Don't Look Back

I went for a walk this morning. I had to tell myself that I was only going to walk, no running and that I wouldn't even have to go the usual 2 miles if I didn't feel like it. It took an hour of arguing with myself to get out the door, but at least I finally got outside. My favorite part of walking is the communication and revelation from God. I got some clarity this morning.

I began to think about Lot's wife. Genesis 19 tells the story; Lot and his family were told to leave Sodom and not look back. However, Lot's wife at some point just had to turn around. And she became a pillar of salt. Kind of a strange thing to think about at 7:00 a.m. But this is what I got from it:

Looking back can stop you from moving forward. It can paralyze and immobilize you. The New Living Translation says "run for your lives." (yes, I noticed the version I looked up when I got home said RUN!) it would be very difficult to run if your not looking in front of you. And probably dangerous as well. This is where I have been for the past 8 months. A frozen pillar of salt; full of purpose and meant for Gods kingdom, but stuck looking behind me. When I would go out and run my thoughts were things like: "when I left Florida I had worked up to running half a mile, now I can barely run 60 seconds." "I lost 80 pounds in 6 months, now I've gained half of it back." "I can't get back to where I was." I focused on all the things I had in the past: a personal trainer, a gym membership, friends that noticed all the work I was doing, a church I could walk (or run) to. I had no motivation to work because I felt like I was starting from behind. I couldn't see progress because I had already accomplished these things and should have been farther than I was. Looking backwards had me stuck.

I realized this morning that I can't do that. I can't think about what I weighed 8 months ago or how far I could run or how much I've lost while being stuck in the past. It's time to look forward. What i did last year is not that important. What I do now is what matters. Looking forward, moving forward, focusing on now; that's what will bring accomplishments. So right now, where I'm at, regardless of the past, I noticed that yes I get tired after a 1 minute jog but my heart rate also goes back to normal piercer quick. Right now, I can do week 2 of "Run Your Butt Off" (a great book for new runners!) I can see progress today. And if I move forward, I will see progress tomorrow.

Take a moment and examine where your at. Are you stuck looking at the past? Wishing you were back at a certain point in life? Stop. Your life isn't over yet. Turn around. Move forward. Do something today to make a change.

Today, I did the whole 2 miles that I usually do. And I ran 5 one minute sections during my walk. I accomplished more than I expected when I walked out my door this morning. That's what matters. That's what I'll hold on to. No more looking back.

Little Things Matter

I am learning to find little ways to increase my activity and raise my self esteem.  As hard as it is to spend time on myself, I must admit that I feel good when I do good things for me.  I have to remember these things when I feel down.  I'm realizing there are little things I can do to make a difference.  For example, I walk to work a few times during the week.  I throw (or gently place!) my laptop in a backpack, add my lunch, water, snacks, and any paperwork I need.  Squeeze in a cute pair of shoes and I'm out the door.  Today I started down the road and thought, "This backpack is kinda heavy; maybe I should just drive."  Then I remembered that I've recently lost 40 pounds and my backpack is much less than that so I can handle this!  As I walked the 15 minute journey to the office, I remembered the first time I took this trip.  About a year ago, I walked it one time with my daughter.  I had not even made it half way before my back was hurting and I was exhausted.  Now I can walk the whole thing.  Sometimes I walk home to!!  I am blessed with an awesome husband that picks me up when I don't want to make the return trip, but thed important thing is to find little things that will increase your dailt activity.  Here are some of the changes I've made:

I park at the end of the parking lot at Wal Mart.  No more circling around looking for close spots.  (This is probably faster anyway!!)  Sometimes I will jog to the entrance to for some added exercise.  I try to walk faster while I'm in the store.  I work on holding my stomach muscles and core tight while I'm at work.  Even though I sit most of the time, I can add to my health my squeezing those muscles!  I take the stairs instead of the elevator.  I know, I know, we've heard that before, but it works!  Not long ago, I could not walk up one flight of stairs without being extremely out of breath.  Now I make it up with no problem.  And I'm still considered morbidly obese!!  Trust me, your heart will respond to any attempts to strengthen it - regardless of how big you are.  Now PLEASE if you have health problems - seek the advise of a doctor or get their opinion on anything I tell you - just to be safe.  So, if you get up one flight of stairs and need to use the bathroom (to hide while you catch your breath so no one will see how bad it is!) just remember this.  Everytime you do that, every time you push through - you are stepping closer to the day when you will make that climb and still be able to breathe normally!  And you will be shouting on the inside when you realize it has happened!

So what small differences have you made to increase your activity?  Share your ideas . . .