Exercise has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. Even still it can be a struggle for me to get out and exercise sometimes. For example, when my husband and I go for our Tuesday morning run on the beach, my process is always the same. We get down to the water’s edge, Rich is ready to run pier to pier and I try to talk him into skipping the run and going for coffee. “Let’s just go for a fresh croissant at Le Pain” or “let’s just have a little sleep in the sand.” He patiently waits, often laughing, for me to get through my process and get on with the run. Ultimately what motivates me to run or swim or get to the gym is knowing that after a working all day at 3:00 all four kids are going to come home, they will have all sorts of needs to be met, there are groceries to buy, dinner to plan, dinner to cook for six, articles due the next day……and life just gets fuller and fuller.

As if by magic, when I exercise my experience with the ”fullness” of our life is entirely different than if I don’t exercise. The difference between the two experiences is night and day.  When I exercise I feel better, I am more creative, I flow easier, I have the energy to face it all, I am more productive, I am far less reactive with Rich, and the roast chicken dinner turns out. It’s magical.

So next time when you are at war with yourself in regards to exercise or other forms of self care, think about what lies ahead and what kind of day or night you wish to create. Perhaps that will help to motivate you into those running shoes or workout gear. Best of luck!

Carrie