I woke this morning to the sight of snow falling. Even though it’s a beautiful sight to behold, especially for us southerners who rarely see it, it made me think, “Is this winter ever going to end?”
This long winter seems to mirror image the long plateau that I have been experiencing, but just as I know that spring will soon come, I have faith that I will eventually lose these last few pounds needed to reach my ultimate goal.
Our pastor sent a morning meditation last week that resonated with me and this healthy commitment I have made. It said, Most things in life worth having require the four D’s: Desire, Dedication, Discipline, and Daily Commitment.
Just as with any new healthy change we must have a deep desire to want that change. For me I wanted to become healthier. It was no longer about losing weight and looking good. I just wanted to feel good again and be healthy enough to serve God.
To make the change a reality I had to be dedicated. I couldn’t just give up after reaching that first plateau or, as with the situation now, the fourth plateau. I have to keep working at it—everyday from now on. It’s a complete and total dedication to a healthier new lifestyle.
One of my favorite verses is from 1 Corinthians 9:27: But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified. It is more than just willpower. I must be disciplined to make myself exercise daily and resist tempting foods. Holding myself accountable to so many in my family, community, and beyond helps me to stay disciplined, so that I may be a good example.
Most importantly it is a daily commitment. Each day I strive to fit in at least 30 minutes of exercise, even if it’s at 10 o’clock at night. Additionally I strive to eat healthy each day. Occasionally I fall off the wagon by not exercising when I should have or by eating something I shouldn’t have, but it’s the daily commitment that helps me to get back on track the following day.
These four D’s have helped me to reach most of my goals and maintain them. With this desire, discipline, dedication, and daily commitment I have managed to maintain my weight loss through this dreaded cold wet winter. I am looking forward to warmer sunnier days when I will be able to get outside and exercise more, and see the change not only with the season but with my weight and continued healthy progress.
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