They say
that one of the main things needed in losing weight and exercising is getting a
buddy to do it with you. A friend and I
started using the MyFitnessPal app again this week. It has helped us keep each other encouraged,
and it makes us hold ourselves accountable for the amount of calories we take
in a day. I have another friend with
whom I walk with daily, (or TRY to). She
is the one who got me motivated, about 2 years ago, in taking better care of
myself – making some lifestyle changes.
For me, that’s a lot of what it was about when I turned 40. Not so much losing weight, (although I
DEFINITELY needed to), but making some lifestyle changes that would make me a
healthier me. Where I haven’t been 100%
faithful to the “new lifestyle”, I have purposed in my heart to change that in
2016 – to devote myself into getting fit in EVERY way.
It’s not
just about the physical part of it, although that, in itself, has plenty of
benefits. In my venture of taking better
care of myself, I’ve learned quite a few things. (1) I have more energy when I eat right and
exercise. My life is somewhat busy, and
I have a 7 year old – I NEED ENERGY!! (2)
I’ve learned that I feel better physically and mentally. I mean, I ACTUALLY feel good about myself and
my appearance. For me, that’s a HUGE
statement and accomplishment because I have fought low self-esteem for nearly
30 years. It’s not about wanting
everyone to think I look good, either.
In reality, it’s not what others think.
I strongly feel that God wants us to feel good about ourselves. That boost of confidence, with the RIGHT
SPIRIT, helps us to walk with a little spring in our steps, a smile on our
face, and a boldness to defeat intimidation.
Intimidated
by what? EVERYTHING and EVERYONE – even
ones we love and admire. When there’s a
lack of confidence or none at all, we never feel good enough. We compare our inadequacies and weaknesses to
others’ accomplishments and strengths – big or small. The Word tells us that it’s unwise to compare
ourselves to others, though.
“For we dare not class ourselves
or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves,
and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.” 2 Corinthians 10:12
So, I think
it’s fair to say that how we feel about ourselves on the physical level spills
over to our mental being. God is a
loving Father, and as any parent, He doesn’t want us thinking or feeling
negative about ourselves, (as stated earlier).
He created us so WHY would I not love and admire what He created? I’m not talking being conceited and vain. I’m talking about LOV-ING myself and wanting
to take care of what God made.
“I will praise You, for I am
fearfully and wonderfully made…” Psalm 139:14
I am the
ONLY one who can or will take care of what God created in me – physically,
mentally, and spiritually. It all starts
with my mind – my thoughts.
“For as he thinks in his heart,
so is he…” Proverbs 23:7
And my MOST
fave:
“Finally brethren, whatever
things are true, whatever things are noble . . . . just . . . .pure . . .
lovely . . .of good report . . .
if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy – meditate on
these things.” Philippians 4:8
And then, if
not careful, it AALLLLL spills over into our spiritual wellness. How we feel and what we are thinking-on
effects our prayer life? Or, at least,
it does mine. It effects our time in the
Word – studying it and digesting it – or even reading an inspirational
book. Or, at least, it does me. It effects our witness to those around
us. Or, at least, it…does…mine.
So, maybe
it’s just ME, and no one else, who needs to work and devote self to being
physically/mentally/spiritually fit. I
might be the ONLY one who needs these 3 to be working as God designed them to
lest one of them fall weak, or sick, and the other 2 follow suit. My whole system would more/less shut
down. Maybe it is JUST me.
But I doubt
it.
“Or do you not know that your
body is the temple of the Holy Ghost who is in you, who you have from God, and
you are not your own? For you were
bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and your spirit, which
are God’s.” 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
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