I've discovered lately that one of my least favorite things that people say is, "I don't have time." For example: I hear a lot of people say, "I wish I could cook for my family, but I just don't have the time." It's just not so. If you really want to cook, you'll find the time. I do. It's not that I'm better than anyone else, it's just a big priority for me for a lot of reasons. Mainly I like to eat too much! Ha! It's definitely not always easy, but though trial and error, I've figured it out. I don't think this because I think I'm busier than everyone else....I'm not. There's always someone busier than I am. It's just that, in most cases, what "I don't have time" really means is that whatever the thing it is that you don't have time for is not as big of a priority than everything else on your to do list. I'm fleshing out this thought not to get down on anyone else, but more to try and motivate myself.
I need to exercise. More specifically, to start a running regimen so that I can run a half marathon in a couple of months.
The fact is, I do have time if I make it IF it's truly a priority to me. I saw a really great quote the other day from Nike:
"Someone busier than you is out there running right now."
So true. So I have to think about it. Is it worth it? I've figured out that if I really want to fit it in, I'll have to get up at about 5 when I go back to work, and run for 20 to 30 minutes. Then I'll have to do my long runs on the weekend. It is worth the effort and potential fatigue? Not sure yet. But I know I have to be motivated enough to make it a priority. The truth is, I simply need to get back into a regular exercise routine, but honestly, I need some sort of a goal to work towards to stay consistent. That's just me. So although a half marathon may seem extreme for me right now, it's a way to help me stay motivated.
Yes, some people have it easier. There are people out there with no kids, or who are stay at home moms, or who may have a more flexible schedules than me. But when it comes down to it, if something is important to me, I DO have the time. It's up to me to find it.
So I ask for your help, especially all you working moms out there: What do you do to make exercise a priority? How have you found the time?
I'm a wife, Mom, photographer, daughter, sister, friend. I love good food, weightlifting, Crossfit, and exploring. I love talking about things as serious as faith and purpose and as silly as good TV. This blog is about my attempt to thrive in our world.
4 comments
This isn't really an answer to your questions at the end because I'm not a working mom and, well, I don't work out. But, I agree with what you said about priorities. For me, spending time with and teaching Georgia is much more of a priority than cooking (although I do cook most of the time- even if it's something quick) and sleep is a WAY bigger priority than exercising. I have definitely found that the older she gets, the more time she takes up, since she doesn't nap as much anymore. I just squeeze in those "have to do's" like cooking while she's having a snack or something!
Jenny - I know what you mean. I think my problem is, running/exercising is important me to me...I want to do it, but when I'm honest with myself, it's my lowest priority! Maybe if I could only run on 4 hours of sleep....
I think you are right on the money about what "I don't have time" actually means. You do have to prioritize, and I think those priorities will change with each phase of your life....and not so much general phases like "mom of toddlers," "empty nester," "working mom," "stay at home mom," etc. I mean specific stages in your own personal life. My life as a stay at home mom at this particular point in time looks nothing like other stay at home moms I know....even those with kids my age because I have a different set of circumstances. Everyone makes choices about what they are going to fill their time with. Some of the choices we make will have consequences for how we spend our time in the future. I think it is less about how busy you are (and in comparison to others), and more about how you feel about how busy you are.
The last few months I felt awful about how busy I was because Jessica was being evaluated and put in therapy 3 times a week...we were trying to figure out how to pay for the therapy....we had the holidays/travel...her behavior was difficult and there were nights David and I just wanted a break but we didn't have any family to call at the last minute...we had a relatively new baby....we were helping two friends whose husbands were deployed....David was gone 12 hours a day working....etc. Most of that has not changed, but I feel better because I have had an opportunity to readjust my priorities for what I have to work with. There are some things I choose not to do right now (or only do partially) that I think are important because the other things are MORE important. Just my two cents....your post gave me something to think about.
So true. I (unfortunately) don't really hold exercising as a priority. I wish I enjoyed it more. :) But I definitely need to change some of my priorities. For instance, I am always wishing I did a better job of keeping up Jacob and Reece's baby books and our blog, but I always seem to make time to watch our tv shows on DVR! I would have time to do those things if I would give up some tv!
Now I am a stay home mom (which contrary to popular belief is not easier, missy! :) ), but here are some things I did to help while I was working:
-Utilize those lunch breaks! It's like a free hour to get so much done! (And eat of course!) Take your lunch to work and either run around and get errands done (picking up dry cleaning, run to the bank, oil change, etc.) or use that time to get some phone/online things done (those awesome phone calls to Comcast, AT&T, etc. that kids don't really allow you to get done, check your checking account and credit card statements, pay bills, etc.). You'd be surprised how much time all of those little things take up! I know some bosses/workplaces ask you to work while you eat, but tell them tough!
-I had a deal with my boss. I would come in to work early every now and then and he wouldn't mind if I took a long lunch (maybe 30 extra minutes)to go to the doctor, dentist, kids appointments, shopping that needed to get done, etc.
-You probably already do this, because you're so awesome in the kitchen, but I've heard of people dedicating a couple of hours one Saturday/Sunday every month to preparing and freezing a bunch of stuff to help with dinner. For instance: crock pot some chicken, brown some beef, cut up some fruits and veggies, puree some smoothies, etc. Maybe less time in the kitchen could help you get a run in the evening. :)
-Here's some advice that, as I mentioned above, I should take- give up some tv shows! Haha! :)
As I was reading, I thought of a lot more ideas than this, but I've forgotten some of it. I'll let you know if I think of something, you know, since I'm an expert and all. Now, to take my own advice...
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