3 Things to Do If You’re Ready for a Real Change

Mom? How long before you start to look better?

This question was asked in the middle of a workout. Moving in stride with the Zumba dancers on the television screen, my focus was on keeping my core pulled in while simultaneously breathing properly. Nearly breathless, I had just enough left to gasp. Though she’d asked it sincerely and innocently, this question had the potential to cut. Deeply. The implication was that I did not look all that great.

Truth be told: she was right. I already knew this for myself.

Pregnancies had taken creative license with my physique, pulling, stretching and sagging places that I didn’t even realize existed. While my babies are a miraculous blessing, and I did not enjoy the seemingly permanent changes I now faced as a result of pregnancy. My role, in neglecting physical activity and indulging in too many non-nutritional foods more than on special occasions, did not help either.

I was ready for change.
3 Things to Do If You’re Ready for a Real Change
First, I prayed.

Romans 12:2 (NLT) says “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” (Emphasis mine.) My frustration with my physical appearance was distracting from my purpose. I couldn’t serve God effectively if I couldn’t serve Him wholly.

I asked God to help me reset my thinking. Burdens in our lives can distract us from God’s best for us. These could be finances, career, romantic relationship, friendship and more. We need God’s help to shift the focus from ourselves to what He can do for us, when we ask.

Secondly, I set realistic goals.

I wanted more energy to care for my family. Exercise and better eating habits needed to be consistent. The idea of one day gracing a magazine cover with my un-photoshopped physique did not interest me. I wanted to enjoy shopping trips again, free to try on all sorts of clothes, without presuming ahead of time that they would not look good on me.

Could I adjust my schedule to allow time for exercise? Yes. Could I plan well-balanced meals and leave certain food items on the grocery store shelves? Yes.

Finally, I had to start.

Forget waiting until this occasion or that holiday had passed, or even until the next calendar Monday. I needed to dive right in and work around whatever came in my path.

I didn’t need God to send me additional signs of whether or not this was right. He’d already been talking to me about this for some time. It was my turn to be obedient to His leading. There are moments when God has been speaking to our hearts about something for a period of time. We know what we should do, yet we stubbornly cling to our way while pleading for additional signs. Obedience spares us from unnecessary stress.

When my daughter asked me ‘how long before I start to look better?’, it didn’t bother me. I had acknowledged it and had begun to prayerfully tackle this issue before her question.

My desire wasn’t just to look better but to live better. I am trusting God with this part of my life, for His glory.

~ Sabrina

*What are some changes you’ve been wanting in your own life? What encourages you to make that change?

Sabrina is a stay-at-home wife and homeschooling mom of 4. As she grew up, she believed that there was nothing worth telling about her dull life. However, God has used various circumstances and people to show her glimpses of His amazing goodness as He pens her story. Amidst all of this, Sabrina has learned that how she chooses to live is what adds flair and makes her story worth telling. Her lifelong passion is to share encouragement through writing. Despite the hectic pace of her life, Sabrina always makes time for music, reading and a large cup of tea.

I hope you’ll visit Sabrina on her blog, Sabrina J~R, as well as on Facebook and Twitter!

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