5 Things You Can Do Right Now to Begin Again
Have you ever felt like there is just no good time to start that thing you’ve been putting off?
Or maybe you believe you’ve gotten to that elusive goal a time or two, but you’ll never get there again?
Well let’s call out these thoughts for what they are...
LIES!!
A few days ago, and about two weeks after my hip replacement surgery, I was listening to myself. (It’s so important to pay attention to our thoughts!)
And I realized I was talking trash to me. Saying things like:
- Oh well...I guess I’m really not supposed to maintain that level of fitness.
- I really felt great back then, but obviously it’s just too hard to maintain.
- Who really cares - I am 62 after all.
Say what?
Yeah...no. This is not going to be my story!!
About four years ago, I went on a fitness journey that truly changed my life. At about 61 years old, I was as fit as I’ve ever been. I never could’ve imagined this just four years before, when I was 57. That’s when I truly started to believe:
- I guess this is it. I’m always going to be fat.
- It’s okay, I’ve lived my life. I’ve tried to get fit. I guess it just isn’t going to happen.
- Maybe all this nutrition and fitness stuff isn’t for everyone. I mean...really? I’m supposed to live without bagels?
Then I went to the doctor.
All my numbers indicated I was headed down a dangerous path - high sugar and cholesterol, elevated blood pressure, and the scale proved I was at a higher weight than ever.
It was a wake-up call followed by countless messages and open doors.
This led me to a gym, low-carb nutrition plan, and a 10-week challenge at MaxFit. I was the girl who said I HATED working out with others in a gym. Yet there I was, showing up every day. I’d look in the mirror and cry happy tears because I couldn’t believe this was me. I felt better and better as the 10-week challenge progressed.
I did well with that challenge - and continued for four years.
I did not weigh myself except at the doctor’s for six-month checkups. The number was not important. How I felt was the key. And I felt great!!
I was consistent with exercise and mostly low carb. But definitely up and down and back and forth with nutrition - not wildly, two steps forward, one step back, a few times. And that was okay! Overall, I was eating well and exercising regularly…and most importantly, feeling vibrant and healthy!!
I had a hip issue all along. In fact, many days I would limp into the gym…people often asked me, “Are you limping?” I was, but somehow I was able to do this 45-minute workout with a little discomfort. You wouldn’t call it pain. I also had Physical Therapy two times a week two years into the journey.
Then, COVID!
In the beginning, I kept up with my exercise through Zoom classes. But I was having more and more difficulty getting through the class. I wasn’t able really to take a leisurely walk very far without a lot of pain. On vacation in Maine, I tried a very short hike mid-summer that purportedly pretty much anyone could manage, and practically had to be carried down. By the end of the summer, I was able to ride my bike about a half hour, but that was about it. I was also going to Physical Therapy at least once a week, which offered temporary relief until the next appointment.
Though terrified, I decided to have total hip replacement surgery.
The pain was outweighing the fear.
Well, surgery was three weeks ago. And I’m feeling better, taking steps forward every day. I don’t have that nagging pain in my hip. Yes, I’m recovering from the surgery and my body is going through an adjustment period. But, truthfully – though many with experience told me this – I never could’ve imagined how good I’d feel three weeks after this major surgery.
However, in terms of my fitness, I’ve definitely had a major setback. I’ve gained weight and gotten off track of my eating plan. I was starting to think in ways I had before my fitness journey began - defeated and believing that feeling healthy and fit was not within my grasp. I decided my peak fitness a summer ago was fleeting and I’ll never get there again.
And then, the other day, I read my Word for You Today devo. And it was what I call a Flashing Neon Sign from God. When you just know that you know this message is straight from God to you.
“Elise, you can begin your life over again!”
That message sunk deep into my heart and mind at just the right moment.
Friend we can begin again each day. Each day is new. Each day offers an opportunity to start. Our God’s mercies are tender, gentle and new every day.
If you find yourself having a desire to change – to be a better version of yourself physically, spiritually, emotionally, psychologically, relationally – don’t believe the lie that you can’t. You can!
Here are five steps to change –
Define the changes you want to make – Do a brain dump. Write down every change you’d like to make.
Choose one thing. When we choose all the things – we become overwhelmed. Choose the most important, doable thing. Start there. You will build the momentum to change the next thing.
Listen to what you’re saying to yourself – Call out lies. Write them down. And counter them with the truth. Instead of, “I guess I’m just going to struggle with my fitness my whole life,” shift to “I am able to take control of my health and make positive changes that will make me feel good!”
Define your goal and make it SMART – Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, Timely. “I will walk 10,000 steps a day, five days a week.” “I will write for a half hour a day, six days a week until I’ve written my first draft of my book.” “I will take 15 minutes a day, every day (busy moms!), to take care of me in some way – read, walk, color, listen to my music, pray, meditate, take a quick YouTube class.”
Do it! Commit to you. Those small steps will add up to a healthier happier you.
Oh, and if you mess up…or if this all sounds great, but it’s the holidaze…Remember, you can always begin your life over again. Anytime you like!!
What change will you make? I’d love to know…I’d love to cheer you on!