Getting Healthy!

Peace family, this is a really random post, but it’s something that’s been on my heart for the last week or so. I was at a wedding with a friend who didn’t want to dance, because they felt awkward about their weight. This same friend also recently put themself down in a joke about being “fat.” It got my attention, and made me want to think of a way to help my friend stop missing out on fun things because they feel badly about their body.

First of all, your weight (or actually, any of your appearance) is not your identity; you are treasured by God, and infinitely valued! However, second, your body is the home for your soul and the temple for the Holy Spirit, and why not be the best that you can be? There are definitely good choices you can make to take care of it. I wanted to tell my friend, “You can get healthier! You are not a hopeless cause!”

Peace family, just like my friend, I want to encourage you: you, (yes, you!) CAN get healthy!

I think we get discouraged and discount ourselves a lot, but if we believe we will fail before we ever begin, and never try, then we will certainly fail. A workout instructor I enjoy has a great quote that says something like, “Transformation is not a future event. It is a choice that we make in the present.”

We also try to take short cuts, but I really don’t think any sort of pill or drink diet is going to do long-term good. I’m no body-builder, but I’m in better shape than I was in high school or even college, and I got there from consistently taking care of myself and giving myself exercise and rest, even when I didn’t want to. I personally like running, dance, and martial arts, but there are many other great ways to get moving. You can definitely find an activity that you might end up loving! That’s important, because when you’re doing something that is fun for you over all, it’s a lot easier to stick with it.

I also get a lot of motivation out of thinking through the rewards. What is your goal, and is it reasonable? Keep it realistic so that you can actually achieve what you’d like to do, and keep it submitted to God so that it doesn’t become an idol. Meanwhile, each time you exercise, afterwards, think about how good you feel. On days when it’s hard, focus in on how good it made you feel when you last succeeded at your workout. It’s even better if you have a friend who holds you accountable, and you can encourage each other as you work hard together.

Peace family, if you are wanting to get healthier, you can do it! It’s hard work, but it’s possible, and I really do think you will feel better about yourself. I am rooting for you, and saying a little prayer for you right now! You can do it.