Some days it seems the world is ganging up on me. Since my baby was born, I have read something about the importance of exercise nearly every day. Even USA Weekend has a column this week about exercise as a weapon to fight Type 2 diabetes.

30 minutes a day at least 5 days a week - that's what everyone says. How hard is that to fit in? To judge by my life, you'd think it was an unachievable goal.

I easily waste 30 minutes a day (probably several times) that could be diverted to exercise. What I've been reading tells me that I can even break it into 3 10-minute segments. I live in a semi-rural area where I can safely walk with no problem. I own a dozen or more exercise DVDs, and the stability ball, yoga mat, hand weights and elastic bands to go with them.

I can only deduce that my resistance is mental! I keep waiting for an epiphany - suddenly exercise will take priority and be fun and all that jazz. I don't think it works that way in real life, though.

As a matter of fact, according to 2 psychologists; it definitely doesn't work that way. They have both told me that it works almost the opposite way. I start exercising by sheer determination and eventually, I will enjoy it or at least the benefits of exercise enough to want to continue. For years I have denied this advice and waited for the burning bush/ above mentioned epiphany.

I am still in my post-partum recovery stage, so I am restricted to walking. Here is my pledge - tonight I will walk for at least 15 minutes. I will begin walking at least 15 minutes a day and build up from there. Check back here for progress reports. I also will join in the dLife exercise forum - it looks like I am not alone in needing motivation.