Cindy had many challenges in her life. She made a positive choice to quit smoking but then gained 80 pounds. “I felt miserable and had a terrible self-image. I was plagued by headaches and stomach pain. I decided that it was time to change my attitude, my thinking, and my choices to turn my life around. I went from wanting to lose weight to winning my battle of the bulge.” Here’s how:
- I saw my need and potential as they really were. Knowing I had a problem was one thing—discovering that God had a purpose for my life gave me hope and helped me address my depression as well as my lifestyle choices. “For I know the plans I have for you, says the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11 (RSV)
- I chose to believe I could change. I stopped listening to the negative “failure-based” messages I had rehearsed for years. I stopped making excuses and feeling sorry for myself.
- I chose faith in God to activate my decision. My faith gave me power to push through obstacles and learn new habits. “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye.” Psalm 32:8 (NKJV)
- I accepted the support I needed to persist in my decision. I joined a walking/jogging club with other positive-minded people. My husband, Brian, was a tremendous support, and he lost 45 pounds himself! Daily exercise became a priority for me.
- I learned to daily accept responsibility. I daily rehearsed new positive choices instead of giving up over mistakes.
- I chose to act on my decision every day. I made two key lifestyle decisions that were key to moving forward to reach my goals. I learned how to choose healthful, high-fiber fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and beans and stopped buying impulse “comfort” foods. I determined to exercise every day, and gradually increase the intensity and frequency, challenging myself to become stronger.
- I learned to see tomorrow’s reward in today’s discipline. Cindy lost 80 pounds and has kept it off for years now. Most importantly, her thinking and mindset were healed in the process, not just her body. Every good choice today yields a gift tomorrow. Now that’s something to look forward to!
It takes time and perseverance to recover lost ground and form healthy habits. God will give you guidance, power, and the will to stick with it. Cindy won her battle of the bulge and learned to replace the negativity trap of failure-based thinking with positive, can-do thinking. She tapped into God’s power, promises, and plan, and so can you.
(Submitted by Betty Dean. Used by Permission from www.lifestylematters.com. Courtesy of LifeSpring – Resources for Hope and Healing, Stuart, VA.)
