Health = Important

It's amazing how much better you feel when you actually get your 8-9 hours of sleep, or your exercise each day...that makes you feel great too.  Why is it that we'll put off taking care of our bodies, but just HAVE to make time for that last episode of whatever show we're currently following?  When we're 90 years old, do we want to be that old person who wishes they could just die because they're in so much pain?  Or do we want to be that old person who doesn't want to die just yet so that we can enjoy that one last breath of fresh air on a Sunday morning?

My problem is that I used to pack so much in my life all at once that I didn't leave enough time to cook nourishing meals, go to the gym, or get enough sleep.  I thought, "Ah, I can take 17 credits, practice 30 hours a week, hold up a part-time job, and do my calling.  I can even watch Dancing with the Stars."  As soon as I realized that this was actually shortening my life significantly by giving me unnecessary ulcers, and cutting into valuable time that I could be giving to taking care of my precious body that God has given me, I have been SO much happier! 

I have a few friends who are inspiring me to be healthier.  Growing up, I was NOT athletic.  You'd never catch me dead in a gym.  Working out?  Psh, what was that??  Even though sometimes I secretly wanted to, I was embarrassed because I wasn't any good at sports.  I didn't want to humiliate myself, and I was embarrassed for people to see me running.  But with the help of certain friends, I can see that you don't have to be a competitive athlete to be in shape.  No, you don't need to have the Olympics scouting you out for you to be allowed to exercise.  I'm going running for 9 miles on Saturday morning with my friend Whitney.  Even though she's probably a better runner than I am, I'm grateful for the opportunity!  

So here's to all of you busy bodies out there.  Take care of your body.  Get to bed on time.  Make sure you get your 8 hours of sleep.  Eat healthy, and exercise regularly!  The doctors aren't lying when they say it will help you.  If you're worried about money, think about it like my husband does.  You can put a little bit of money into your health now instead of the thousands of dollars of health bills that you could prevent later.  Just like you make time to read that book you really like, watch that show you're addicted to, or get on facebook for hours each day...you can spend a little time on your body.  It's not going to be there forever.  Especially if you don't take good care of it.