Tomorrow marks my three year anniversary of adopting an active, healthy lifestyle.
I can't believe it's been three years since I started this journey. Some days are a breeze. Some days are challenging. Some days are a downright struggle. Regardless, I keep going. I finally accepted and realized my struggle with food, weight etc. would be a lifelong venture three years ago.
My mom shared the following quote with me recently and it supports the notion I'll never be done.
"You may have to fight a battle more than once to win it"
- Margaret Thatcher
Weight management is a battle for me. But it's one battle I'm going to keep fighting.
I had the opportunity to hear Kendra speak at the public dedication of the Spoelhof Center at Calvin College this winter. Since the facility is athletic in nature, it only made sense to have one of its shining alumni speak at the ceremony. Tidbits from Kendra's speech that day still resonate with me and guide me through this journey...
"Health is one choice at a time"
"Daily choices equal better health"
"We must be good stewards of ourselves"
She pointed out God gave us the gift of life. It's up to us to use our body to the fullest. Not a day goes by when I don't have to think about what I'm going to eat, how much I've eaten etc. The energy and effort it takes is sometimes exhausting but is necessary for me to be a good steward of the body He gave me, and gave me a second chance at.
I've had the opportunity to really dive into my relationship with food the past three months. I've uncovered some crazy stuff, deep rooted patterns/behaviors. It's tough finding out what I'm finding out but I have faith it will be worth it in the end.
Here's to another year of my journey. May you be a good steward of your body too. We have one chance at life. I made the decision to take control before my health took control of me. If today finds you in a similar situation, I encourage you to do the same.
As I said in my Healthy Lifestyles speech at work about two years ago, "life is still life, days are still stressful, there's never enough money, not enough time - you name it. But it sure is a heck of a lot easier carrying around fewer pounds".
Friday, July 03, 2009
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4 comments:
I am so proud of you, Anne. I remember being with you three years ago in GH as you began this journey. I had no doubts that you'd be successful. I did however have doubts about your "astronaut" food though ...
Those are some excellent words, Anne! Thanks for sharing!
Anne you are my inspriation to stay healthy also. I knew you could and will continue to achieve you goals. I do remember the look on the face of the young waiter in Petosky when you asked for hot tea water and a soup bowl/hold the soup please~~But you got it!! Congratulations on your Independence Day. mom
You should look up the Oprah that was on yesterday. Oprah shared her personal struggle with weight and shared that she finally has come to the conclusion that it abut balance for her. It was really interesting to hear her talk about how she has "everything" yet was so angry with herself for not being able to tackle her weight issue. It was really interesting and motivating to remember that for some of us it is something we have to always be conscious about!
Jessica
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