Self-Reflection Sundays: Losing Weight

If you're like me, one of the first things that you do when you wake up in the morning is check Facebook. It might not be the very first thing, but it's on the list. We all know the question asked right when you open the app: "What's on your mind?" I want you to think about what has been on your mind/ heart. The thing that you've been longing for but have used every excuse weighing on you as to why you can't have it. Imagine if you just went for it with no inhibitions; what's the worst that could happen?

I didn't need to wait for 2020 in order to understand that life is unpredictable. But the year has still been an eye-opener to finally put some aspirations into action and prayerfully this will be the time that I stick to them. The time is now! All the gifts, all the dreams. Put it into action NOW! All the goals, work on them NOW!

I have quite a few things that are in the works; one of them is creating a healthy lifestyle. Over the past few years, I've succumb to excuses for why I haven't been consistent; from not having the time to exercise because of the demands brought on by working and having a family, to not eating healthy because of pregnancy cravings, to choosing unhealthy fast food choices because I was on the go. There's plenty more, but the point is that it boiled down to me being undisciplined. It wasn't that I didn't have time. I just wasn't managing it well, I wasn't prioritizing, I was easily distracted. This past week I decided that enough was enough. My husband has been making some huge strides and he's inspired me to jump on the bandwagon. No more excuses about what I don't have access to. I have to use what I do have to intentionally meet my goals. This involved thinking about obstacles ahead of time, and setting a plan to counter them. And I don't have to do it alone because my husband is here supporting and working with me. 

The reality is that no matter how much I plan, I still have to choose, each time, to make the right decision. If I'm habitually late to things, then I can go to bed early and set alarms, but it's still up to me to get out of bed when the alarm goes off. If I want to read the Bible more, I might set a reminder on the Bible app but I still have to choose not to ignore it when I see it. If I have a deadline for a piece of writing, I have to carve out time each day or whatever interval I set and actually write. If I want to be a musician and singer, I have to take out time to practice.

One thing about striving for a goal is that I  have to be realistic, or else I'd be setting myself up for failure. For instance, I am aware that I'm a HUGE snacker. So instead of buying a lot of things with sugar, I have to not only buy healthier options, but I also need to buy a lot of them so that when I run out, I don't resort to getting the bad stuff to meet my cravings. Alternatives also need to match what I'd be missing. For example, my crunchy snacks such as cookies or chips are replaced with apples or carrots with peanut butter, celery with ranch dressing, trail mix, rice cakes, red peppers with hummus, etc. Instead of ice cream, I eat yogurt with fruit in it or almonds and honey. I even freeze it in ice trays. Instead of candy, I eat raisins or fruit. Instead of cake or muffins, I make flourless pancakes. Instead of sugar in my oatmeal, I use honey and cinnamon, even fruit. I also have been choosing meatless options such as veggie burgers. Consistent healthy eating is an attainable goal. 

As far as exercise, I recognize that getting to the gym is not necessarily feasible during this season of my life. Thus, I have opted to jog in the morning before my husband goes to work; no equipment or gym membership needed to do that. However, it does require discipline. It's not always easy waking up early. But when I remember why I'm doing it, it pushes me to get up. If I need more, there are plenty of YouTube workouts that can be done at home. I have workout DVDs and I even have an elliptical right in my house. I plan to go as hard as I can and I wish the same for you. Whatever you want, don't make excuses for all the things you don't have right now. USE WHAT YOU HAVE!

Okay, I'm probably not the only one yelling at you to get started, or go back and pick up the ball you dropped to shoot your shot. But at the risk of redundancy, I'm going to say it anyway. Like Nike says: Just Do It! What's hindering you? What are you waiting for? Whatever you are longing for, whatever you are dreaming of, whatever it is that's purposed in you, go for it. Whatever you want changed, change it. Don't just write down your goals. Go after it! Have someone working with you so you're not alone. Get someone to pray with you and hold you accountable. You have one life to live on Earth. Make it your best one.

In May, I was 212lbs. I gave birth in July. As of today, I am 201.2. My goal is to lose 30lbs by the end of the year!