It really is amazing how many things you can do when you give effort. I never imagined that I would become a runner! I didn't even think that should I be chased by someone trying to harm me, that I would be able to get away. I began by looking at the questions that I posted earlier, and the goals I set for myself. Was I happy with who I was, and was I doing my part to make my life better. I haven't always struggled with weight. I used to be quite an athlete believe it or not. It wasn't until I settled into my job, bought a house, and landed a somewhat stable relationship did I begin to lose the active lifestyle that I once lead. I was officially fat and happy. The job and the house stayed, the relationship fizzled out and I was left with the spare tire that I could not get rid of in the divorce. I started in a new relationship later with someone who loved me just the way I was..."my charming personality" and did not do much changing, I was comfortable with myself, my beliefs, my creativity was sparked, I was becoming more alive and thriving internally....externally there was not much change. Eventually, I discovered that I was truly unhappy with what I had physically done to myself, and became ashamed and self-conscious. So, all this growing that I had done on the inside, and the confidence I gained was overshadowed by my feelings self loathing about my body. I searched high and low for the magic pill I had read about in backs of magazines, I attempted to pray it away...."Lord, I could be such a great person if you'll help me I'll never eat a Big Mac again." I tried wishing it away, bought a gym membership, ordered food systems, joined every online weight loss program that you could think of. Nothing, absolutely nothing came, but futile efforts. I read my own blog, and inspired myself, I want to live an incredible life, I want to be around, I want to be one of those people that leads and active lifestyle. At the same time I wanted to be of service to others, to use my life to help others. I had been talking with my neighbor of several ways to do this and she invited me to volunteer with her church at a local organization. I began thinking of other ways and decided that I would try to run the Komen 5k in October, to help in the raising of funds for the research of breast cancer. I looked up the couch to 5k program, began training and signed up for the race to ensure my accountability. I am progressing incredibly, and found that running gives me such an amazing feeling. I break barriers every time I lace up my shoes. I am continually surprising myself. I have already looked for other charity runs to participate in in the near future. You see, my prayers didn't go unheard, it wasn't in my time, I had to be patient and use the strength that I have been given in every step I take to help others in the process. I have finally begun to see the scale budge a little, and to me now that is simply the icing on the cake, as I feel better about who I am becoming and what I am doing. I am doing my part.....I have begun to change merely by putting my faith in the Lord and putting one foot in front of the other! RUN ON!!!
Much love and many blessings
D
"You give but little when you give of your possessions. It is when you give of yourself that you truly give."
