[FaeReverie]

This post promises to be long-winded.. but I had some profound thinking, and I really wanted to share!

I was getting ready to exercise the other day, and I was thinking about how I really did NOT want to do it. I wanted to curl up with my cat and watch a movie, or sit at the computer, or take a nap. Just.. something. I didn't feel like moving. You all know how it is... the slump we all hit.

Out of nowhere, I had a memory of last year, when I lost all the weight (almost as much as I have now.. now that makes me ponder! ) One day at Curves, I overheard two ladies talking about money problems, etc. One lady said "We are so tight on money, I offered to give up my membership here. My husband wouldn't let me, he said it's the only time I really have for myself." Granted, those weren't her exact words, but that was the idea.

From there (since I have habit of jumping from thought to thought, which makes conversations with me interesting!) I thought of 10 years down the line, when Im married and have children. Of course, I'll be losing what weight I gained from kids, or just maintaining.. and when do I get my most time alone? When I made the kids go with daddy for an hour, so I can work out!

The idea came to me that the lady was right when she said it's really a time for ourselves. It's time we take to improve our bodies, our minds (I dont know about you, but my brain works quicker if I stay active!) and our overall health. It's really a completely selfish moment.

I don't know if this is super-profound.. maybe you all hit on it and I'm just slow. But I like to try to think of it like that. Helps get me moving when I really don't want to.. like today, hah.

Any thoughts?

[Indychick829]

you're exactly 100% on the money...i'm also single with no kids (and i'm 27)...and i'm also "in between" dating - and that's my thing...when i AM dating someone I never really got the whole "personal space / personal time" thing - and i've grown up a lot since my last big relationship - which fell apart for many reasons - one being that we never had our "own" time - we were ALWAYS together...but the thing is - what keeps ME happy and how you said that when you're active, your brain functions better...I've realized it's the same with me. there will ALWAYS be "obsticles" - which of course isn't really the correct word - but other people in your life - be it a boyfriend, husband, kids, etc...etc...and THIS is the time that we have to find out who we truly are - and take that into the future when we ARE with someone or we have kids or we move into that next phase in life. I know SOOO many women who pretty much "refuse" to take time for themselves - whether it's exercising or even just honestly giving the kids up to their husbands for the night and go out by themselves...and while, i don't want to sound selfish - I also know that I am always going to NEED that "me" time - and that everyone "NEEDS" to be "selfish" every once in a while when it comes to taking care of their health - both mental and physical.

I think - honestly - I need to learn to be more "selfish" - especially when I'm in a relationship or whatever - because I'm at my happiest when i'm on plan and working out - and like many women, when i am dating someone, I tend to forget about me - and I slump back into my old habits - and I think that has a lot to do with why many of my relationships have never worked out - because i never took enough time for myself and was always trying to make HIM happy - when really - in order to make someone else happy - you have to be happy yourself - and that's where your "selfish / me time" comes into play. and you have to find a balance with yourself and your loved ones.

that's just my $.02

but yes, I absolutely agree with ya.

[FaeReverie]

I know what you mean!

Thats actually one of the reasons I prefer to work out when I'm home alone, rather than while he's home with me. It's my personal time.. he isn't allowed to intrude on that!

[Lifeguard]

Good for you! I always find when I make personal revelations that involve changing my mindset I am more able to improve my habits.

[missindy]

I never thought about it like that, but it's true that I would much rather work out alone than with someone. Last night I went to the track on campus to run (well more like jog/walk) and while I invited my roomie, I was praying she would say no. Thanks for the profound thinking

[shrinkingchica]

Actually, it is a bit self-less even to take care of yourself. Think about how those around you benefit from a happier, healthier, fitter you.

[rebeleagle1965]

Originally Posted by shrinkingchica

Actually, it is a bit self-less even to take care of yourself. Think about how those around you benefit from a happier, healthier, fitter you.

I sure wish MY husband felt that way-I have to practically beat him over the head to get him to take care of things for me to go to the gym

Regardless, he gets over it, and I know I'm a happier person because I take time for myself no matter what. It would be too easy to put it off because of scheduling difficulty/babysitting issues/guilt. Getting out there and doing something by myself and for myself helps keep me sane and I probably am a better mom, wife, and friend because of it.