FORE!
Weekly weightloss update: -4 lbs (this actually represents 2 weeks since I didn’t weigh-in last week)
Inches lost: Chest: 0; Waist: ½” Hips: 0; Arms: 0; Thighs: ¼”
Well, I never thought the 60’s would feel so good! When I get to the point that I’m about to enter into the next 10 lb. segment I get really excited. Losing these 4 lbs. even with a vacation in the middle of it all took me to 169. Moving from the 70’s to the 60’s is a real motivator and I’m focused now more than ever to stay on course to hit the 40’s before Thanksgiving.
Lately I’ve been thinking a lot about the journey of this transformation and less on the final destination. Although I have a ways to go until I reach my goal weight there are some things that have surfaced that have given me pause.
I haven’t shared with too many people the reason(s) why I started this journey to begin with and why I am so determined to see it through. I recently shared my story with two friends and realized the power in verbalizing the event that made me stop and take notice. So, I thought I’d share it here for all to read hoping that it may move others to take similar inventory of life’s choices.
Ok, so here goes. I decided to start 2012 with a 21 day prayer and fast. It wasn’t your typical bread and water fast but rather one of fasting from solid foods (I ate nothing but veggie soups, gazpacho soups, etc.), caffeine, sugar and things that distract me from truly hearing the Lord’s voice in my heart; things like Facebook, watching too much TV, Words with Friends, etc. I was out of work at the time and so I was really trying to quiet myself from outside distractions so I could really focus on next steps in my career and my response to this season in my life; I wanted to hear the Lord’s will for this next phase of ‘me.’ So by denying my physical wants I was able to focus only on prayer and listening for that whisper of clarity.
Anyone who is familiar with focused prayer knows that whispers of truth do come. They may not always make sense but when the Lord puts something on your heart it is clear and undeniable. This 21 days of prayer and fasting gave me two very clear messages: 1) “Step up in leadership.” That’s it. I’m not sure exactly what the Lord means here but it’s changed how I approach the every day decisions and relationships in my life. I ask myself daily, “am I putting my values into action?” It also means I’ve let go of some risk-taking fear.
The second message, which is more pertinent to this blog was, “I have something I want you to do but you can’t do it in your current body.” BAM, wack me on the side of the head. I was more concerned with the “want me to do” part since I was struggling with some career options and job choices but I heard the second part just as clearly: get strong, get healthy, and lose weight — I have something I want you to do that will require you being the best and strongest you can be. This is what is at the core of my weight-loss journey. I have since landed a great job (yeah!) and continue to take care of an aging parent. I’m not sure where this weigh-loss journey is taking me but I believe in my heart that wherever my next phase takes me I will need to be physically strong. For now I’m taking the time to learn from journey.
Speaking of learning from the journey: This week I had the chance to try some golf. After whacking a bucket of balls and trying my hand at the putting greens I think I’ll stick with the putt-putt courses where hitting the ball into the windmill and through the clown’s nose is the highlight of the game. After my day on the course I came home to avil and the hot tub just to feel normal again.
Hit ‘em straight and long is a mantra you won’t be hearing me chant anytime soon. But hey, I gave it a shot (literally) and thought it might be for me. It wasn’t.
What new thing(s) have you tried lately?
