As you may know, I exercise two or more times a week. You may not know exercise is quite challenging for me. It actually hurts. Not because I am fifty-eight years old, but due to having an atrophied right calf and nerve damage from two back-to-back spine surgeries.

Even though parts of my leg and right hip hurt, the rest of my body loves what exercising regularly does for me. I’ve gone from wearing a size 12 to a size 6. My doctor says I have the blood pressure of a young person. I sleep great except for the times my hip bothers me. I can jog/limp up several flights of stairs without having to stop. I have great stamina to get through my busy days.

Regular exercise is beneficial to having the best overall quality of life. And, what is best for me overall is causing my limp to steadily worsen. I can live with that because I have learned often the small sacrifices we make are what help us achieve our big goals.

This week do something you have been putting off because it is uncomfortable.  Maybe that is getting up and exercising. Maybe it is having a needed conversation about a difficult subject with someone you love.  Maybe cleaning out the garage, paying the bills, or organizing your desk is the small sacrifice you must make to have peace and contentment.  Love yourself by doing something you know you need to do.