A few years ago, I trained a cheerful, down-to-earth; speak
her mind, and high-spirited lady. She was very likable and an easy to talk with.
Unfortunately, I was unable to help her reach her ultimate fat loss goals. At
the beginning of each week, she would inform me of her past weekend diet. Typically,
her verbal food journal would end with my sigh of anguish followed by words of encouragement
about the fundamental dos and don’ts towards losing body fat. Before I could
complete my spill, she would say, “I know, I know, I know”… However, I would still
give my speech repeatedly exclaiming – DISCIPLINE; in which she would respond, I
hate that word! I hate that word, too.
Sometimes, I play the role of a workaholic. I use to believe
there were all pros and no cons to working hard, until recently when my body
starting ‘acting out’. The month of October was a scary one. It included a
series of tests for diagnosing multiple sclerosis, a month long annoying eye
twitch and a week of right side facial numbness (TMJ), along with swelling of
my right knee, and hernia in my right groin.
Every one of my symptoms and medical issues could have been
caused by something other than fatigue. However, I’m convinced that my symptoms
were brought on by a lack of rest and sleep. With the significant amount of
research connecting fatigue to preventable diseases, you would think that this
personal trainer would get more rest. Well, I didn’t and I’m hoping that I’ve
learned my lesson.
We all struggle with something that adversely affects our overall
health. I’ve found that the warning signs normally aren’t enough for most to
discontinue their unhealthy habits. Typically, it takes our life being derailed
or feared lost before we seriously deal with an issue.
In Genesis
19, there’s a story about a family visited by angels. They were told to
leave their city because it was going to be destroyed. The family hesitated.
The bible states that under God’s compassion, the angels grabbed their hands to
promptly direct them to safety. While the land was being destroyed, they were
encouraged not to look back. Unfortunately, the family’s mother looked back and
lost her life.
To me, this story portrays the typical stages of decision
making in most people’s lives. We are offered words of wisdom, specific instruction,
and grace; with this, our eventual outcome depends on our willingness to accept
sound advice and follow through. No matter how much we desire a positive outcome;
we have to be discipline in completing the necessary steps for a better
quality of life.
My encouragement: Don’t look back. If you choose to look
back, quickly and positively reflect. Deal with the past by moving forward and
replacing those old destructive habits with positive, life-building traits. Tell
someone (whether it be a ‘hater’ or a friend) what you plan to do for
consistent accountability. Then, Commit
your ways to God and be discipline in consistently following the steps
needed to improve.
My goal is to rest smarter and more. What is yours?
