Hey Gorgeous -
I'm going to go out on a limb and say that this may not be my most popular blog, but it will be my most "keepin' it real" to date. But know that it's coming from a place of love. As my pastor says, "it's tight, but it's right." And if it ignites you into action, I will sleep well tonight. =).
So here it goes...if you are a believer, or at the very least believe in a power that is greater than yourself. If you believe that you have a bold and beautiful call on your life (even if you don't know the specifics) to live in purpose on purpose, then take a deep breath before you read on.
Here's the headline:
Being healthy is not an OPTION. It is not a REQUEST, it is a REQUIREMENT.
So please stop using excuses to stunt the size of your service and impact on this world. It's time to put your health on front street to achieve and receive your exceedingly abundant life.
The word says in John 10:10 -
"I have come that they may have life and have it to the full."
Jesus didn't come for you to be sick from preventable diseases, tired, in joint pain, or carrying more weight than your body was built for. He came that you may have life - an abundant and full life! Why? Because He has plans for you.
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. - Jeremiah 29:11
You have a unique message to share with this world - an imprint that only you can make. And you have a responsibility to let your light shine.
So when the word says in 3 John 1:2 to "Enjoy good health." - it's not a request. It's a requirement for you to carry out your good work.
He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. - Philippians 1:6
Yes - there are people who are depending on you. Yes - you have more commitments than you have time for. Yes - you've tried diet after diet with limited success and have allowed negative self-sabotaging chatter to devalue your worth, your power and your potential. I could go on...
But it's time to stop with the excuses. Stop avoiding the doctor, living in pain, fatigue and emotional bankruptcy. Live in good health - one day at a time.
So what can you do today? Here are five simple action steps in five days.
If you commit to them, you will begin to see change and transformation in your whole body health. The key is to keep walking by faith (and action) and not by sight - and to focus on life gain instead of weight loss. When you do that, the midsection melts away as a bonus =).
It may take a minute for your reflection and even the scale to change, but you can begin to transform your mindset today.
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. - Romans 12:12
Day #1: Connect with your Power and your Purpose.
Your body is a beautiful temple of the Holy Spirit. Stop relying on limited will power, and experience the freedom of leaning and feeding on limitless spirit power. Connect your spiritual self to your whole body health and truly believe that you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you.
Walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh - Galatians 5:16
Wherever the Lord's Spirit is, there is freedom - 2 Corinthians 3:17
Action Plan:
1) Love on You! - Take some time to really SEE yourself in the mirror - from head to toe. See the beauty that God created in His own image. Love on that reflection - it is your partner in this whole body health adventure. When you avoid your reflection (God's creation), how do you think that makes Him feel?
Have you ever gotten the courage to finally tell that special someone that you loved them - and the response was....crickets? Well, God is saying, "I love you. I love you. I love you," but when you avoid or hate on your reflection, all He hears is...crickets.
So enjoy the love fest. See Yourself - just as you are. Love yourself - just as you are. Surrender your will, so God's will can be done. Repent if you need to say you're sorry, and Run your race!
2) Your BBW - What is your Big Bold Why? Why is it important for you to be in better health? Who is watching you and needs you as a role model? Where is your mission field? What has God been whispering to you that feels too big and "scary" to even acknowledge? Write it down and put it somewhere that you will see daily.
**NOTE: Even if it takes several days or even weeks, don't move on until you have a BBW that you are passionate about. When you have a "bad day," your BBW will help reset your intention to win the next day.
Mantra: I need to do better. I can do better. I will do better!
Day #2 - Drink more water!
Carbonated and sugary beverages account for 47% of the added sugar in the Standard American diet (S.A.D.). Added sugar is fueling the obesity epidemic which is a leading risk factor for Type 2 diabetes among other diseases. Water is sooo good for you with a laundry list of benefits.
Replace at least one serving of soda, sweet tea and pasteurized fruit juices each day with a cool refreshing glass of H20. When it gets good to you, then replace another.
Action Plan: Start with 8-16 ounces of water before/during each meal in addition to sipping from your favorite water bottle (glass or metal - please) throughout the day. To move things along, drink at least 10 gulps at a time. And to mix it up - make spa water with cucumber, citrus or strawberries, or try apple cider vinegar for a healthy tonic , or green tea.
Day #3 - Eat More Veggies!
It's time to be 'Bout that Veggie Life! Eat more veggies and fruit - and eat them first! Fill up on the foods with the most nutrients and lowest calories. Veggies are loaded with phytochemicals that can heal your body, reduce inflammation and keep a smile on your face. And is it any surprise that when you power up on the plant-based foods that God created for you, you feel and look great, have more energy and reduce risk and even prevent chronic disease?
Action Plan: Begin by eating at least one veggie or fruit with every meal. And strive for all five color groups. Each color group has different phytonutrients/antioxidants to help you live long and strong. Once you have a "Veggies First!" habit, add more!
Day #4 - Move More!
You know you need to move. The adage "move it or lose it" isn't an old wive's tale - it's truth. Your body and metabolism are slowing down as you age. You are losing muscle mass and your midsection seems to have a mind and a growth pattern of it's own.
To look and feel better, reduce stress, reduce disease risk and a host of other reasons, your body and heart need some love for durations of at least 10 minutes at a time. Ultimately you want to strive for at least 30 minutes of moderate activity per day, according the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans.
Action Plan: Get 10 more minutes of moderate to vigorous activity than you did yesterday. That's it! Find a time when you are least likely to be interrupted. Set your alarm 10 minutes earlier. Schedule it. Take a walk at lunch. Excuse proof your time! And once you're doing that consistently, add 10 more. You've got this!
Day #5 - Shrink Stress
Chronic stress contributes to a number of issues including weight gain. I realize that it's easier said than done, but the battle is not yours. Identify the root of your stress, handle the things you can, then let go and let God!
Action Plan: Put together a short Stress Reduction List, and put BREATHE at the top. Taking a deep breath is a great way to bring oxygen into your body and get present before taking a next action. And make it a a deep cleansing breath. Try Dr. Andrew Weil's 4-7-8 method. Here are some other stress reduction tips.
So there you have it! 5 Action Steps + 5 Days = A Better You. This is not about perfection, so I'm not even using the word "best." Your Divinely Designed Healthy Life*StyleTM and Practice is truly a dynamic journey and not a destination. Just do better - one day at a time.
It's truly possible to have more energy, creativity and confidence to propel yourself into your possibility. It's possible to attain your service size bodyTM to be of greatest service to God and the world - but it begins by saying "Yes!" to you and then doing the work.
It's not a request, it's a requirement, but you don't have to do it alone or in isolation. Join the Fit thru Faith Village Facebook group or reach out to me via email. Get an accountability partner to walk this journey with you.
OK, I'm done =). Yes, I did rant a bit, but only because I know your power and potential. I know that you want more for you, but you need support. If this article spoke to you in any way, I'd love to hear what action step you are going to take. Comment below, email me or post in Facebook Group.
Don't wait for your doctor to tell you what to do - start looking, feeling and serving better today!
Blessings & XO!
Charlie Jordan Brookins
Your Girlfriend in Whole Body Health
Founder, Fit thru Faith
