Quick Health Update:
As most of you probably know, 2017 was not an easy year, particularly due to ongoing health issues. I am incredibly thankful that 2018 has overall been a healthier year and we estimate that I’m probably 80% well (from healing from the Adrenal Fatigue). One of the less than pleasant outcomes of my health issues last year was about an 80 pound weight gain over a period of about 6 months due to a medication I had to take. While I’ve been off of that medication for some time now, it has not been easy to lose the weight, especially with limited physical activity.
Discipline: New 2018 Focus Word
Based on the weight loss challenge and other factors, too, I decided in March to declare ‘Discipline’ as my new focus word for the year. I now have a plan for the remainder of the year to focus on various aspects of my life each month that need greater discipline. A few of my areas include: weight loss (tracking food daily), studying for my NCE to eventually have my LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor), and more consistent cooking at home (1 day a week minimum).
Weight-loss Journey
If any of you have ever been on a weight loss journey, then you probably can relate to the s-l-o-w process and discipline required to reach your goal. I’ve finally lost the first 10 of 80 pounds, but it’s felt like a grueling process of victories and defeats! Without being able to do aerobics, running, or even fast walking like I used to, I can’t rely on activity to counterbalance poor eating choices. I am thankful for Weight Watchers for their meetings, accountability, and community, as well as a few close friends who are regular encouragers along the way. I’ve never had this much weight to lose, so it’s great to have so many helpful resources and support!
Lessons on the Journey: Patience with the process
I’ve been learning about the value of process over the past year, and I see weight loss as one more opportunity to really reflect on the lessons gained while ON the journey, while IN the process (not just the victory of meeting the ultimate goal). This weight loss process reminds me of the phrase “The journey is the reward.”
There are dozens of lessons along the journey, if we only have eyes to see and a growth perspective. One of the greatest lessons I am learning now is the importance of the simple discipline of tracking my daily food intake. Tho simple, it’s not easy! (even with a scanner, and a very user-friendly WW app!) The good news is that the lessons I’m learning about discipline will apply to many other areas of my life, as well . (Make the right choice, even if you don’t feel like it. Right action, feelings will follow…)
What’s your process? What’s your journey?
What process are you in the middle of? Maybe you’re on a weight loss journey like me, waiting each week to see the next pound go and trying to find value in the process or maybe you’re in the process of learning to love a difficult person in your life and you’re taking baby steps each day and week to learn to love him/her well.
Whatever process you’re in, I hope you’ll pause to appreciate where you’re at in your journey, acknowledge your progress, ask God to give you patience for the road ahead, and eyes to see the blessings and the lessons along the way.
I’m sure many of you are like me, and we’d like to skip ahead to the finish line, to the answered prayer, to the ultimate goal weight, but unfortunately, we can’t press fast-forward through the process. My hope and prayer for you and for me is that we might have a new perspective on whatever process or journey we’re in the middle of.
May we learn to find joy on the journey, have patience in the process, and a grateful heart to carry us through. 🙂
GratefulOne 