Friends With Benefits

There is a huge benefit to having a friend who enjoys walking.  There is no downside to having walking buddies.  When someone calls, wanting to hit the trail, I'm usually ready.  But, it's even better if it's just routine and the only question is what I text my friends - 'when and where?'

Routine is beneficial with exercise and all those other things that are 'good for us'.  Routine can be deadly in other areas - like love affairs and creativity.  But, for probably 75% of the things we do each day, routine pays off.

If you have little kids, you'll find they are comforted by routine and their behavior improves or remains easier if they know what to expect.  Breakfast at a certain time in a certain place.  Playtime then lunch and naps.  Dinner then bath, book, and bed.  I never had trouble with my kids in getting them to bed and staying there.  They knew this was not a 'gray' area.  Once you've been put to bed, you stay there.  No one can make you sleep, but your feet better not hit the floor.  To this day, my kids know that if I'm home around 1 PM, it's quiet time for an hour.  They are well trained.

This sort of routine pays big dividends when we apply it to daily or weekly chores like paying bills and cleaning the kitchen.  If we put off paying bills in a timely manner, our credit rating is destroyed and we end up paying extra for everything.  If we don't clean the kitchen after each meal - well, you've seen the kitchen of a college student.  Probably easier to thrown out the dishes than try to soak the grunge off them!

So, the routine works very well for daily exercise.  Pick your 'treat' (not poison).  Walk, gym, dance, jog, bike, swim, etc.  If we just say 'yes' every day to one or another of these activities, they become a welcome part of our routine.  We come to rely on that block of time we give to ourselves.  And, before long, it's not a chore but a treat.  Not poison, but - what's exercise for 'chocolate'??  


*************************** Remember my 100% GUARANTEE. Should you decide to stop walking and resume your old habits, I personally guarantee that you'll get back 100% of your former life - your pain, your lifestyle, your attitude. You can trust the information you find here. It's from a dedicated walker. Trust me and your life will get better! I promise.