Audio By Carbonatix

I remember my reality check. I was excited to look at vacation photos, and for the first time, the reality of how much weight I’d gained hit me. I barely recognized the woman in the photo. Who is this woman with the exhausted smile and the extra one hundred pounds? Yes, one hundred. Why had I let my health slide so badly? Stress and the trauma that came from adopting kids from trauma were two reasons. Food was a pick-me-up for the briefest moment.

We all know the drill. We’re aware of the importance of nutritious eating and regular exercise. But in the chaos of everyday life, those healthy habits often take a backseat. People don’t understand what I’m going through. I deserve this. One cheeseburger won’t kill me, right? I’ll start exercising when life slows down. 

It’s easy to justify those little choices at the moment. But they add up. The extra pounds that creep on, the energy that dwindles, and the doctor prescribes more meds. It’s a recipe for disaster.

And it’s not just about physical health. Think about all the areas where we might be falling short. Are we prioritizing time with loved ones or letting work and other obligations consume us? Are we nurturing our spiritual growth? Are we being present in the moment? Do we give ourselves permission to truly rest?

It’s Time for a Reality Check, Friends

If we’re being honest with ourselves, most of us have room for improvement. Then again, are we past “needs improvement?” Will we really admit that?

When I first got the Life Book by Dr. Wayne Scott Anderson, I took that assessment, which shocked me. I would have told you that I was pretty okay in life. I was a best-selling author. I had a good marriage. We had a good life. But after taking the assessment, I was a D. If I’d been truly truthful, I would have admitted I was failing with my health. That was a hard moment for me to face those numbers.

Yesterday, I listened to a podcast about neutral thinking. You don’t see the class as half-empty or half-full. You see things as they are able to evaluate ​​them.

When we adopted kids from foster care we learned there is a thinking brain and a feeling brain. When the feeling brain is turned on, the thinking brain is turned off. If we’re emotional and allowing those negative, emotional thoughts to feel our mind about our weight or health, we can’t make the good decisions we need to make.

Imagine you’ve set a goal to lose weight. Using neutral thinking, you would:

1. Assess Your Current State: Weigh yourself, check your BMI, and perhaps get a health check-up. Do Dr. A’s assessment.
2. Set Realistic Goals: Based on data, set achievable goals like losing a certain amount of weight per week.
3. Create a Plan: Develop a diet and exercise plan based on expert advice. Get an Optavia coach and get on plan. Realize an investment in your health now will pay off, not just this year but for the rest of your life.
4. Monitor Progress: Track your progress regularly and adjust your plan as needed without getting discouraged by minor setbacks. A coach will help you do this!
5. Reflect and Adapt: If something isn’t working, talk with your coach.

Neutral thinking helps you stay focused, balanced, and proactive in your health journey, enabling you to make informed decisions and effectively overcome challenges.

Reality Check: Your Life is Your Currency

Think of your life as currency – the currency you’ll exchange for the experiences, relationships, and legacy you’ll leave behind. Every choice you make, every habit you form, is either investing in that currency or devaluing it. So, I want you to ask yourself: what kind of investments are you making?

Are you spending your days on things that truly matter, that align with your deepest values and goals? Or are you frittering away that precious currency on fleeting pleasures and unhealthy patterns?

Reality Check: The Power of Wellbeing

Wellbeing is the return on investment for the choices we make. When prioritizing our physical, emotional, and spiritual health, we create an environment where well-being can flourish. And that well-being becomes the fuel that empowers us to live our best lives.

Reality Check: A Biblical Perspective

The Bible has much to say about stewarding our health and well-being. Consider this verse from 

1 Corinthians 6:19-20: “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your bodies.”

What a powerful reminder! Our bodies are sacred, entrusted to us by God Himself. So, let’s make the choice to honor Him in how we care for them.

You have the power to change your story, to invest your life’s currency in a way that brings abundant return. The journey won’t always be easy, but I promise you this: the thriving life you long for is within reach. Let’s take the first step together.

I’m so proud of you for showing up.

I’m so thankful that seventeen months ago, I showed up. Humbled myself. Sought health. Bought into something that I could see worked for a lot of people …. And transformed my life.

14-Day Detox: I’m here to help your reality check!

The truth was I never wanted to do a “program,” yet when I finally prayed, that’s what God led me to. A program with an amazing coach. The lessons I learned helped me to develop healthy habits. Those habits have changed everything.

Now I’m coaching, which basically means I share (the program) and care (by checking in with you). And coaching is free!

For a limited time, I’m doing a 14-Day Detox Program!

Here’s a quick rundown of what’s included and how to make the most of it:

• Daily Facebook LIVES/video classes with me
• Daily, Starting September 1
• 7:30 am CT
• The videos will stay posted in the group, so you can watch any anytime.

JOIN HERE

Daily Detox Tips:

– Daily Guidance: Each day, you’ll receive tips and guidelines to help cleanse your body and mind. These tips are designed to fit seamlessly into your daily routine.

– Expert Insights: Benefit from the expertise of my coaching team as she provides insights and motivation throughout the program.

Nourishing Recipes:

– Delicious and Nutritious: Enjoy recipes that fuel your body with essential vitamins and minerals. From refreshing smoothies to wholesome meals, we’ve got you covered.

Supportive Community:

– Exclusive Facebook Group: We’re thrilled to have you as part of this community of like-minded individuals on the same journey. Share your progress, ask questions, and find encouragement.

If you’d like more information about how I can be your personal health coach, and about my 14-Day Detox, fill out this form.

Additional Resources

Daily Bible Podcast

We’re Tricia and Michelle, two friends inviting you to join us in reading through the Bible chronologically this year. Reading the Bible every day can be a challenge. We’re here to summarize each day’s passage and provide action steps … in under 15 minutes. Grab a buddy and join our community. Take the plunge, and let’s read through the Bible together. We’ll be cheering you on all the way!

You can join us using your own One Year Bible© (if you’d like to purchase one, you can grab your preferred version using the links below). Or you can print up the One Year Chronological Reading Plan. If you don’t have a copy of the One Year Bible©, we will have the exact passages for the next day in the show notes. You can also subscribe to the One Year Chronological Bible Reading plan on the YouVersion Bible App.

Join us here.