Warm weather nudged me outside to tackle some long-overdue yard work. A garden spot I created during the pandemic had begun demanding some attention. I needed to plant grass seed early this spring to prevent weeds from taking over once the summer heat rolled in. But with weekends packed full of trips and travel plans–the very reason the garden had to be repurposed in the first place–it was hard to find the time.
So, one evening, after a full day of work, I begrudgingly began the work. Logic’s voice pushed me out the door. I knew it needed to get done. I pictured the soft, plush green grass of summer and reminded myself how much better that would be than fighting weeds or mud every time the sprinklers ran. A bit of effort now would reap large benefits down the road.
Still, I wrestled with myself the whole time. I didn’t want to be out there. It was windy and dirty, and the physical exertion felt like too much at the end of the day. I had to mentally demand that I stick with the task, reminding myself how satisfying it would feel once I finished.
That’s when it dawned on me: I’ve been having the same internal struggle with exercise. I know that my body needs it. At this stage of life, strength training helps to preserve muscle mass, and cardio keeps my heart healthy. The choices I make now will impact how I live in my 60s, 70s, and 80s. I’ve witnessed that truth lived out by my aunt, who changed her eating and exercise habits later in life and is thriving well into her 80’s.
Yet, I fight it. I struggle to get to the gym, to pick up the weights at home, or to simply take the dogs for a walk. Logic’s voice speaks up, pushing me to be more active, to make the effort. And yet, resistance lingers.
Recently, I heard someone share his story about overcoming a health challenge. He spoke with confidence about willpower and self-discipline, emphasizing the importance of choosing to do it for yourself. Maybe that’s the key: making the choice. Not because it’s easy, or because you feel like it, but because you’re worth the effort and no one else can do it for you.
So, I’ll keep listening to that quiet, persistent voice of logic. Perhaps I will start choosing what I need, even when I don’t feel like it. Because the life I want later depends on the choices I make now. And a little effort today just might grow into something beautiful.