Feeling the Progress

Okay - I was not able to completely follow through with my own advice in my last post. I have done even more praying and searching the word for continued comfort during this very stressful, emotional, and sad month. I continued to revert to old destructive habits though.
Why? Well - it sure isn't because those old coping mechanisms work for any given time - as a matter of fact - just like with any substance, food messes with me more - maybe it wouldn't if I was seeking comfort from protein, veggies, etc, but that is not my pattern. I get candy bars, cakes, cookies, doughnuts. I keep them for myself and eat them. This in turn not only cause weight gain, but also mood swings. That is soooo not helpful - especially when dealing with stress already - mood swings make it all worse. So, I decided to ask my doctor for help during this time. I am taking half an appetite suppressant. It doesn't take away from the "emotional" desire to eat - I have to continue addressing that with God, but it does help me to not focus so much on food because I do feel full. The biggest benefit is being able to stop eating when I am full. I am still having to retrain my brain and soul to stop looking at food for comfort. I am stopping to talk with God more, putting on music to praise, and talking with my husband for support. So, while I don't support any kind of ongoing medication, I do believe all of us need help every once in a while for the physical side until our hearts and minds take over and we are stronger in Christ to reject our flesh.
So, I am making better food choices - high protein, low carb, more fiber. I am also still exercising. I LOVE this now!! I miss it when I don't go. NEVER thought I would "be one of those" ;0)
I pray for you and your day - that we would all continue to focus on how Christ is going to use the struggles we go through for someone else's benefit. That focus helps take away most of the embarrassment.

Keeping On

Okay - so sometimes life wants to get in our way - In the way of goals we set and plans we have. Sometimes "life" is the choices we make and their consequences - good or bad - and sometimes "life" is relationships - again - good or bad.

I have had a chance to experience "life" this last week - grandparent with cancer, kids that have lots going on, disagreements with spouse that really irk, etc. When you have a lot going on, not only is it difficult to eat right (or you could be like me and eat emotionally - wanting comfort from things that taste good and don't talk back ;0) ) and it is difficult to take the time for yourself - whether that is because of commitments or because of guilt - guilt that you want to take time for you. Who knows. All I know is you have to press on. Don't let "life" rob you of being healthy. Not just healthy, but active also. I have been physically very, very tired - probably because of all the emotional stuff, but so tired none the less. I haven't wanted to exercise, but I have been making myself. I do feel so much better when I do. I have not been eating great - but that is something I plan to rectify.

So - when "life" gets you down or tries to get in your way - remember -

3Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. - 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

So, keep on pursuing health and activity - don't let your joy be robbed - and continue to carve out that time for yourself. Maybe that means no TV, or whatever you love (since exercise is not yet a true "love" for me) - just trade that time and you will thank yourself later!!