The Payoff

As the wind cut through my sweatshirt on the a November morning, I wondered to myself… “Why am I doing this?”  The chill made consider going back inside to retreat to the warmth of our home.  There had been dozens of moments before this one where I stepped to the thresh-hold of our home and turned back in light of these kinds of circumstances.  That day, I deeply considered retreating from a morning run once more.  After all… what difference would one day make?  What is the point of making this kind of small investment in the grand scheme of things?

It can be very difficult to see the difference your daily investments in personal health make. As you beat the pavement during a run, you may wonder about the value of your steps.  When aching muscles cry out in protest against your efforts to get in shape, you may be inclined to ask, “Why am I doing this!?!”  When the server comes to offer you desert and you decide you pass, you might feel like that decision is too small to make a difference in life.  Our investment healthy living can be very difficult to see in the mirror each day.  But consider the payoff…

Looking in the mirror and not feeling ashamed of the pathway you are on.

Keeping up with your son or daughter on the court or the field.

Being able to actively participate in your children’s life milestones.

Sitting down on the floor to play with your grandchildren.

Living out fulfilling days with your spouse in the latter years of life.

Reducing the risk of diseases that have ravaged the life of many of those around you.

Feeling like you gave your best effort with the life that you have been given.

Setting the example for your family to develop healthy habits.

And so much more….

What would you add to the list?  The reasons abound to get healthy and stay healthy.  The greatest payoff for a healthier you come in terms of life moments that you get to live to the fullest.  Keep striving!  It is worth it!