on selfies & results.

to my old fast(er) running self,

It's kind of fun to see you again.

Thanks,
Lauren

Praising God for continued opportunities to feel healthy and strong.
Physical activity & encouragement for others is the center of this heart. Although, those closest to me know that encouraging myself to get out there is not always the easiest task.

This fall the wind changed & I found some source of determination, - I got sick of staying still; I let go of what weighed me down and I started seeing that the sacrifice to take time to exercise was an opportunity to be my best.

Friends, I write from what I hope is a humble place.  I don't want to be one of "those crazy exercise people." I fear being addicted or making something a disorder or an idol. I've seen so many walk that line - and I know how easy it is to be there.

This month's deliberate task has been approaching every day as if I were modeling it for my future daughter. I learned this from two good friends who are currently raising four little ones who watch their every move. Kids watch, learn, and repeat. I want all to know that beauty is so much more then what reflects back at them.

I do want to make food and exercise choices that are rooted in goodness and truth. I fear making it an idol or something that can be considered a disorder. Discipline & self control have a time and a place. But it's not all the time, and it's not everywhere.

I don't desire to constantly be stealing looks in the mirror, or to spend crazy amounts of time getting ready. But I do. It's so easy to control what you wear or how you do your hair - but changing the heart is a different kind of pampering.

Instead, I've been asking for confidence and joy through the choices I make and in the way I pray for the Lord's work through me. I've been taking care of this body like the Lord does live in it and someday (Lord willing) so will another little human.  I've been asking to see my body for what it is and not what it's not. And there has been fruit.

Some things got stronger and bigger, some things got stronger and smaller, some times got faster, and some distances seemed shorter. That's answers. Praise God for answers.

I write this now - so later in life when I find myself in a stopped moment, a time where I don't feel my best... that I can read this and remember this:

1. Exercising & resting are not options & they are always opportunity.
2. Comparison kills, do what you do for you - not for anyone else.
3. If you have the disposable income, make a gym or a studio or a place of fitness and health your home.

Keep moving friends. 
I've learned the best movement (physical, spiritual, and emotional) comes from the best rest. 
So be rested too.


P.S. 9 year check-up done! The stickers still crack me up - so does the Beanie Baby I got this time for going to Peds :)