“I’d like to exercise, but I’m just too busy.”
I’ve heard that quite a few times over the years. And I understand it. Between work, family, and the things that need our attention, a day can fill up before we’ve had much say in it.
Sometimes even something we want to do feels like one more thing we have to do.
That got me thinking about the word busy.
We can spend an afternoon getting things done and feel good about what we accomplished. We can also spend an afternoon going from one thing to another and wonder where the time went.
I’ve had both kinds. Sometimes on the same afternoon.
Some things give us a result we can see right away. Answer the email. Pick up groceries. Finish the report. There’s a certain satisfaction in knowing something is done.
Exercise doesn’t always give us that same feeling.
We go to the gym or take a walk, come home, and look pretty much the same. We’ve made the effort, but some of the results take their time showing up.
And apparently, we’re supposed to do it again tomorrow.
We may feel better afterward, which certainly counts. But being able to walk farther on a vacation, get up from the floor more easily, or keep doing the things we enjoy is harder to appreciate in that moment.
Those things matter to us. They just don’t tend to send reminders marked “urgent.”
So exercise gets moved to later. Then tomorrow. Then that quieter week we keep expecting to arrive.
I’m still curious about when that week is coming.
Of course, some days really are full. People depend on us. Finding time isn’t always as easy as moving something around on the calendar.
But sometimes we find ourselves thinking, “I’ll exercise once I get everything else done.”
I’m not sure I’ve ever gotten everything else done.
What’s interesting is how much of today’s busyness is already about making life better later. We work, save, maintain the house, and make plans. So much of that effort goes toward a future we hope to enjoy, often with people we care about.
We understand that some things deserve attention before we see the benefit.
Our bodies fit into that thinking, too.
When we picture a vacation or time with our children or grandchildren, we just picture ourselves enjoying it. Making time for exercise is one way of caring for our ability to do that.
And having somewhere to go may help. A class we enjoy, someone we look forward to seeing, or a regular time at the gym can give exercise a place in our week. After a while, it may take a little less deciding.
There’s something to enjoy today, too. A clearer head. A conversation. Something that feels a little easier than it used to.
The next time I hear myself say, “I’m too busy,” I’d like to pause for a moment.
So much of what I’m taking care of today is for a life I’m looking forward to. Have I made a little room to take care of the person who’s going to be there enjoying it?
About Our Body’s Story: We’re excited to introduce The Body’s Story, a weekly series from Cornerstone Clubs. Through reflective, story-driven posts, we explore how your body responds to movement, rest, stress, and daily habits—and what you can learn when you pause long enough to listen.
