The Birthday Challenge

Why on earth did I start this? Oh, yeah, my daughter, Candace, suggested I blog on “52 Weeks of Being 52.” AND, true to self, I had to take it one step farther and bring purpose to the plan. Ugh. That needs changing, doesn’t it? Can’t I just do something for the fun of it? Well, I’m committed now and am actually enjoying the personal challenge. The bottom line: I need to change. Change is a sign of growth, right? (Nod your head and encourage me!)

Sometimes, days take on a life of their own. When I woke up this morning, I had a full plate of work. On the schedule: start small group interval training. Prior to going, I worked on a recap of my “52 Weeks, 52 Changes.” Mental exercise before physical exercise. As I reviewed my posts and reminded myself of the change commitments I’ve made since my 52nd on October 11th, I felt a twinge of “I’m proud of myself.” Change is really hard. Can I hear an, “AMEN?”

Done with the Whole “Measure Up” Thing

As I walked into the gym, Bev, my trainer, asked if I would submit to being measured and weighed.

“That way we can really keep solid records and see the results of your four-week training,” she smiled.

“Oh, no. I’m good,” I quickly retorted. “I’m done with measurements.”

But then, a little nudge from inside said, “Go ahead. It’s okay. You are free. You’re healthy now.”

Right away I knew my next change: I want to look in the mirror and see the truth. Somewhere on the road map of my life, I lost my healthy perception of my body image, i.e., I look in a mirror and see a heavy woman. I suppose it was deeply rooted in a plethora of things, but at 52, I want to be content with my body image. In a culture obsessed with body image, it is hard to escape thinking about it, but it is possible. And, in order to experience the freedom in Christ I desire, I must be free spirit, soul, and body! So, this year is the year! Galatians 5:1 says, “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” That’s it. I’m standing firm. To document this declaration of independence, Bev snapped my “before” shot:

Blurry with a Bit of Attitude

So, Bev took the measurements. I admit, it wasn’t easy. I took a few deep breaths as the old voices started rattling around my head space. But, within minutes, we were done and I was good! The numbers had no effect on my newfound, healthy sense of self. Isn’t that good? Yeah, I think so. Once again, I’m feeling that twinge of pride. Pride rooted in the fact that God is enabling me to change. Without His help, it would never happen.

Old Voices?

Are there some old voices rattling around your head space? Bid them adieu. Today is a great day for a fresh start!

Here’s my recap! I admit, I did it for me, but if you’d like to follow along, here you go. Are you making any changes this year? Do tell. It helps us all.

Change #1: Be an influencer

Change #2: Give God room to move in my life

Change #3: Don’t be so hard on myself

Change #4: Hunger to know authentic faith. Examine my faith

Change #5: Test myself

Change #6: Help others find their smiles again

Change #7: Work for truth (2 Corinthians 13:11) and strive for restoration (put an end to divisions, to mend what is broken):

Change #8: Being “heart-ready” to receive all God has in store for me

Change #9: No Imitations

Change #10: Be watchful (always on the lookout) for sacred spaces & little respites

Change #11: Fine tune my listening skills towards God and others

Change #12: Resolve to pray more

Change #13: Lean on God more and not on my own understanding

Change #14: Take negative thought captive

Change #15: Stop trying to fit my square peg in a round hole. Be true to God’s design on my life

Change #16: Skip again. Enjoy following Jesus and NOT man-made religion

Change #17: Remember a commitment I made while listening to the church bells in Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland (July 2009) Be a voice for the voiceless

Change #18: I’m Done with Measurements: See myself as God sees me.