A year ago today I started working out. It was the first time since high school that I stepped foot in a gym. The athlete that I had once been was a bit scared and timid to walk into a fitness class or lift weights...I wasn’t that person anymore. I was 15 years older, had given birth to four children, and assumed that my days of being athletic and fit were behind me.
I did it mainly to be an accountability partner for a friend. I also thought it couldn’t hurt...as far as giving me more energy and helping me to be healthier.
After my first workout class, I couldn’t walk down the stairs in my house without the railing for A SOLID WEEK. I felt 90 years old!
Once I got past that point, I didn’t want to give up- as I knew that starting was the hardest part. I had to keep moving forward and improving...any step forward was progress!!
Little did I know twelve months ago, that this year would be the hardest, most trying year to date of my life. But God knew.
Exercising became a source of stress relief. My body felt better, my mind gained clarity, and I was able to use the time to think through life, talk to God, listen to podcasts, problem solve, and set goals. It was not only good for me physically, but also mentally and spiritually.
As I look back a year later, I am pleasantly surprised with the results. That baby body that I thought was the new me eventually disappeared. I feel stronger and more energetic than I have in years. I have not lost much/any weight...but have toned and gained muscle instead of fat.
And just for the record...consistency is the key. I now am only able to work out 2-3 times a week for an hour each time. I would ideally like to do more, but this is what I can fit in my schedule. Something is always better than nothing!! Start small and with time you will see big results!
This year, I am continuing to place an emphasis and time on exercise. I now realize that I am not too old nor had too many kids to be fit and feel good. However, my mindset has slightly shifted and refocused. Our bodies are only here for a short time, but our souls will last for eternity...and the soul we have now will be the one we have forever!! I want to place my focus on exercising spiritually so my inward woman (my heart) grows strong!! I want take care of my physical body, but I want my priority to be on my inward person being renewed day by day. I want to be able to stand strong against the devil, and be used mightily for God. That doesn’t happen through osmosis. It happens through intentional spiritual exercise:
- FEEDING on Gods word
- FELLOWSHIP in prayer with God
- FINDING time to be alone with God and FOCUS
- FIGHTING against the enemies of the soul.
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