It got me thinking. It got me thinking about how I used to feel when people would say this, how I feel now, and how I've made time for my health and fitness. First, this quote is such a cliché. When I used to hear it I'd just roll my eyes, "Yes, I know. MAKE time." But I didn't think anyone really understood and I didn't think I really had time. There were things I needed to get done. But over the past couple years I've come to learn that there's ALWAYS things that need to get done. One of my favorite thoughts is something to this effect: If you put God first in your life, all other things will fall into place or drop out of your life". Now, that's not about fitness but it's about time management. It's so easy these days to fill my day with useless, nonproductive things-like Pinterest :). My mother-in-law, who is a devout exerciser, said at some point in her life she just decided that she'd move her body for 20 minutes everyday NO MATTER WHAT. And she did! Even on Christmas morning she'd go for a run before present time which my husband and his siblings still talk about! Now I don't think I'll ever do that. But over time, I've tried to make better use of my time. And, as I grew in my role as a mother, I realized I had to make time for myself eventually or I'd get swallowed up in other things. Probably one of the biggest things that has allowed me to find time in my life for fitness that is mostly out of my control is having my children get a little older. When I have a new baby, first of all, I use all my spare time to sleep, and second of all, babies just aren't too keen on sitting while you workout! So when my youngest was about 2 is when I tried my first Beachbody workout. I did T25 because it's 25 minutes and surely I could find 25 minutes. I committed to one month of the program and you know what? I did it! I decided on my priorities and they were as follows: God/my faith, family responsibilities, my health/fitness. I decided if I accomplished what I needed to in those three areas everyday then I'd count the day as a success! Sometimes in that month of T25 my workouts were in the evening, sometimes I spent hours in my workout clothes waiting for a window, sometimes I had to pause it to help my kids but it still happened. After that month I realized that the dumb cliché that I'd rolled my eyes to all the time about 'making time' was true! It really is all within my power to make time for my workout! I could choose to get it done or not-and I could sacrifice to make it happen or I could make excuses about why it didn't happen. My coach always says "crush those excuses" and so I started doing that! I was tired of making excuses for myself on why I couldn't get fit. This morning, I dropped my older two kids at school and planned to go for a bike ride with my youngest in the trailer. As I got changed into my workout clothes the pile of unfolded clean laundry was calling to me from the top of my dresser. Dishes were beckoning to be done. Clutter needed to be straightened. And you know what? I overlooked it and made my fitness, my well-being, myself a priority in my life and went for the bike ride. It was beautiful! And guess what? I still have time for housework tonight (unfortunately? lol). I said to myself "When was the last time I thought-gee, I have forgotten to make time for dishes/laundry for 3 weeks and now I'm so behind!" That just doesn't happen. Those things always need to get done and always will get done. But when was the last time we said to ourselves "Gee-I have forgotten to make time for my workout for the last 3 weeks!" That DOES happen? But, unlike the chores, you cannot recover 3 weeks of missed workouts in one marathon exercise session. Our bodies are either getting stronger or weaker-they are not static. So after 3 weeks, your body will be weaker than it was before. I know it's hard to let other things go in place of time for your workout. I know it's hard to overlook other responsibilities that are calling to you. I know it's hard to sacrifice a little sleep if the morning is the only time you'll have that day to workout. But JUST TRY IT. JUST TRY IT. See if your life doesn't rebalance itself after a few weeks. It's weird at first but then you find a new rhythm that includes caring for yourself and the beautiful body that has been given to you. I believe my body is a temple like God says and I have not always given it the care it deserves but I changed that. YOU should be a priority in your life. So don't roll your eyes anymore, make the time!
No comments:
Post a Comment