One Body

In my last post, I mentioned that I had started to carve out time for myself.  And, since there are only 168 hours each week, that time needed to be pulled from something else - which was this blog.

So, what was I doing?  I was finding ways to work out and get myself back into shape.  There were many reasons why I wanted to do this:

 - I didn't have many clothes to wear when I was busting out of a size 14
 - I look at my kids and know - I want to be here for as long as I possibly can and enjoy as many moments as I possibly can.  I need to be healthy to do that.
 - And, honestly, I didn't feel good about myself anymore...

I give so much to so many other places, but I wasn't giving to myself.  And here is what that got me…

Weight - 163lbs
BMI - 26 (Over Weight Category)
% Body Fat - 33.9% (Obese Category)
Pant Size - 14

Ugh! - How did I get here?  

I continued to put me last.  I gave to everyone and everything else, and left nothing for myself.   And, just like on a plane when they say "put your mask on before helping others" (been on more planes these past few weeks than I care to mention) - we need to take care of ourselves first.  If we don't take care of ourselves, we cannot be there for others.

So, what have I been doing?

Well, first, I started taking Advocare products.  If you haven't heard of Advocare, please check out their website at www.advocare.com.  It's a premier health & wellness company with an online distribution channel.  Plus, it's a Christian-based company, which I love.  And, the products are amazing!!!  They have lots of different offerings from:

 - Wellness products 
 - Performance products
 - Weight Loss / Trim products

I must add that I would never had heard about Advocare had it not been from an amazing friend that God brought in my life through the strangest event - a Mudathlon!  Much more to share there in a different blog…

After a few weeks of just taking the products, I saw a difference, but I also knew - there is no silver bullet.  If I wanted to see real results, I needed to put in real effort.

Enter another amazing friend God brought into my life who told me about the Fitbit.  If you don't know about the Fitbit - I call it the socially cool pedometer (is that even possible?!?!).  Yes!  Check it out at www.fitbit.com

So, with some encouragement from my friend, I bought the Fitbit and started walking.  And, I mean just walking.  Not jogging, not running…just walking.  

I set my goal at 10,000 steps per day (about 5 miles).  That was a stretch goal on most days.  But, since I saw how truly inactive I was, it got me motivated to get off the couch.

Now, most days I walk over 11,000 steps!!!  WooHoo!!!

So, what were the results?

 - I feel great!!  
 - I am much happier with myself, so I am a much kinder & patient person
 - By taking care of myself, I feel like I am better able to handle the stress of the day (both at work and at home)
  - And, since I spend many of those walks listening to my favorite Christian artists, I use the time to spend with God, to work on my relationship with Him.  

Not the results you were thinking of???  I know.  But those are the ones that really should matter.  Those are the ones that make the real difference.  But, since I said where I started, here is where I am currently...

Weight - 144lbs (down 19lbs)
BMI - 22.2 (right in the middle of Normal)
Body Fat - 26% (Acceptable - almost in the "Fitness" category)
Pants Size - 8 (Yep, you saw that right!!!  Single digits - WooHoo!!!)
Total Inches lost - 15!!

And, now that I feel better about the way I look on the outside, I know I am more willing and able to share my Light on the inside.

Matthew 5:14-16 (GNB):  You are like light for the whole world.  A city built on a hill cannot be hidden.  No one lights a lamp and puts it under a bowl; instead he puts it on the lamp stand, where it gives light for everyone in the house.  In the same way your light must shine before people, so that they will see the good things you do and praise your Father in heaven.

Now, the key is that I am able to share my journey with others in a way that isn't boastful or bragging.  My biggest joy in this journey is my growing faith, my closeness with God.  When people ask about what I did, I also always share this:
 - Advocare is a Christian company
 - I learned about both Advocare and Fitbit from amazing women God brought into my life
 - My exercise routine (which still consists of walking) is my personal time with God

My changes on the outside only represent my changes on the inside.  I am so amazingly thankful that God has allowed this change be another vehicle for me to share His word and work with others.  

Lord, thank you so very much for the changes you have made in my life - both on the inside, and on the outside.  I continue to pray for your help and guidance, to continue to seek you first, and to be patient when listening for the answers.  Thank you so very much for each part of this journey.