6 - Physical

What's Something About Your Body or Health that You're Grateful For?

I generally enjoy my life and love who God has created me to be.  However, some physical insecurities and perceived failings feel louder than usual lately, and I am trying to pay attention and respond well.  In my writing and my daily life, I have a tendency to focus on the internal and metaphorical world while essentially dissociating away from the physical world.  That detachment can masquerade as depth and security, but I know it has been detrimental for me to ignore and minimize truly important things regarding my body and physical health.  It's part of why regular exercise is a solid "cornerstone habit" for me, one that it's time to gradually rebuild.  The cycling and outdoor walks and yoga classes and stretches all help me to get out of my own head and in touch with the tangible realities of the physical world, living from a more grounded and holistically healthy place.  Even short workouts have a good effect and help me feel more centered and empowered -- strong and healthy in mind, body, soul, and spirit!

A summer swim day at the Wilsons - I took this before changing into my swimsuit knowing my hair and makeup wouldn't be the same after swimming. lol

Having said that, I do feel sincere gratitude when I really pause to consider my body and my health, all the ways God has preserved and protected and guided me.  I am fearfully and wonderfully made in the image of God, created and held together by Jesus... emotionally and spiritually, but also literally and physically!  I am grateful for a good immune system and for being healed repeatedly (from my kidney reflux disease, Bells Palsy, my recent surgery, COVID, and other viruses and medical procedures).  I'm incredibly thankful for each of my five senses and my physical capabilities... the things I can choose to do (walk, run, smile, talk, etc.) and all the functions my body performs naturally by the grace of God (vision, blood circulation, breathing, digestion, sleep, etc.) - our physical health really is a continuous gift that we all take for granted at times.

What feels most true for me today is that I am grateful for neuroplasticity.  God created our brains in such a way that they can be gradually rewired and reprogrammed -- even in the areas where we feel most stuck or defeated.  Real, lasting change is possible - and that belief has the power to change everything.  Our minds, bodies, souls, and spirits all work together in impressive ways by God's brilliant design... when one area is off course or dysfunctional, we will feel it in each of the other areas.  But by that same token, when we pursue transformation and healthy changes in one area (body, mind, soul, spirit), it will positively impact everything else... so that's a very hopeful truth!

"You. can. choose. the. identity. you. want. to. reinforce. today."

THANK GOD for that!

I'm on a good spiritual trajectory right now, but my mind is conditioned to believe that the physical stuff will be a lifelong problem.  Truthfully, that is up to me.  Now that I feel fully recovered from surgery, I am re-establishing my morning workout routine and back on an intermittent fasting plan -- prioritizing getting in even a 10-minute workout before I get ready starts my day off on a better note!  God is with me and for me, so I'm going to press in mentally and physically and keep moving toward the life I really want to build!

Below = an Eras-themed reel, just for fun.  I was going in a different, super-confident direction with this post at first, then I decided to be more vulnerable and honest about how I'm feeling right now.  But I've come a very long way in how I feel about myself - there are a few things I'd like to change, but overall, I like the person I see in the mirror, and I'm not helpless, so the hope I feel is absolutely real.  My inner confidence and personal power are buoyant, and they always rise up as I make choices that are aligned with my values... it's as simple and as complicated as that!  

Strong and healthy mind,
Strong and healthy body,
Strong and healthy soul,
Strong and healthy spirit!

❤