I love the story from the beginning of this chapter about Dee, the director of the Daniel Plan. Just thinking about the losses and challenges in her life: I can't begin to imagine going through what she went through. If she can overcome what she did by reaching out to a small group and following the principles of the Daniel Plan, how much could it help the rest of us? I like how this chapter points out that sharing our pain, stress and grief with others is a first step on the path to healing. I think we are all tempted to put on a cheery mask and hide our personal struggles, but people often appreciate the chance to lend a helping hand or some kind words: because we've all struggled at one point in our lives, and ...
We are only as sick as our secrets.
Another great part of the chapter is the story of Alonso, a 400 pound man that completely changed his life: and found energy, fuel for his spiritual walk and a whole new way of thinking about God:
More and more evidence is gathering in the scientific community for what most of us intuitively know: our physical health is tightly connected to our spiritual, emotional and mental health. If we want to be healthy physically, a great amount of power to do that lies in our own hands: but we have to foster a healthy mind-set and healthy relationships for that to happen.
Another great part of the chapter is the story of Alonso, a 400 pound man that completely changed his life: and found energy, fuel for his spiritual walk and a whole new way of thinking about God:
If God could get me healthier than I have ever been physically, something I never thought was possible, what else can He do?
In this chapter, the author points out that if we focus on the good we are inviting and bringing into our lives with the Daniel plan (improved energy, better health, renewed spiritual and mental focus) and not on what we are leaving out or can't have, then our focus will start to shift. We will start thinking of our daily time with God, and our daily exercise and food preparation as opportunities to care for ourselves and not chores to get done. I have definitely noticed that shift in my own perspective. Last night I was up late and started feeling hungry for a snack. Before this journey began, I might have craved ice cream or chips. Last night, 8 or 10 weeks into this new life change, I found myself truly craving something nutritious. I ended up having a handful of mixed nuts and a banana, and I felt great! And, while I won't say that I'm brimming with excitement at the thought of doing a workout, I see it more as a part of my day (not a chore) and I do really look forward to how good I know I will feel after I'm done.
I like the idea of the exercise in the chapter that encourages us to make a list of things that bring us energy: time with friends, certain fun exercise activities (like biking or hiking), certain foods, and certain healthy relationships, and making a list of what drains our energy: unhealthy habits or relationships, worry or negativity etc. In the exercise we resolve to take away one thing that drains our energy and add one thing that brings us energy. I think this is easier said than done, but definitely a great way to look at things.
I know that worry and negativity seem to weigh me down and suck the energy out of me, and I find a hard time letting go of them. I think it boils down to the issue of trusting God, one of my biggest spiritual struggles. So while I work on everything else in the Daniel Plan, I'm going to keep working on trusting God. I certainly encourage all of you to think of what weighs you down and try your best to remove it from your lives. I can't wait to see what other good things will be coming into my life and what things I'll be letting go of in the weeks ahead...
No comments:
Post a Comment