Life puts a lot of demands on us: the question is how to balance work, family, and our own desire to better ourselves. Eating right and exercising are both things we intend to do, but often we fall short on these goals. Whether we're unmotivated to work out, too busy to get to the gym on a regular basis, or reluctant to trade time with the family for 45 minutes on a treadmill, there are solutions.

The first principle of fitness is to "play out, not work out." Let's start by rediscovering the fun activities we enjoyed as kids: hiking, jump roping, dancing around the house to the radio, or playing tag with the dog. By modifying a few of your mental preconceptions, it's definitely possible to feel as lean and vital and strong as you did when you were a kid. It might even be fun.

Many of us confuse taking care of ourselves with selfishness - in fact it's just the opposite. If you want to provide service, you must be well and strong. If you want to show love to others, you must have a well of self-love to draw upon.

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