Two years ago today, I shared some lofty goals here on Feels Like Home. I said I was going to read through the Bible in 90 days, lose 100 pounds in 12 months, and pay off at least 50% of our family's debt.
I wrote:
I have chosen this week to make some changes in my life and to set some goals, and I'd like to share them with you.
Before I do, I am going to admit for you and the rest of the internet that I don't like hard work. I have shied away from it again and again, whenever it presented itself.
In college, I dropped classes that presented a challenge. In graduate school, I became angry with professors whose work required me to turn my brain on. I read easy, mindless books. I stay away from politics, and I don't discuss religion. I've had lots of excuses, but it boils down to one thing – laziness.
Now that I'm aware of my own laziness, I'm changing it. I've committed myself to activities that are going to be challenging for me. Publicly, so that I have pressure to continue, not to give up.
It's going to be hard. I'm going to get frustrated. I'm going to persevere.
And I'm going to be successful.
I meant every word, but I let circumstances and excuses get in my way.
I made it halfway through the Bible in 90 days before my work schedule changed, and I lost my reading time. I was reading a few hours every weekend to keep up, but being behind became overwhelming. I gave up.
I had a good excuse.
Our debt doubled, the result of a variety of factors.
I had a lot of good excuses.
The weight loss went really well at first. I'd lost something like 30 pounds when I got pregnant. My doctor sternly told me that I could not try to lose weight while I was pregnant, so that was the end of that.
I felt like my stomach had turned inside out. I felt like I'd been pummeled by a kangaroo. I didn't exercise; I didn't even try to eat healthy foods. On the contrary, I ate a lot of cheese and ice cream while I was pregnant.
Allie should have very strong bones and teeth.
Seriously.
Pregnancy was another good excuse.
I'm full of them, good excuses.
A few weeks ago, when I was not looking for one, I learned about a weight loss program that focuses on the whole person. It includes support from others, healthy eating, exercise, and (most importantly) a strong, daily relationship with God. I'd never seen anything like it.
This isn't a sales pitch. I'm not even going to tell you the name of the program.
It does have me excited, though.
I'm leading the group at my church. I don't feel at all equipped to lead a weight loss program, but God doesn't call the equipped, right?
This isn't a New Year's resolution. I may not lose 100 pounds this year; I'll be okay with whatever as long as I feel good, vibrant, unencumbered. It's not about the number.
It's about the progress. I'm going to hold on. I'm not going to make excuses.
I have answered His call. I have made an intention. I have committed myself to God and four other women. We are going to be healthier, and we are going to lose weight. We're going to do it together.
Heather @ Not a DIY Life says
I think following God's call on your life will be far more rewarding than meeting any other goal. He will bless your faithfulness in ways beyond your imagination
Feels Like Home Blog┞¢ says
You always have just the right words, Heather. I've been trying really hard to listen and follow His call, but this time, it is hard. I think quitting my teaching job caused me less angst than this. Do you know what I mean?
Sandra says
Way to go! I just gave birth to baby #5 and I have weight to lose from this pregnancy and then some. May the Lord bless your efforts to get the weight off this year!
I'm hoping to lose at least 50lbs. this year and something that has definitely motivated me and changed the way I eat and view food are the movies Food Matters and Food, Inc.
Along with the Lord helping me, these movies and the message that came from them helped my family to change the way we ate in 2011. Because of our changed eating habits, I ended up only gaining 31 lbs. in this last pregnancy and I've already lost 21.5 lbs. - only 19 days postpartum. 🙂
Feels Like Home Blog┞¢ says
Good for you! Keep up the great work!
Cindy says
I'm praying for your success! Change is sooooo much easier with the accountability of a group. Which reminds me, I'd decided to do the Bible in 90 Days again starting...yesterday. But I didn't join a group, so I forgot. Oh, well. I'll start today, instead!
Feels Like Home Blog┞¢ says
Good luck, Mama!
Debbie says
My goals from last year didn't materialize but the framework was set up last year. So this year I know I will see results because I am now "ready to roll". Blessings for your new year.
Jami@An Oregon Cottage says
I'm glad for you, Tara, your balance and goals have the right focus. I'm so sorry 2011 was such a hard year for you and I pray that the lessons learned will make you stronger- for your family and God's plans.
Brenna @ Almost All The Truth says
Wow, good for you! I am sure you will be an amazing leader at your church and be such a help for everyone there, as well as yourself! Lots of love to you.
Feels Like Home Blog┞¢ says
Thank you, Brenna. I hope so!
Jessica @FoundtheMarbles says
Love this. It suits you well to have an approach that includes your spirituality. I wish you much success on this journey, my friend.
Feels Like Home Blog┞¢ says
I think so. It combines all of the parts of me being a healthy person - prayer, Bible study, good food choices, exercise, friendship. I'm apprehensive but excited to get started.
Lisa@BlessedwithGrace says
Good for you following God's call. I love that you said he does not call the equipped. He is equipping us. I understand that 100 pound thing. That was my goal last year. Here I am just the same weight as this time last year. I can't wait to read about your group. I know you ladies will encourage each other.
Feels Like Home Blog┞¢ says
We will. Are you doing something special this year? You're welcome to get the Bible study and follow along with us.
Ashley W says
I just read this blog entry and it really hit home. May I ask what plan you are following b/c it sounds so great!! My mom started a healthier eating plan through her work and is going to give me the info soon and this seemed like it would go really well w/ what she is doing. Thanks so much for being so real w/ us! I love to know I am not the only one struggling w/ getting healthier!!
Feels Like Home Blog┞¢ says
Sure. The group I'm leading at my church is called First Place 4 Health. It's got physical, spiritual, emotional, and mental pieces (and they are equally important), but the food part is based on the MyPyramid plan from the FDA. It was published before MyPlate, and that's why it's not based on that. It's really quite simple and back-to-basics.