It didn’t work… but it’s not the end

To all the people who spend time exercising and eating well only to not see a shift on the scale or maybe the number bumped up. All the effort given but the goal is still out of reach. All the work put in but it still didn’t make a difference. The disappointment that hits when that becomes your reality.

First, I want to say “I am proud of you. Keep going!”

To all the people who think they are too far gone for wellness.

I say, “You are not. I believe in you. Let’s get started!”

I have spent a lot of time worrying about the number on the scale. Even this morning, I stepped on the scale with no movement. This is where I must remind myself this is not a “how fit can I get journey” this is a journey of wellness.

So I ask…

You may have not seen the scale move or pant size drop, but did you see any improvement in your life?

Maybe you learned how to organize your day for more margin. Or maybe you have been sleeping better. Or maybe you have noticed your skin glowing. Or maybe you feel like you are more present with your children. Do not let the scale or the size of your pants steal the life you have.

For me, my improvements are not flashy and most probably won’t ever see the biggest one. I have been crying out of empathy again. I would say this is huge for me! Because for so long I have allowed myself to be partially numb. I would allow myself to feel just enough, but not experience the full feeling. Emotions are unpredictable and I like my life really predictable! But predictability is not the work God is in. He is in the unpredictable. I am learning to live in this unpredictable life without fear. My daily intentions to live a life of wellness has brought me here.

I don’t believe I have ever read a passage in scripture about needing to be a certain weight or size. I do believe that their are scriptures that instruct us to care for what we are given, to work hard intentionally, to eat with enjoyment, to trust God’s faithfulness, to prepare for the future.

“To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given. But from those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away.” Luke 19:26 NLT

“That is why I work and struggle so hard, depending on Christ’s mighty power that works within me.” Colossians 1:29 NLT

“Those who worship the Lord on a special day do it to honor him. Those who eat any kind of food do so to honor the Lord, since they give thanks to God before eating. And those who refuse to eat certain foods also want to please the Lord and give thanks to God” Romans 14:6 NLT

“For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” Romans 14:17 NLT

“Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning.” Lamentations 3:23 NLT

“She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.” Proverbs 31:25 NLT

I will continue to eat well and exercise regularly because this is a part of being well. I am intentional about these areas because I know the benefits of them for my future, especially since I know it is unpredictable.

I want this for you too because your future is also unpredictable. But we can do our best to be prepared for whatever comes.

Continuing to be intentional about what you eat means eating nutrient dense food. These are foods that provide energy and information to your body that is required for your body to function properly. Foods with healthy fat, lean protein, complex carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals provide your body with the information of what to do next. A great way to start in improving your nutrient intake is by increasing your number of vegetables at each meal. Drinking water to hydrate your cells allow processes in your body to continue. Write down what you are eating and drinking throughout the day is a very helpful way to track habits and see progress.

Keep exercising regularly as a way to keep your body moving. Running long distance is not a requirement. Lifting heavy weights is not a requirement. But moving is. If you are at a place where you are not enjoying exercise and you are not seeing results, change it up. Your body and life are going to be in a constant state of change and so should wellness rhythms.

In my early adult life, I really enjoyed distance running. I remember one day, my neighbor asking me “where are you running to?” He thought he was funny. I wasn’t running anywhere, I really enjoyed running. But as children entered my life, I didn’t have the time to keep up with running and I found out I didn’t enjoy it anymore. Running started to feel like a chore. Unfortunately, I didn’t replace running with anything. I was not prepared and had no idea what to do next, so I just stopped everything until I started an in-home workout program several years later. This particular program was multi-functional with cardio, HIIT (high intensity interval training) and lifting. With the wide selection of workouts, my desire to exercise was rekindled. And now when I need a break from that I will change it up to yoga. Or I will be intentional about walking at a moderate to fast pace (not able to speak in full sentences). Wellness is always changing because we are always changing.

There are so many options. Chose one. Be intentional about getting it done, because “an object in motion will stay in motion” (Newton’s First Law of Motion). For those of us that need more than our own will to keep going, get a friend or friends who will commit to their wellness with you. The accountability will give you that extra push on days when you just don’t feel like it. Creating or joining a community is very important because our culture applauds a lazy, no responsibility lifestyle and ostracizes those who do not have health, viability or longevity. These two things are not opposites. In some cases one causes the other. We are all not guaranteed health, but we can be intentional about our daily decisions to have wellness.

We are living intentionally in the present, enjoying everyday, while preparing for our futures. We choose to eat well because food is how we give our bodies energy and information. We chose to exercise to sustain our life in motion.

If you feel discouraged today about where you are, I am here to encourage you. You have a choice. Do not let the scale or pant size steal your present or your future. Be intentional about the food you choose to eat, enjoy the food you eat. Be intentional about exercising your body and do it in a way that is fun and freeing. It is time to get others to rally with you for your life and for theirs.

-Melissa