I am recovering from a bit of Summer Slide. It’s the phenomenon when summer schedule changes evoke sliding and not sticking with usual routines, fitness or foods. A little summer slide is part of the glory of summer-sleeping in, going different places and eating different foods-like from the new bakery I discovered. But summer slide also can cause another phenomenon-Fall Flab.
Fall flab can be extra weight from unhealthy eating-think yummy but unhealthy donuts, or extra workload from items put off sliding through summer. We all relax our schedules in summer, on vacation or over the holidays, then get back on track. But prolonged slides, especially with our health, can linger into bad habits.
Which is why I’m excited about our wellness journey together! We’ll reclaim what’s important in our lives and prevent slides from developing into bad habits. Whether it’s reviving an old routine or adopting a new one, focusing on our wellness is vital to being who God calls us to be.
Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body. ~1 Corinthians 6: 19-20
We know about eating healthier, exercising our bodies and minds, and getting sufficient sleep. But putting those thoughts into action is where we often slide. Continued sliding prohibits us from honoring the body God gave us or living the life He has planned for us.
So how can we get back on track &/or find the life God has for us? I am reminded of my wellness journey words.
My three words really apply to all three areas of body, mind & soul. Let’s start with Perseverance-my “body” wellness word. Ironically, the definition of persevere confirmed its good choice not only for my body, but mind and soul also.
The definition of persevere: persist determinedly-to persist steadily in an action or belief, usually over a long period and especially despite problems or difficulties. That is precisely how I feel about my knee and what I hope to do for my mind and soul wellness.
I need to persist determinedly in what I believe in, even if problems occur along the way. I’ve persisted steadily other times in my life. I was able to persevere because of the unending knowledge God was with me. He was present no matter what problem, life changing event or unexpected issue came along. Following Him, I could persevere.
Yes, at times I’ve experienced summer slide but in the end I’ve persevered. I could persist determinedly because of the grace and strength I received from God who created me and calls me to live for Him.
I’m just saying no to the bakery and recommitting to fitness, eating and work habits to stem my summer slide. I am confident I will persevere trusting in God’s plan for my life. Won’t you join me? Decide today to persevere, trusting in God’s grace and presence. It’s so much better than the slide.
Coming up Next Friday-A Fun & healthy recipe to help your mind & body stay fit!