Another month is zipping by and I have completely and utterly failed in my commitment to exercise regularly so why don't I feel more remorse? Probably because at this point in my life I want to do what I like and, frankly, I just don't like exercising enough to make it part of my daily routine. Is that wrong? Fitness gurus and exercise junkies would say wholeheartedly, "YES! GET YOUR BUTT BACK TO THE GYM!" but people who would rather lay on the grass watching the night stars come out than jog down the street ducking and dodging traffic might say otherwise.

Having a life that's fulfilled is what matters. I fill my life with family, friends, and passion. Everyone has different passions - there are no right and wrong paths - everyone chooses the one that's best for them. For example, I could no longer commit myself to becoming an avid gardener than I could try and make an avid gardener commit to becoming a writer if it wasn't something he/she had a passion to do. The same applies to exercise.

I know exercise has benefits - I know it will likely increase longevity - but, as I've watched my aging mother struggle with her health, I've realized that she was both a fitness advocate AND an avid gardener. I am neither. She may have achieved longevity at almost 87 but she's still experiencing aches and pains alongside some of her friends who were neither physically active nor scale watchers. So in the end, does it matter?

I don't think it does. It's better to love who you are right now and, when changes happen, love the person you change into just as much.

To every thing there is a season... but it's sure hard to accept that when the thing you're talking about is someone you love. My mom hasn't been well for a few years - she's had congestive heart failure since a major heart attack in December of 1995 (if you've read the book you know!)and the condition is taking a toll on her. She'll be 87 in December so I know she's had a lot more time on this planet than a lot of us will ever hope to have but life is such a hard thing for some of us to let go of and yet others seem to have no problem in throwing it away. Hmmm, go figure. Every day she struggles just to get out of bed and 'do' something. I admire her so much for her determination to live each day to the best of her ability. Today she said she's 'tired' and ready to rest. For the first time in as long as I can recall she stayed in bed to eat the lunch I made her. She appreciates the little things so much now - a car ride, a foot rub, a scrambled egg and toast... No, old age certainly isn't for sissies and I'm so grateful to come from such sturdy stock!