Because Everyone Must Have A New Years Resolution With An Elliptical...(or so says the universe)

To keep with the spirit of true individuality, I decided that goal#2 would involve joining a gym.

Now I know what you're thinking...you wish you thought had of it first.  Or, that I won't make it past January.  

Let me clarify, though, that my goal isn't to just lose weight. Sure, all those "ice cream and pizza while crying" moments have taken their toll on my waistline, along with those extra beers during Cubs season, takeout dinners, and holiday desserts. However, those who know me best know that I've spent too much time living by sizes and pounds. Some of the darkest moments of my life were lived under the tyranny of my eating disorders and I don't intend to return there.  I can't honestly say that I haven't been tempted,particularly over the treacherous last year or two. But God rescued me out of my self-destruction with purpose. Who am I to throw that aside?

Psalm 103:1-2

Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good,
    for his steadfast love endures forever!
2 Let the redeemed of the Lord say so,
    whom he has redeemed from trouble

2 Samuel 22:2-3
The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer,
3     my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge,
my shield, and the horn of my salvation,
    my stronghold and my refuge,
    my savior; you save me from violence.



With that...
Goal#2 for 2017 is to treat my body well 

That means being mindful of what I put into it and how I use it.  It means making sure I don't regularly collapse into bed at the end of the day with my contacts in and teeth unbrushed (sorry, TMI). It means not putting up my well-being as collateral to our busy life. It's the whole "gotta put your own oxygen mask on first" analogy; because, Lord knows, I've been trying to put everyone else's masks on while unconscious on the floor as the flight attendant runs me over with their beverage cart.  This, I've come to find, is quite counterproductive.  

I'm sure someone out there can relate, whether you're a fellow parent, working while going to school,  or caught up in whatever it is that's keeping you busy.  

Goal Basics:

• More sleep
• Get active
• Eat well and nix the garbage
• Get back to better bedtime and morning routines that enable actual self-care

These things don't seem so challenging, but that's what happens when your life train completely derails.

And to prove that I mean business, this was at 2 a.m. Sunday morning, after a stretch on the elliptical and ready to do arms ...

                                                                         😑                                              

                                             Not one of my loveliest moment's

                                  (I also see the conflict between getting more.                                                                                      sleep and late night gym trips.                            

                                               But come on...baby steps, Dude)

My first trip back to a gym in over three years.  Nerve racking and exciting.  I mean, what if I end up on a viral Youtube video because I fall on a treadmill and can't get up?  Or become 2017's newest meme when I decide to be brave and try a new machine (note to self-consider "making myself a meme" as a resolution)?  Luckily, back in reality, no one worth my time would turn me into an internet freakshow. I suppose, though, that the benefit of last night stints at the gym is a smaller audience for my awkwardness.  

Self-conscious thoughts aside, it felt great to be active again. Looking forward to future torture...I mean fun 😉

I actually enjoyed myself...whodathunk? 

1 Corinthians 10:31

So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.