Thursday, February 10, 2011

Excuses, Excuses

I told myself at the start of the new year (well, the start of last summer... okay, like two - ten - years ago) that I would exercise for at least 10 minutes every day. I would either take a 20 minute walk or I would do 10 minutes of indoor exercise - Wii Fit, yoga, pilates, sit ups, climb up and down the steps, something. I seem to recall looking at my 2lb weights once, but I'm pretty sure that was when Secundo was holding them out to me and saying, "Mom, you're not still using these, are you? Can I take them upstairs so that I can do my arm, wrist, and finger exercises?" (She's strengthening her hand for fencing per her coach's instructions.) I guess her taking them upstairs doesn't really count as exercising... well, not for me, anyway.

I made this goal simple so that it would be easy to do and to maintain. I can find 10-20 minutes per day, right? I seem to find hours to play online, read, sleep, watch movies, and play board games with the kids. How come I can't find 10 minutes to do a couple sit ups or 20 minutes to take a walk? (By. My. Self, I might add.) Well, because:

- I don't like to exercise in front of other people.

- I don't want to have to change my clothes.

- I can't find my exercise clothes.

- I don't want to have to take a shower during the day (I prefer to take them at night).

- There's too much of a mess in front of the TV to get out the Wii balance board.

- I don't want to see my weight displayed on the TV screen (especially if there are other people in the room).

- It's raining.

- It's snowing.

- It's cold out.

- It's hot out.

- Our road has a lot of speeding traffic and there are no sidewalks.

- I woke up late.

- I have other things that need to get done when I was hoping to exercise.

- I have to cart children all over town.

- I'm sick.

You get the idea.

Now, some of these are legitimate reasons. If I'm sick and it's 20 degrees out, I'm not going for a walk. (I've become a wuss after moving to the South, and I've made peace with that.) However, most of them don't hold water. For instance, I have a TV in my room. I could go in there, close the door, and do 10 minutes of a yoga or pilates DVD. I often get up before the kids, so no one would be in the living room when I used the Wii Fit. My road doesn't have that much traffic on it and I live less than a quarter mile from a youth athletic park where I could easily do a couple laps around the parking lots and roads there then come home; I'd be on the main road for less than 5 minutes. (Plus, I can see half a mile in one direction and about two miles in the other, so it's not like it's too dangerous to walk on on its own. Well, except for the fire ant hills. In the summer. There aren't any right now. See how good I am at this excuses thing?) So, most days, I really have no excuse... except that I'm lazy and stuck in a bad habit.

So, today I decided that enough was enough and took a walk. And how did I convince myself to do this? I took one look out the window at the beautiful snow and decided that I needed to go out with my camera. So I did. Easy peesy.











And I didn't set one foot on the busy road! Did I mention that we live on two acres in the middle of the country? Yeah, well... 

I think that I am going to take my camera out with me every day as my motivation to get outside. And when it gets warmer and drier out, I am going to go hunt for a place to walk to each day where I can sit and pray and read. Madeline L'Engle mentions having such a spot in her book A Circle of Quiet. I like the idea of a secret special place that is definitely special but not very secret. It calms the mommy worry that my kids won't be able to find me if they need me while also adding to the place's sanctity by being designated as "Mommy's Place."

Do you have such a place? How do you carve out time for exercise or jump-starting your sanity?

85 comments:

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Math Software For Kids said...

Wow, is that really snow flowing? it must be freezing out there now.

Misty said...

I've had tons of exercise goals derailed by similar excuses :-)

I finally got a couple friends to stop by on their way home from dropping off kids. They show up at my door and then I HAVE to work-out with them. I'm often not too happy about it to start with, neither are they really. But we all feel much better having been doing this for a couple of months now.

But, the camera is a great idea! I'll be using that one. Thanks!

ali khan said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
joe@supergeniusteaching.com said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
research paper said...

amazing photos!

term papers said...

Great post, I enjoyed ready reading it, Keep posting good stuff like this.

job for writers said...

I Think it was a good decision to went out with yours camera.Because It's magnificent photo!!

flash template said...

I like this concept. I visited your blog for the first time and just been your fan. Keep posting as I am gonna come to read it everyday.

pay for essay said...

Amazing article! Thanks for it.

writing services said...

This is a good article and offer some helpful information for me,thank you!

custom term paper said...

Good post!
Interesting info!

seo company said...

Nice one! Thank you!

freelance academic writing jobs said...

Nice photo and post!
I love winter in my town where I born! ))

dissertation writing uk said...

very good post! need to say you did a great job and i really appreciate it!

research papers for sale said...

than it resembles either Russia or whether Ukraine))

term papers said...

very interesting post! need to say i love it! thank you for sharing!

pay for paper said...

Your site is good Actually, i have seen your post and That was very informative and very entertaining for me.

вебпромо said...

This is my first time comment at your blog.Good recommended website.

research papers for sale said...

I found your posts very interesting.

research paper said...

Thanks for the article. Very interesting!!!!

dissertations said...

Awesome and adorable!

essay help said...

wonderful winter !!!!

paydaymart said...

Good site! I truly love how it is simple on my eyes and the data are well written. I’m wondering how I might be notified whenever a new post has been made. I’ve subscribed to your RSS feed which must do the trick! Have a great day!

cheap term paper said...

that is a great post! thank you for sharing this information! appreciate it! really)

webpromo said...

My friend suggested me to visit your blog. Very well explained. I would like to say that it is very interesting to read your blog.

pay for essay said...

ool really nice! Thanks!

sample thesis said...

great post! i liked it

AB Gracey said...

I like your blog, and am working to spread the word about another great person and cause, the woman who jump started the home schooling movement. You can find a short version of her story at http://www.examiner.com/spiritual-perspectives-in-baltimore/in-the-face-of-adversity-the-story-behind-the-home-schooling-movement.

Would you help me spread the word? She deserves to be remembered.

Thank you!

Amy Gracey

adult chat said...

Thank you for sharing this article. I love it. Keep on writing this type of great stuff.

maldives cruises said...

Thanks for sharing such an interesting information.

sample thesis said...

happy holidays!!!

hosting ukraine said...

This is truly a great read for me. I have bookmarked it and I am looking forward to reading new articles.Keep up the good work!

research paper writers said...

Great this is nice!

custom essay said...

thanks for the post!

write my essay said...

Good post!

freelance academic writers said...

Beautifull blog!

buy essays said...

Very good! Nice!

essay uk said...

thanks for the great post!

milfs sex said...

great) liked everything very much) keep it up and dont stop)

essay uk said...

great post! thanks!

cv writing service said...

Great great!

freelance essay writing jobs said...

Very nice!

dissertation service said...

Great work. I like this post!

research paper writers said...

Very nice!

electronic cigarettes said...

Hey! Someone in my Myspace group shared this website with us so I came to look it over. I’m definitely enjoying the information.

writing service said...

Good one!

term papers said...

Good to here this after all you break your lazyness and decided to go for walk, thanks for all these pics all are so beautiful and i hope you to enjoy allot.Thanks for sharing your lovely moments with us.

valwriting.net said...

Very nice psot!

term papers for sale said...

Thanks for sharing all of your beautiful pics,i really enjoyed your article the way you told everything about your daily routine but i am so happy to listen that at last you defeat your mind,and listen what your heart says to you.

chatting sites said...

Thanks for sharing such an interesting information.

job for writers said...

Like this your post! Very cool!

term papers said...

I read your article and i really enjoyed to read your all problems you faced,thanks for sharing all your secrets which you dont like to do.But i am happy at last you make your self ready to walk and first time you didnt listen to your mind but listen what your heart say.

researchpapermonster.com said...

Great!

term paper writer said...

When you say excuses so i understand that there is some thing happens which you told us,but after reading i came to know that you share your story with us so i start taking more interest here and learn one thing that there is nothing we cant do by our self just we need one motivation moment and that was the step when you get up and think that today i must go to walk.

Lena said...

Good morning! Nice village's photos! winter woods are beautiful.Calmness, confluence with nature. Sometimes what so does not have us

www.samedayessay.com said...

Proud of its!

litigation financing said...

Nice and very informative.

Anonymous said...

I am happy to find your distinguished way of writing the post camisetas beatles
en la tienda de todas las bandas

neurologist nj said...

Thanks, this story is very interesting and absorbing! I'm looking forward to reading your new stories! You wield a formidable pen, my friend!

purchase viagra said...

Excellent comments with interesting topics and very useful resources. Thanks for sharing.

VG said...

Awesome blog. I enjoyed reading your articles. This is truly a great read for me. I have bookmarked it and I am looking forward to reading new articles.Keep up the good work!

coroplast signs said...

I am very much overwhelmed by your thoughts for this particular story. A more deeper and staged knowledge would be good for me.

Pradaxa Lawsuit said...

Very good diary. i like the connectedness of your things. i will return shortly to scan your alternative posts. thanks once more.Pradaxa Lawsuits

www.submitage.com/ said...

Hi, this is first time i am visiting this site and so happy to see such a great info here, the way you guys described everything here is amazing. Thanks for all of your efforts you made here, will back soon for more updates.

www.mudlusciouspress.com said...

loved your post. i really agree with you, if we donot overcome our excuses, we can't really succeed in life, because we can't even take a step with excuses.

Anonymous said...

yes! its good post and very informative content here. i am first time visit this site i like that.lawsuit fundingi agree with you and love this post.

Anonymous said...

Get real Instagram followers with a streamline process to boost your social media presence and sales.

IG Followes UK said...

I feel extremely cheerful to have seen your post. I found the post beautiful and fascinating one. I am really extremely glad to visit your post. Thanks for sharing your views.
IG Followers UK

Instagram Followers said...

Buy Instagram Followers uk from us at cheap rates, Real Instagram services from secure payment via paypal. 24/7 customer support.

Zahid Abbas said...

I feel extremely cheerful to have seen your post. I found the post beautiful and fascinating one. I am really extremely glad to visit your post. Thanks for sharing your views.buy instagram comments uk

buy real instagram followers australia said...

Interesting and helpful content. keep it up very valuable information. I am really extremely glad to visit your post. buy real instagram followers australia

Stream Go Sports | Free Live Stream Tv said...

https://streamgosports.blogspot.com/2020/09/ufc-fight-night-covington-vs-woodley.html
https://streamgosports.blogspot.com/2020/09/ufc-fight-night-covington-vs-woodley.html
https://streamgosports.blogspot.com/2020/09/ufc-fight-night-covington-vs-woodley.html
Covington vs Woodley
Covington vs Woodley How To Watch
Covington vs Woodley Live
Covington vs Woodley Live Stream
Covington vs Woodley Live Online
Covington vs Woodley Live Free
Covington vs Woodley UFC Fight Night
Covington vs Woodley Live UFC Fight Night
Covington vs Woodley Live Stream UFC Fight Night
Covington vs Woodley UFC Fight Night Game
Covington vs Woodley Live UFC Fight Night Game
Watch Covington vs Woodley
Watch Covington vs Woodley Live
Watch Covington vs Woodley 4k HD Free
Watch Covington vs Woodley Free 4K HD
https://streamgosports.blogspot.com/2020/09/ufc-fight-night-covington-vs-woodley.html
https://streamgosports.blogspot.com/2020/09/ufc-fight-night-covington-vs-woodley.html
https://streamgosports.blogspot.com/2020/09/ufc-fight-night-covington-vs-woodley.html

Stream Go Sports | Free Live Stream Tv said...

Woodley vs Covington
Woodley vs Covington How To Watch
Woodley vs Covington Live
Woodley vs Covington Live Stream
Woodley vs Covington Live Online
Woodley vs Covington Live Free
Woodley vs Covington UFC Fight Night
Woodley vs Covington Live UFC Fight Night
Woodley vs Covington Live Stream UFC Fight Night
Woodley vs Covington UFC Fight Night Game
Woodley vs Covington Live UFC Fight Night Game
Watch Woodley vs Covington
Watch Woodley vs Covington Live
Woodley vs Covington 4k Free HD
Woodley vs Covington Free 4K HD
https://streamgosports.blogspot.com/2020/09/ufc-fight-night-covington-vs-woodley.html
https://streamgosports.blogspot.com/2020/09/ufc-fight-night-covington-vs-woodley.html
https://streamgosports.blogspot.com/2020/09/ufc-fight-night-covington-vs-woodley.html

Stream Go Sports | Free Live Stream Tv said...

Randa vs Mackenzie
Randa vs Mackenzie How To Watch
Randa vs Mackenzie Live
Randa vs Mackenzie Live Stream
Randa vs Mackenzie Live Online
Randa vs Mackenzie Live Free
Randa vs Mackenzie UFC Fight Night
Randa vs Mackenzie Live UFC Fight Night
Randa vs Mackenzie Live Stream UFC Fight Night
Randa vs Mackenzie UFC Fight Night Game
Randa vs Mackenzie Live UFC Fight Night Game
Watch Randa vs Mackenzie
Watch Randa vs Mackenzie Live
Randa vs Mackenzie 4k Free HD
Randa vs Mackenzie Free 4K HD
https://streamgosports.blogspot.com/2020/09/ufc-fight-night-mackenzie-vs-randa-live.html
https://streamgosports.blogspot.com/2020/09/ufc-fight-night-mackenzie-vs-randa-live.html
https://streamgosports.blogspot.com/2020/09/ufc-fight-night-mackenzie-vs-randa-live.html

SMM SERVICES said...

Very good diary. I like the connectedness of your things. I will return shortly to scan your alternative posts.
click here to get instagram followers.

Unknown said...

Thankss for the great content! Buy Real Instagram Followers UK

Abdulla said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Abdulla said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Abdulla said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
cheap instagram followers said...

We are providing real and active Instagram followers in Uk. The profiles are 100% real and clean and belong to real people.
Buy Cheap Follower's

Buy ig followers said...

Get real Instagram followers that will interact with Your posts and never drop. We are the only provider of real Instagram followers service.
Buy Instagram Likes UK
Buy Instagram Follower’s UK

Instagram City said...

anchor text

Ben said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Ben said...

You have taken such good pictures of snowy scene Private tutor Windermere