I do some of my best thinking on the treadmill. I happen to have one at home and whenever I hop on for a power walk or run, my mind starts working. Sometimes, I plot the course of my day as the miles tick by. Sometimes, I watch my kids play in front of me and marvel at their passion for pirate ships, dragons, and Lego creations of all kinds. Other times, I generate items for my ongoing to-do list, I dream up ideas for stories I can write -- like this one -- and when I'm feeling really reflective, I count my blessing on that treadmill.

My treadmill is more than an exercise apparatus. It's a location that is all my own, reserved not only for the fine-tuning of my body but for the fitness of my mind too. I never knew that piece of equipment, purchased more than seven years ago and still going strong, would be such a great investment. Now, I know.