The Blockhead, #2

I sorely hate to admit this, even to myself, but I am a BLOCKHEAD when it comes to exercise!  Yesterday I walked around the neighborhood for a few blocks and thoroughly enjoyed it.  The last time I walked here was in the beginning of the summer - once.  The flowers, trees, and all plants are at their absolute peak of beauty right now!  I thought that the trees had doubled in height!  Inwardly, I kicked myself for missing this all summer.

It feels so good to exercise.  I know it actually gives me energy.  So why don't I exercise daily?  I have a store of trillions of excuses.

1) When I was growing up, I was not athletic.  I rode my bike but only when I needed to go to a friend's house or to the library. Exercise in girls was not encouraged. I tried out for the school volleyball team but they didn't want me. I LOATHED P.E.!  Standing on my head was the most idiotic thing I ever attempted.

2) I think that if I physically work hard, at housework or yardwork, it is good exercise.  It really isn't enough.

3) When I was working (and I measured this), I walked 15,000 steps per shift, minimum.  Ridiculous!  Being retired for a year, I think I'm still reaping the benefit of it but I need to maintain it! - but not that much!  I still can walk quite a distance without getting winded.

4) Years ago, I walked four miles a day, got my weight down to where I wanted it, and felt great.  Why can't I do it now?  I even have a treadmill.

5) BUT - I have so many interesting projects going on.  It's much nicer to sew or knit or work on ceramics or cook.  I even like to clean rather than exercise!  Chatting on the phone or working on the computer also is much more fun than exercising.  Some days going out of town to visit takes up the whole day.  I seem to spend too much time in the car.  I seem to spend a lot of time in church, either for services or for meetings.  Maybe we should have the meetings while walking!

6) My whole family of origin was overweight.  But no one seemed to care about it back then.  Mom lost all her weight when in her 50's and kept it off, within 5 pounds, till her death.

My friend, Gail, looks great, swims and plays a lot of tennis.  That seems a lot of work and time commitment.  Think I'll keep walking!

Dear Mom in Heaven, please help me get really committed to exercising, and ask Jesus and all the Saints to prod me also.  Just day by day.  Please help me overcome my excuses and blockheadedness! Thank you!  I miss you.