It’s the thought that counts

“After all, it’s the thought that counts.”

Stretching in the gym after running several miles I heard someone say that phrase. I can’t tell you how many times I have heard it before, or how many times I have said it myself. But suddenly, as my knees throbbed and my body was dripping with sweat, my brain began to evaluate the truth behind those words.

The week previous to this run had been spent away from the gym. Through that week-long hiatus I had thought about running a lot. I had even scheduled times to run, but I was just never able to find the time and energy to actually do it. So…did all of my careful thoughts of big runs count? Did all the Chick-Fil-A nuggets get burned off by my thoughts? I wish!

I’ll take it farther:

I’ve gone to restaurants determined to eat something healthy, but somehow the smell of french fries can often lead me to a last minute change of heart. Does the thought of eating healthier actually bear any fruit?

I thought about calling a friend to catch up the other day. Did I do it? No…but I thought about it. Does that count for anything…really?

Putting thought into something I care about is essential. Whether it’s a relationship, a career, my health, or anything else I may hold dear. But when I heard that statement on this particular day it made me realize that, all too often, my great thoughts and wonderful ideas never even get done. Those ideas stop in my head.

So…knowing that, I’m going to try a little harder to make my thoughts really count by actually following through on them. It may require sacrifice of time, money, energy, comfort, or even convenience, but I’m hoping I can stick to this plan.