Discipline: Easier Said than Done

Hello dear friends - lovely weather for the last week. I’ve been enjoying getting outside in the sunshine.  Since my last message, I’ve lost 2 lbs. The key to weight loss is perseverance. There will always be obstacles and things that will take you off track…but success comes as long as you stay focused on the long-term goal and don’t let short-term issues discourage you. I have to remind myself of that daily.

I also have to remind myself that transformation comes from training, not trying. Trying to do something is vague and without a true plan. Training requires patience, discipline, and a willingness to “stick with it.” To lose weight, there must be more than a desire to change. There must be a willingness to change, and a process is required. My process is minor changes in my diet; increasing my exercise; getting more sleep; decreasing stress; and prayer. I know that God is eager to help in times of need and that I can do nothing apart from Him. I also know that God wants me to be strong physically, as well as spiritually. All of this requires discipline.

Discipline is easy to say, but hard to put into practice for food addicts. But discipline will enable me to be the person God wants me to be so that I can fulfill his vision for my life. So I must step outside of my comfort zone and take on the challenges that are required to live my life at a healthy weight…with exercise being my hardest challenge. However, on the days that I fit extra exercise into my schedule, my body feels good; my mind knows I have the strength I need for tougher challenges in the future; and my soul feels more alive, energized and joyful knowing that I’m becoming the person I’m meant to be!

Treat Tip: I found a new no-sugar-added popsicle, Budget Saver Monster Pops, at Walmart this past week. It has 40 calories and is very refreshing. It’s a combo of strawberry, orange, and banana and the package states it’s a “slushed” popsicle….the only thing I know is that it tastes good and is refreshing. Give it a try and let me know what you think in the comments! J

Refocus on the Pay Off

I’m checking in again after two more weeks….and what a couple of weeks it has been. I sincerely hope that you are all well and that flood waters did not cause anyone serious damage. My home remained dry but I have seen signs of the devastation it caused in my mom’s neighborhood. I see people who have lost belongings….people who must now refocus their energies and monies in a way they never believed possible before last week. Even in this tragedy, neighbors are helping each other….rising above their circumstances and moving forward. 

I find that I must also rise above my circumstances. I’ve let obstacles get me off track with my food choices and exercise goals. I, too, must refocus my energies and attempt course correction. To me, course correction comes from admitting my weakness, praying to God for strength, and having faith that He will supply me with that strength.

Admitting my weaknesses does not mean just saying “I’m weak, Lord.” It means taking serious accountability for my choices. Every day I have the choice to eat in a healthy manner and to exercise. I am responsible for my actions….every choice I have made to date has put me in my current position…no one but me can change my behaviors. Temptation is always there and I have to learn to deal with it---because it certainly knows how to deal with me. That is they way that addictions work. So, I’m asking everyone to pray for me during the next two weeks. I’m going to focus on finding something fun to do that involves exercise. I want to rediscover the fun in exercise by doing something that makes me laugh—while I sweat. I think that dancing might just pay off:

The pay off for my body:  Enjoyable activities keep me motivated and means I’ll make time for it.

The pay off for my mind:  I’ll start to view exercise as play and not mindless work.

The pay off for my soul:  The silliness and child like fun will boost my spirit.

The next time I write, I’ll let you know what I tried and if it worked for me.

FYI----my house is back together and area rugs are on my new tile floors. Painting is next and will commence in a few weeks. I’m going to put on upbeat music and have a painting party----I’ll get my “painting groove” on. Oh  yeah…I’ve got moves…LOL