The List

How many of you start your day reviewing or making THE LIST? Is it on your phone, in your planner, on the white board, a tablet, or the paper pad that has a magnet on the back that you get out of the $1 bin at Target and hangs on your refrigerator?  

To do list:

What’s on it?  Are you at the top?  You should be!

If I asked you why you are NOT on the list….you would give me another list of priorities that come before YOU.  The kids, the house, the errands, the laundry, ...just not enough time in the day.  

Well, if Momma ain't happy then nobody is happy.  If this is true, then why wouldn't we want to take the time and make the effort to help ourselves be happier and put ME at the top of the list?  Taking the time to care for your health will in return create a happier, healthier momma, with a higher self-esteem.  If you don't need to lose weight, you can still benefit greatly from exercise and raise the happiness meter.  

Benefits of Exercise

Manages your weight

Increases energy

Increased self-esteem

Increased mental focus

Decrease risk of heart attack

Decrease risk of osteoporosis

Reduce depression (production of endorphins (feel good hormones)

Decrease stress level

Improve sleep

Increase sexual drive

If you could improve in some or all of these areas would you be happier?  Fast forward 20 years from now….if your children were copying your current lifestyle choices/habits how would you feel?  Could you pat yourself on the back for setting the example of the choices they make?  How are their self-esteem?  

So the next question is HOW? How do I put myself at the top of the list when there are so many other things to take care of?  I feel guilty taking time for myself.  Sound familiar?  

 1) Accept that you deserve to be happy and understand that you are an example of what your kids will follow.  2) Each and everyday, put yourself at the top of the list.  Stop feeling guilty about doing this for “yourself”, because it’s for YOUR KIDS (or loved ones).  4) Engage in family activities- hiking, biking, sledding, swimming.  5) Find a buddy so that you can motivate each other to commit to a schedule or program.  

If a look into the future of your child(ren) doesn’t motivate you nor does being healthier and happier for yourself or loved ones, then maybe here's one last way to look into the mirror and consider putting yourself at the top of the list: 

1 Corinthians 6:19-20

Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.

What will be at the top of tomorrow's list?

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