"...Behold, I will do something new..." Isaiah 43:19

"Do not call to mind the former things, or ponder things of the past. Behold, I will do something new..." Isaiah 43:18-19a

01/01/10

As I take the first steps of my "thousand-mile" journey, I begin by pondering the whys, the hows, and the oh-mys! Just as when on my first backpacking trek of the Appalachian Trail, I'm asking, "What have I gotten myself into?"

I have started the journey of weight lose many, many times before, but I have never before openly exposed my journey to the world! I have even completed several legs of the course leading to the goal, only to find myself sliding back down as I sat on my laurels of accomplishments. You see, the journey never really ends. Reaching plateaus along the way are for resting and taking stock, but not stopping with the attitude of "this is far enough." Even standing on the pinnacle is not the end.

You see, bullies await to push me off and back down to where I began, or even worse, further down into the miry pit of despair. Yes, I get tired of climbing this same mountain knowing the joy of real success is not simply sitting on the peak, but standing strong upon it, maintaining my hold on it!!

I also know that when my body is healthy, I feel better and function my efficiently! My mind is clearer for making wiser choices for every aspect of my life. My emotions are stronger for handling whatever events come along. And, obviously, when I look in the mirror I like what I see!"

The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." (I wish I knew who to credit with that saying!) The first thing I must do is leave the past in the past and move forward one-step-at-a-time. I must not be afraid because of past failures, but be strong and courageous to pursue the triumph of living a healthy life. As one of God's Holy Spirit temples, taking care of this body He created for His purpose is essential.

So, today, I begin again! New strategies are in place. My course has been laid out. So, I hope that by exposing my struggles along with my successes in this endeavor will encourage other travelers along similar journeys.

Okay, I need to go take that first step: stepping on the scale and measuring my body!!!