Friends, I have another confession to make: I have fallen off the exercise bandwagon. Like, that wagon is so far beyond my gaze that I may need a telescope....or two.
Back in March, I wrote about starting a new chapter in my own wellness journey. For years I've been diligently working on my nutrition while allowing the fitness part of my health to fly under the radar. In March, I was all set to get a regular fitness routine established not because I felt that I had to or "should," but because I realized that this was one area of my life that I was ignoring. I wasn't nourishing my body with the exercise it needs to stay healthy and strong. I had moved through the Stages of Change (listed on page 18 of Living Wellness for Growth Groups) from pre-contemplation all the way to action.
But then, you know what happened? Ready for the really big confession?
This week I looked back at my Living Wellness Journal and my Living Wellness for Growth Groups book after wiping some dust off of them. Want to know where the writing stopped? Week 1. I completed a week of journal entries and the first chapter of questions, and then...I got too comfortable....too busy....top confident that I would be able to keep up this new routine on my own. Many of us have heard that it takes 21 days to make or break a habit. No wonder my new fitness routine flopped after just 7!
Part of the design of Living Wellness Growth Groups is for this exact reason: 8 weeks is a good starting point to identify, practice, and commit to a habit in order to start moving you from "action" in the Stages of Change to "maintenance."
I'm going to be honest: I'm super disappointed. I had a fitness goal in mind and at this time, I'm nowhere close to making it in the time frame that I had hoped for. Self-disappointment is one of the most challenging emotions for me. I get stuck in this loop of frustration and disappointment that keeps my mind going in circles.
This is where I'm so thankful for the grace that I can give myself which Jesus freely gives: "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness...For when I am weak, then I am strong" (2 Corintians 12:9b,10b, emphasis added).
And also, "The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness" (Lamentations 3:22-23 ESV, emphasis added).
I've been thinking and praying about my wellness goals, the time-frame I had in mind, and what to do. I could either stay stuck back in the pre-contemplation and contemplation phases and wallow in my frustration, or I could do something about it. This time, I need to stay diligent. I need to keep journaling and reading and challenging myself to just find even 1 minute a day to exercise my body in a nourishing way.
But there's one more thing. I need community. See I started reading my journal and book alone. Many people can start a habit alone and be successful, but when this has been a habit I've struggled to form all my life, I have realized I need supporters. This is where you come in.
What if we embarked on a Living Wellness 30 Day Challenge? What if for the next 30 days, we as the Living Wellness community supported each other by sharing our successes and stumbles on our wellness journey. You in? I am!
Now I don't want this to seem like just another "fitness challenge." Take a few moments to decide if you want to buy in: What do you want to accomplish? What is there to gain or lose? What might you have to sacrifice? Is this a good time for that sacrifice?
I am hoping that by sharing my challenges with embracing exercise, that I may encourage you that none of us have this all together. That we all have seasons in life that we take 5 steps forward and 12 back. Through the hills and valleys though, we have each other.
If you're willing to join me in this Living Wellness 30 Day Challenge, join me on our Facebook, Twitter (@ashleydarkenwal), or Instagram (@4LivingWellness) and use hashtag #LWGG30day).
Share with us your fitness goal(s) for the next 30 days, daily struggles or triumphs, exercises, food pics or recipes, or anything that is helping to support you on your wellness journey over the next 30 days!
My goal is to find at least 1 minute each day to nourish my body with exercise. This first goal is really just remind me to stay on track. The second main goal I have is to exercise for 30 minutes 3x/week. ,My ultimate goal is to develop a habit of nourishing my body with exercise that I enjoy.
I hope to post a picture every day for the next 30 days of evidence that I'm sticking with it. If you don't see a picture on social media after a few days, ask me what's up! Now let's get personal: please share with us your pictures for the Living Wellness 30 Day Challenge too! Let's build our community and support one another.
Here's my first picture (Living Wellness Journal picking up where I left off). What's yours?
You are worth more than mediocre. You are worth exceptional health!
Caitlyn J. Hanson
© 2017 Living Wellness, LLC Revolutionizing health, one community at a time.
Disclaimer: This article is not intended to diagnose or treat any illnesses or disease. Please always check with your doctor before beginning any new nutritional or fitness program or before making any nutritional/fitness changes.