Self awareness: Exercise

I have been working hard over the last couple of years to become more self-aware. (If that word isn't supposed to be hyphenated please let me know.) I think it's good for all of us to be aware of why we act, think, and feel the way we do. As I have been doing this, I've become aware of lots of things about myself that were probably obvious to people around me a long time ago. Things like: I tend to talk too much, I like to be liked, and I am emotional (in a very manly way of course).
Here's a new one I have discovered: I need to exercise. I know that is extremely obvious, but I'm not just talking from a physical standpoint. Ultimately the main reason I should exercise is for my physical health, but I am discovering that exercising regularly is just as important for my spiritual and mental health as well.

Yesterday I came home very drained due to dealing with the struggles of different people, and due to the fact that I didn't accomplish all I needed to at the office. Instead of making time to exercise, I came straight home. My beautiful and wise wife, (who knows me better than I know me) suggested I should go exercise before I went back last night for a budget planning meeting. I did, and as I was walking on the treadmill I could feel my mind getting clearer and my spirit begin to lift. God was using that physical activity to renew me.

I spent years neglecting my physical health because I said I was too busy. I am slowly learning that exercise is one thing I need to make time for, and I believe that God is pleased with that.