Everyday strength: 3 building blocks to a healthier you
Okay, before you decide this is just another article about working out let me tell you—it’s not.
Too often we equate living a healthier life to losing weight. Being the healthiest version of ourselves takes place in how we choose to build our spirits, our minds, and our bodies. Let’s be willing to tear down the unhealthy mindsets and beliefs that have become the blocks we use to build our identity.
So what can you do today to build a healthier you? I don’t have all the answers, but I can share with you three building blocks that help me out.
Build your words
How do you talk about you? Think about that. Do you stare in the mirror complaining about how beautiful you would be if you lost 15 more pounds? Would other people be your friend if you weren’t so shy? If you were only smarter, you could have that job.
Oh, I only imagine the depth of sadness Jesus Christ must feel when He hears the way we speak about who He created us to be. Let that sink in ladies. God created YOU just the way you are. He intentionally designed your intrinsic, curious nature. He purposefully decided to give you boldness and tenacity toward helping youth. He meant to make you sensitive and caring. So speak kindly to yourself!
You are not your
weight
age
marital status
education
profession
mistakes
past
failures
fears
You are a DAUGHTER of the KING. A daughter with purpose so valuable God gave His only son as a ransom for YOU. The next time you open your mouth to speak about yourself, choose wisely. Build your words around the truth of God’s word.
Build your heart
Just like our hearts need exercise to properly function for our bodies, our hearts need the truth of God’s word to love properly. What sorts of things have you allowed in your heart? Are you focused on those who don’t love you, those who have offended you, or those who have let you down? Are you continually exposing your heart to a barrage of ungodly friendships, relationships, and environments?
Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Deuteronomy 11:18
In God’s word, we are challenged to “fix” or commit, put, or place God’s word in our hearts. Until we place His word in our hearts there cannot be a strong mind. His word becomes the rule in which we live, and we love. We have the responsibility for guarding our hearts and paying close attention to how we choose to build our hearts. His word is our treasure, retained in our hearts and recalled in our thoughts. Get in His word. Read it. Study it. Write it upon your heart.
Build your mind
When was the last time you read an entire article (hopefully this one) or a whole book?
Regular reading improves your concentration, your comprehension, increases your vocabulary and stimulates the brain. The act of reading is the ultimate exercise. As a skill, reading is used continuously throughout the day in every occupation and every relationship. Ideals are developed, whole worlds created, and characters become friends all within the pages of a book. The impact of the written words lasts throughout generations. Give your mind a break from visual stimulation and read. Pick up a book. Read an article. Learn new vocabulary. We are never too busy to read. We merely make decisions not to open a book. The next time you think to turn on the tv, set time aside to read.
As a parent, I continue to read books independently and with my children. I let them see me read and encourage their reading with regular visits to the library to pick out books in all sorts of genres. From nonfiction to graphic novels, I want them reading. No matter how old my fellas get, they continue to look forward to cuddling on the couch listening to me read them a story. So grab some tea, get comfy on the couch and read a good book.
My hope for you is that you would continue to take steps to build a healthier you. Build your words. Build your heart. Build your mind. Where you are is not your final destination. Continue building!
Faith Ladson
This is not your typical wellness article! Please read and share friends!
Anne Mackie Morelli
Mamie, thanks for the encouraging post and interesting perspective on taking care of our bodies. I agree, that we can focus on what we put into our bodies and how we exercise, but really we need to first focus on what we feed our souls and hearts and minds. For when we have established how deeply loved we are as daughters of the most high King then everything flows out of that. Thanks for your post.
Mamie L. Pack
Anne Mackie MorelliExactly Anne! His word strengthens us to be able to walk our walk of faith.
HISsparrowBlog
I think you were speaking to me: I’m so guilty of the negative self-talk, and even though it’s SELF talk, the focus isn’t on me but on God who gives me my value. Great article, Mamie. I really enjoyed it.
THE JOYOUS LIVING
i love how you say to build your words, heart, mind. well said. stay strong!
Joy at The Joyous Living
Mamie L. Pack
THE JOYOUS LIVINGThank you! Sometimes we need to focus on building the other parts of us too.
Rachael
I love how you approach health in this post. It is so much more than the physical!!
Mamie L. Pack
RachaelThanks Rachael!
Modern Moms Club
This is a great mental exercise. I could def see this as beneficial for myself.
Mamie L. Pack
Modern Moms ClubThat is wonderful.
Chelsae
I absolutely love that this is not the typical article you normally read when looking to become healthier. The words we associate with outself are so important and that is a great place to start when looking to become healthier.
Kristen Still
What an inspiring article! At first glance I did think it would be another article on working out but happily found it to be much more than that! Thank you for sharing!
Mamie L. Pack
Kristen StillYay! Glad you enjoyed the article.
Amanda Powell
Great post, thank you for sharing.
Abby
Colossians 4:6 is such a good confidence boost in any situations. Love this.
Mamie L. Pack
AbbyYes!! One of my favs.
Ordinary Momma
Love this so much! It’s so encouraging!
Mamie L. Pack
Ordinary MommaThank you!
Pheng
Thanks for this. Really need some encouragement like this one! Love the last one “Build your mind”.
SandraTanner
I agree to my core! Great article. Our overall wellness is super important to becoming healthy
Mamie L. Pack
SandraTannerYes! Being healthy is more than pounds.
Amanda Krieger
I love it! And I think that this sort of mindset is contagious, which is especially important if you’re around little girls.
Mamie L. Pack
Amanda KriegerAbsolutely because we are talking about being healthy as a wellbeing and not just pounds!
Jaimi
Thank you for this post! You always have such a wise yet encouraging spirit ☺️
Mamie L. Pack
JaimiOh, thank you for your kind words Jaimi!
thehabibihouse
I love this! I truly needed to read this today!
Mamie L. Pack
thehabibihouseAww thanks for stopping by!
Beth
These are amazing tips. Too often we focus only on what we can see and our outward appearance–not what is truly on the inside. Thanks for sharing!
Mamie L. Pack
BethAbsolutely. How we build on the inside impacts what we see on the outside.
Sandra Tanner
I love how you added biblical principals with wellness. Good combination. Thank you for this amazing post
Mamie L. Pack
Sandra TannerYes, we want to be completed while in all areas.
No Home Nomadder
These are great reminders for everyday strength building for a healthier self. Thanks for sharing. They aren’t typical things people think of, yet so important.
Mamie L. Pack
No Home NomadderThanks so much!
Ariana
What a unique perspective, I really appreciate it – thank you!
simplysweetlyblessed1
I love reading encouraging posts because there are definitely days when I need to hear these things
Mamie L. Pack
simplysweetlyblessed1Thanks for stopping by and reading.
Supriya
I am trying to rebuild myself again, your words are so so motivating for me.
Mamie L. Pack
SupriyaSo glad you were encouraged!
Janeane M. Davis, J. D.
These are great tips to be healthier and happier! I always say, “please make my words soft and sweet for tomorrow I may have to eat them.”
Mamie L. Pack
Janeane M. Davis, J. D.Ooo, I love that Janeane!
Stephanie
These are all so important for health! Your words and mind are so powerful. We’re always so much harder on ourselves then on others. Getting into a good place with what we tell ourselves is huge!
Mamie L. Pack
StephanieOur words make such a difference.
sydneygarrison08
Wow such a good reminder!!
sydneygarrison08
Wow such a good reminder! Thank you!