Resolution #1- Spiritual Life. In the past I have pledged several times to read the Bible in a year...and honestly, it's never happened. I know that I've read most of the Bible, the prophets and some of the history are what I still need to get to. I'm reading the minor prophets in my minor prophets class, so that's a good move forward, but...I decided not to make that particular pledge this year of getting through it all in a year. Instead, I made a resolution to get to church every Sunday this year. In the last few years, I started finding it more and more tempting to stay home on Sundays. It got to the point where I'd be proud of myself for going two weeks in a row, and automatically take the third week off. Not very productive. So, now it's been...7 weeks! And I can see amazing things happening. I am getting to know more people! I am really investing in people! I am finding joy in it! I am serving in ways I never have before. It really feels like a time of renewal. A few of the Sundays, I have had a hard time getting out of bed...because it's soo warm! And because I don't always get enough sleep on Saturday nights, so I should focus on that, too. Anyway. It feels nice, and my spiritual life feels more alive.
Resolution #2, Health & Fitness. Ugh. I did NOT have a good start on this one. Background info, I lost 15 pounds in October/November of 08, and everyone was complimenting me when I went home for Christmas...and then somehow I fell off the wagon? And didn't get back on till the last week of January. Gained back 10 pounds of the 15 I'd lost, but I've been at it for a little over two weeks again, exercising most days, eating smart...and I'm down 5 pounds. So only 5 more pounds to go to get back to where I was. And then I'd like to lose another 15 this year. The things that have been most helpful to me in this endeavor are....
- A reality check. I did not like where I was with my weight. I've been hanging out at around the same spot for years, and I am not content with it. So, I just had one of those moments...where you look at the path you're on, and decide whether or not you're going to stay that course. I do not still want to feel "fat" when I'm 25, 26, 27...etc. So, that means I have to do something about it NOW. I've been working out for years now, but this spurred a much more regular, disciplined, and goal-oriented type of working out
-Looking up the calories in the food that I most enjoy. Boy was that sobering.
-Education- I LOVE Jillian Michaels, personal trainer on The Biggest Loser. She has a radio show that they stream online, which I'm thankful for, cuz it airs on Sunday mornings and I can't listen to it then, since I'm at church. So, I listen to that most weeks. I get 3 hours of a really smart woman who has changed her own life and several other people's lives through fitness and nutrition education.
-I'm getting closer and closer to the age when I'd like to start having children. I do not want to weigh over 200 pounds when I'm pregnant. Which at my current weight, would happen. I want to be in good shape, to give my children the best start I can give them.
-Family history of cancer. If you don't take care of yourself, your chances are going to increase. I'm aware that I can do everything right as far as health and fitness go, and still get cancer someday, but I need to do what I can for me- I need to fight it NOW, and not be a victim.
I really like reviewing the things that are helping inspire me to be healthier. And the truth of the matter is you just FEEL GOOD. I may love the taste of fast food, but I sure don't love that bloaty feeling, fat feeling, that comes later. Eating healthy can be delicious, and it typically does not come with the same after-effect.
Peace!