I often get the comment, “I don’t know how you do it all.” It’s usually in reference to my workouts. I always have the same answer: it’s a priority.

For example, here are my priorities:

• Family
• Friends
• Work
• Exercise
• Making dinner

And here are NOT my priorities:

• Cleaning the house
• Washing my car
• Making the bed
• Washing the dishes

(source)

First, let me clarify and say that our house is not dirty! I’m just saying that the house might go an extra week without dusting, the laundry might not get put away right away, or the dishes might have to wait until tomorrow. It’s a house C’s friends know they can come and hang out and eat snacks in the basement while playing Wii or Legos. It’s a house where the dogs are allowed to sleep on the couch and in the beds. Simply put, it’s a house that’s lived in.

My family is always my #1 priority. And 95% of the time if I miss a workout it’s because of them. Because I have to be at a soccer game or bake cupcakes for a school party or even just cuddle on the couch and watch a movie together because we haven’t seen each other all week.

Other than that my workouts are a top priority. I just do them. Period. J and C both know how important exercise is in my life and they accept that. They also know that I’m a MUCH happier person when I get my workouts in. So, most of the time, they encourage me to get them done. They don’t want a crabby mama and/or wife! Besides my long runs (which I usually get up early on the weekends to do so it doesn’t affect them anyways), my workouts are generally an hour or less. No big thang. One hour to myself is not a big deal. One hour a day to myself equals 23 hours of sanity.

I’ve always said that a happy mama = a happy kid. Same with the hubs, a happy wife = a happy life.

Besides, if it’s something you really want, you will make the time. It’s as simple as that.

What’s on your priority list??