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!
