As we’ve been talking about community this month at (in)courage, inspirational stories have been shared that remind us of the beauty of living life together…in precious koinonia. When I shared last month about Creative Friendship Building Ideas, I would have never imagined what was about to explode. Sometimes community occurs when you least expect it.
Two weeks ago, I put words to my struggle with the Weight Loss Roller Coaster over at Balancing Beauty and Bedlam. It was a topic about which I hesitated to post because regardless of how sensitively one approaches the issue of women, weight and healthy living choices, it’s bound to hit too close to home for someone. Ending the post, I shared that I had had enough with my lack of discipline and I was challenging myself to 30 Days of Healthy Living. For me, that meant beginning an exercise program called the 30 Day Shred – 20 minutes a day of sheer torture. An amazing metamorphosis happened through that first post. Women from around the world embraced and committed to the opportunity of banding together for 30 days of accountability. Community occurred virtually through a shared goal. Excited for the challenge, hundreds of women realized the fact that because we were going through this experience together, maybe they could do it too. Instantly, tangible excitement permeated through this on line forum.
Truthfully, the palatable energy quickly dissolved when the novelty wore off. The novelty being that first day’s twenty minute workout. Reality set in and after two days, many wanted to give up. Our legs were sore, our bodies ached in places we didn’t even know muscles existed, and the enemy saw a new avenue through which to attack. Most of us quickly realized that is was going to be a long month, but past discouragement was being dealt with by a day to day check in either on my blog or on my facebook page. Some have given up, but I pray this serves as a jumping point for many to focus on just one aspect of healthy living. I enjoy breaking my goals into “bite sized pieces,” and starting with this aspect is the first step.
Yesterday, Day 11 was completed, but many are just finding our challenge and joining in at the beginning. The beauty of the internet is that the posts are there to go back and read, regardless of the day. I chuckle that community has been created through pain…literally. I dread my work out every day, I really do, but I know that my temple is being treated how it deserves, and I have neglected it for too long. I love that women are encouraging me through this, and that together, we’re not giving up.
Hebrew 12:11 reminds us that “No discipline is pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. “
Now, in no way do I claim that my pain is equal to that of the persecuted Christians during this time, but I just adore how the Lord gently gives us verses that speak truth so specifically to the area in which we struggle.
It’s it exciting to observe how He creatively allows diverse avenues to bring women together. Who would have thought that such a unique sense of community could occur through exercise, and not just a regular exercise class, but one where the accountability occurs on line?
Maybe you’re in a time period of your life where the weight loss roller coaster has gotten the best of you as well. I’d love for you to join us…just twenty minutes a day for thirty days. I am one third of the way to creating a healthy new habit, and I can’t wait to see this through to completion. It’s been awhile…
Feel free to jump on in, and literally, you will jump a whole bunch. 🙂
By Jen Schmidt, Balancing Beauty & Bedlam
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Grandma Patty Ann says
I shake my head in wonder everyday. God is so good to me! I too am overweight. I blame it on my medications as I am disabled but I am learning it is also due to poor eating habits and not moving.
I have COPD (Chronic Obstructed Pulmonary Disease ~ a lung disease) along with emphysema. Don’t feel sorry for me as I am so very happy!! God has removed cigarettes from my life and just this month put exercise in!
My lung doctor has been after me for years to get into pulmonary therapy. I thought it was just classes to teach me how to live. And I thought I was smart enough to know on my own.
I finally broke down and joined and just love it! Yes we are taught (many things that I did not know) but they also get us on exercise machines! I am loving it and look forward to it.
Now…. I only go two days a week. Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. I go slow and only move up to something harder when I feel like I am able. When I graduate the class on Oct 14th I am going to ‘Next Step’ which is more hours on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. I am to learn do it on my own when I am not there. Maybe with you all I will be able to remember.
God bless you all!
I love you!
Grandma Patty Ann
http://pocketfullofpennies.com/blog
Southern Gal says
I feel you. I never had to worry with weight or fitness until my 10 lb. 7 oz. bundle of joy arrived when I was 38 years old. (He was our third and last!) Since then I’ve struggled. I used to think I was fat when I wasn’t. How I’ve gotten to this point (8 years later) I’ll never know. Anyway, I’m tired of the self-loathing. So I had decided to start walking. Something doable and easy to get me back into the swing of things. Your challenge sounds like something I’d love to do. If I can get my hands on a copy of The Shred I will be joining you soon! Thanks for the inspiration.
Becky K. says
I just ordered The Shred on Amazon, so I’ll be joining you in 2-6 business days! 🙂 My second son was born two and a half months ago and I want to lose the rest of this baby weight! But more than that, my husband and I both want to live a more healthful lifestyle. Neither of us are overweight, yet we are still not treating our bodies like the temples they are. We want to set a good example for our boys and be an active, healthy family for a very long time!
My husband also wants me to do P90X, but I just don’t feel like I can successfully commit to an hour a day of that intensity…having two boys under two is intense enough! But 20 minutes a day I CAN do. I WILL do!
Thanks for the encouragement! I think I’ll post the challenge on my blog, too, once I start for the added accountability and to hopefully motivate a few more to make a positive change toward health!
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Beverly @ The Buzz says
I had to smile as I read this post. This morning I began the 30-Day Shred…again. The soreness is already beginning. I’m trying to tell myself the pain is only those little fat cells dieing. 🙂 Good luck to all of us!
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Janis@Open My Ears Lord says
OK. I’m starting the 20 minutes of exercise a day on my Gazelle! I have accountability and I can hardly wait to see what the discipline will produce in my life!
Thank you.
Janis