I have never been one for exercise. When I was a boy, I hated PE (Physical Education), not just because it was hard physical effort, but because I was a lot younger and smaller than all the other boys in the class and was made to feel puny and insignificant. Consequently, I never achieved any great levels of fitness or strength. This condition has carried me throughout my life, so I guess being a wimp is not so bad after all.

That is, until I started treatment for cancer. I was told that the treatment (hormones) would negatively impact bone and muscle strength. Given the low starting point, I determined to do something about it. I still put off the evil day though, right up to the start of Lent this year. I then realised that I really needed to do something about it, so I joined the local gym and have started a program of exercise. Although I have only been working for 8 weeks, I can tell that the exercise is starting to make a difference. I even find that I enjoy the exercise and that it’s not that bad.

The time on the rowing machine and treadmill give me a chance to think and even pray. No great revelations yet – but there’s still time. It has made me think about other areas of life where I have been putting something off. Or, in general, why we do find some things difficult. Often it’s because we are self-conscious – wonder what others will think. Or perhaps we feel we can’t do it. We’re not worthy. The excuses can mount up.

But who are we fooling? The majority of other people at the gym are not fitness freaks with bodies of muscle. They are ordinary people, just like me. They don’t care what I look like or how well I can do things. If anything, they are supportive and encouraging.

What might you be putting off? What reasons do you find to support your (lack of) action? You may be missing out on something positive. Something necessary for your health and well-being. Support from people around you. Who knows the full benefits?

I put things off until I decided that my Lent discipline this year should be to put my health on track. How long can you wait to stop putting off that which holds you back?