FOR THOSE WHO DON'T HAVE TIME TO READ THIS -THIS ONE'S FOR YOU

I spent some time at the Veteran's Home last week. I like going, I like the men there and the opportunity to do some little thing for them. It is a good place to learn a few things, too, like setting priorities, the value of taking care of yourself and about the topic for this post, TIME.

"Most men do not set priorities to guide them in allocating their time and most men forget that the first priority should be to maintain their own spiritual and physical strength; then comes their family . . . then their professions, and all need time. " Harold B. Lee

I hear so many people say they need to exercise but just don't have TIME. The sense you get is that they are busier than most people. No one says, "I have so much TIME on my hands I might as well exercise"! Everyone is busy.

Exercise doesn't take take time, it gives you TIME. It sounds counter-intuitive but here are three reasons why:

1. When we exercise we are mentally sharper and more effective in our day to day activities. We will also tire less easily (at first you might feel more tired but it will pass) So we use our TIME more effectively.

2. Being sick takes a lot of TIME. Exercise greatly improves the immune system and helps prevent everything from the common cold to cancer.

"Those who think they have not time for bodily exercise will sooner or later have to find time for illness." Edward Stanley

3. People who exercise live longer. That will give you some TIME.

If you feel that you need to sacrifice your exercise TIME for the sake of your family here are three more thoughts for you:

1. Weight and health issues are a heavy burden and your children are learning about fitness from you. They will follow your lead.

"Do you expect, forsooth, that a mother will hand down principles which differ from her own?" Juvenal

2. It isn't fair to burden your adult children with your care because you didn't take care of yourself.

3. Your life is important to those who love you and dying early will leave a hole in their lives.

Do what you need to now to prevent being in a nursing home later. You don't have TIME for that.