Even in the smallest steps we take there is progress. I have been making tiny steps forward with my fitness goals. To some the progress is ridiculous and pointless because it is so slow. But I am thankful for the little steps that I can make each day. So far I have managed some tiny bit of physical exercise each and every day for the past 13 days. Some days it isn't more than 5 minutes, but it is still progress.
I have also been working on being careful of what I am putting into my mouth. I still haven't stepped on a scale, but on Sunday I was able to wear a pair of jeans that have not been wearable for a few weeks. That is a wonderful thing in my book. Even so I find this stage in my progress can be a make it or break it place for me. Why?
When I share with someone about my progress, how tiny my steps forward are, people look at me like I have two heads or something. The old ideas of, "But you don't look sick" keep coming back up. I remind myself that most of these people do not know what Fibromyalgia, and Chronic Fatigue do to the body, so education is very important. I don't look sick, but I am sick. Regardless of what someone may imagine of me, I am working to my best ability.
Yet, discouragement tends to be lurking in the back of my mind. I see the judgement behind people's eyes, and my desire to be accepted and understood sees that judgement and lack of understanding and says, "They think you are lying, and that you are just lazy." And the harsh self talk, and frustration begings to rise. In addition self pity grows and my heart begins to become discouraged.
I want this time to be different. I want to hold on to the tiny steps and allow thankfulness to grow in my heart instead of self pity. I want to be obedient to the Lord in this area of my life. I have lived so long eating whatever suited me at the time. Not considering how my choices were reflecting on God.
I do pray that the Lord will teach me to number my days. So that I will be following him in wisdom and care. I know what God has called me to do, and I know the situation in which God has called me to do it. I need to be obedient to the Lord's call on my life even in the area of physical fitness. And that means for me taking baby steps one day at a time regardless of the judgments of other people.
I have also been working on being careful of what I am putting into my mouth. I still haven't stepped on a scale, but on Sunday I was able to wear a pair of jeans that have not been wearable for a few weeks. That is a wonderful thing in my book. Even so I find this stage in my progress can be a make it or break it place for me. Why?
When I share with someone about my progress, how tiny my steps forward are, people look at me like I have two heads or something. The old ideas of, "But you don't look sick" keep coming back up. I remind myself that most of these people do not know what Fibromyalgia, and Chronic Fatigue do to the body, so education is very important. I don't look sick, but I am sick. Regardless of what someone may imagine of me, I am working to my best ability.
Yet, discouragement tends to be lurking in the back of my mind. I see the judgement behind people's eyes, and my desire to be accepted and understood sees that judgement and lack of understanding and says, "They think you are lying, and that you are just lazy." And the harsh self talk, and frustration begings to rise. In addition self pity grows and my heart begins to become discouraged.
I want this time to be different. I want to hold on to the tiny steps and allow thankfulness to grow in my heart instead of self pity. I want to be obedient to the Lord in this area of my life. I have lived so long eating whatever suited me at the time. Not considering how my choices were reflecting on God.
I do pray that the Lord will teach me to number my days. So that I will be following him in wisdom and care. I know what God has called me to do, and I know the situation in which God has called me to do it. I need to be obedient to the Lord's call on my life even in the area of physical fitness. And that means for me taking baby steps one day at a time regardless of the judgments of other people.