, and strong. I’m still overweight but I’m more flexible now then I was before!

The phrase “motion is lotion” has stuck with me ever since I heard it, and it makes so much sense the older I get. Movement keeps our joints happy. It keeps our bodies from stiffening up. It’s wild to me how many people I see struggling to get off the floor by the time they hit middle age. Like… what happened? When did something so basic start feeling like a full-on workout?

I never want to be the parent who can’t get on the floor to play with my daughter. I want to be with her. At her level. Whether it’s blocks, books, or snack time, I want to be able to squat, crawl, sit cross-legged, or whatever else the moment calls for.

And not to mention, our 20-year-old senior cat really appreciates the setup too. She’s got easy access to all her favorite snuggle spots with no jumping required.

So no table here. Just a whole lot of floor time, giggles, and everyday movement that keeps us strong together.