I just returned home from the annual Thrive Conference this weekend. The theme this year was Audacious Hope. Shout out to all the ladies who attended the conference (it was incredible)!
There are too many topics and ideas to fit into one blog, so I picked out 3 takeaways from the conference that I want to share with you. Guys, Thrive is a women’s conference, but these ideas and questions are universal.
The first question I have been pondering was presented by pastor, author, and speaker, Craig Groeschel. Craig was speaking about leadership, specifically on ‘becoming a leader people love to follow.’ This question was asked in relation to leadership, but I’m going to ask it to you in relation to your health & wellness habits:
1. “What is no longer working that needs to be changed?”
Stop. If you are in a place that you can take a moment to write down an answer, I encourage you to do so right now. There’s a significant difference between reading a question and even thinking about –and actually committing to write it down. I have been thinking about this question for a day now and I’m just getting ready to write down my thoughts. So, take your time, but I do encourage you to think of something and then write it down. Some ideas to get you started:
How you think of and talk about your body (be as kind to yourself as you are to your best friend)
How you care for your physical health
Meal planning and cooking
Your workout routine (or lack thereof)
Your sleep routine (or lack thereof)
How you care for your mental health
Do you need to change any of those things?
I find myself getting into patterns of behavior that are sometimes awesome and life-giving and sometimes destructive and harmful. Every habit starts out as a series of decisions. But even before the decisions, our habits begin with how we feel and think about ourselves. Do you need to think about yourself, your worth, or your body differently? Could you be kinder and give yourself more grace as you walk through your health journey? I know I can.
The next question I’m pondering was posed by author, speaker, radio host, and previous Living Wellness Live guest Susie Larson:
2. “What are the hindrances in my own soul to my own healing?”
Susie was describing how “what happens in our soul happens in our cells” and that often when we battle longstanding physical issues, there is underlying healing that needs to take place before the body will heal. Specifically, she suggests that unresolved grief is at the root of a whole host of medical issues. The question “What are the hindrances in my own soul to my own healing?” may need to be handled with a professional if you have some deep emotional issues that have been stuffed down. I encourage you to find a good counselor or therapist and work through the stuff that has been hindering you from experiencing healing.
Let me be clear in saying that not all sicknesses & diseases have a mental, spiritual, or emotional root. But most doctors agree that some issues are connected to a deeper root, and that dealing with those places of pain or grief may significantly aid in full and lasting healing.
As a person who has battled anxiety more in the past three years than in my whole life, the last takeaway is a phrase that I am personally adopting. Susie Larson also said:
3. “I have a zero tolerance policy on fear in my life.”
What would my life look like if I wasn’t afraid? What would your life look like if you weren’t afraid? Would you do anything differently?
I think to live completely without fear is unrealistic, unnatural even, but to be courageous and step into our calling even in the midst of fear is a worthwhile pursuit.
One theme that comes up with fear and health & wellness is the fear of failure. This prevents people from ever beginning their journey because they have tried so many times, they just can’t bear the thought of failing, again. Or they have been told they are a failure and they believe it, so efforts are useless to begin with. These are both lies. I struggled with fear of failure for about 10 years with my weight.
As a new personal trainer, I felt immense pressure to maintain a healthy weight. For almost 10 years, I felt like I was always fighting with extra weight that would just not STAY OFF CONSISTENTLY. It wasn’t until I got help from a friend and fellow colleague, Kelley Suggs, to tackle some root health issues that I have been able to win the fight and lay down that burden for GOOD. For me, it took the courage to say I have tried 100 times, but my health is worth the fight, I’m going to change directions and give it another go. I had to let go of the fear of failure with that aspect of my health multiple times in order to see positive change. Choosing courage has been worth the effort every time.
Is there anything in your life that needs to be changed?
What are the hindrances in your own soul to your own healing?
Are you letting fear get in the way of living your most abundant life?
If you are a journaler, just start with one of these questions and wrestle it to the ground. Growth happens as a result of thinking, stretching, doing, and changing. And as Susie Larson says, there is no breakthrough without the “break.”
I’ll be praying for your breakthrough as I work for mine!
Blessings friends.
Remember, you are worth more than mediocrity. God made you to live out JOY!
Ashley Darkenwald
© 2018 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.