We’ve crossed the threshold into March. That means one of two things. Resolutions made two months ago are beginning to cement themselves or———

They. Are. Not.

My new year’s resolution isn’t going so hot. The honest assessment would be that it’s remarkably lukewarm.

I (along with the rest of planet) thought that 2018 would be a good year to exercise. So I did. (Did you catch the past tense in that word “did”?)

I did pretty well for a while. At one point I’d actually exercised every day for three weeks. Three. For me that is about as cataclysmic as the San Andreas fault finally proving itself.

And then…

What?

What was it that stopped it all?

Good grief.

The accountability I’m currently experiencing as I bare myself before you is making me fidget.

The dog died. That’s right, something big and awful like the death of beloved pet. Okay. So not really. That did NOT happen.

The pipes froze and we were inundated with water damage for days. Um. No. That didn’t happen either.

Truth?

Nothing happened. Literally…nothing. For some, small innocuous reason I simply stopped exercising. Two weeks have passed. Based on previous history it is not outside the realm of possibility that another two years could pass until I try again.

Unless, of course I take to heart something that recently gripped my heart.

My promise to me.

I was reminded of this via an article I read in a health magazine. The topic was on longevity and self-care. There were great points listed, like diet, exercise, and sleep. But it was the last criteria (of seven) for a healthy life that caught my eye.

Keep Your Word

The author went on to explain,

“Think for a minute of a friend you have who’s always late. Like, always. And every time—every single time—he promises you that he’ll be on time. What do you do? Easy answer: you don’t believe him. I would argue that we have become –to ourselves—very much like that friend who keeps breaking his promises.”

He continued,

“So we stop believing ourselves. This matters because words have power…. Imagine if every time you told yourself (or someone else) you were going to do something you did it. Every time. Eventually, you would really start believing in yourself and so would others.” *

Do you identify with this like I did?

Perhaps you’d like to join me in pushing the restart button. Not long ago I shared on an Instagram post that God can handle our…

All that’s true, but I also believe that God desires the very best for us. He is zealous and jealous for our own well-being and that includes being the kind of women who seize the strength and integrity it takes to keep a promise to themselves.

Thanks for allowing me vent about the boot I needed to kick in my own behind. I’m feeling better.

I’m also hitting my yoga mat now.

Not because I have to. Not because the world tells me I should. Not because God will love me more if I do.

I’m doing it for one simple reason.

I’m a woman who wants to keep her word to herself.

I won’t kid myself into thinking I can do this on my own, but I believe that with His help,

All things are possible.

If you’re in the same spot I hope you’ll join me in being a promise keeper to yourself. 

Savoring the journey with you,

Cindy

 

*Excerpt from an article by Jonny Bowden, PHD, CNS, January 2018 edition of Better Nutrition