On the road again . . .

So to speak . . .

After 12 months of studying minimalism I have come to a conclusion.  It’s not about all the stuff crammed in my basement in boxes that I haven’t looked through in 10 years.  It’s not about getting rid of stuff and living in a 500 square foot apartment.  It’s not even about having a good morning schedule, or making sure that I live a balanced life.  It’s not just about being healthy, or making sure that I pour myself into relationship with humans around me.   (Although many of these things certainly add up to make my life incredibly meaningful – except the boxes – they don’t add much value, I admit.)   God created me and has a purpose for my life.  Seriously, do I want to get to the end of it, and realize that I missed His purpose?

I realized last year, when I continued to gain weight, lose energy and focus, that if I didn’t make some drastic changes that my life was going to start being mediocre.   Quelle nightmare!!!   I had moved away from my comfortable and lovely existence in British Columbia (32 years ago) because I wanted to challenge myself to live outside the confines of a normal life – you know – the expectation that a person will get married, live across town from family, have 2.5 children, work 40 hours a week, grow old, retire and die.     I wanted to do something that mattered with my life.    So . . . my life so far has been fabulous and I’m so thankful.   I even wrote a book about it.  (Unwavering – Step into the Adventure – find it on Amazon.)  Now at 55, was I going to get lazy and start living for myself?   That was a rude awakening for myself.   I said, “NOT ON YOUR LIFE!   As God gives me breath and strength, I will live wholeheartedly for Him and His purpose in me.”

Any body who has read my book knows that I’m passionate about learning something new every year, every month and every day.  I don’t like to let myself become comfortable with old habits and laissez-faire days.   Studying the work of several minimalists has helped me think through what matters.   Am I going to pare down my items until I have 34 items that can fit into one backpack?  Nope, that’s not for me.  I have however assessed what IS truly important to me in this heart searching process.

My “Super-Why” is a driving passion to be the best that I can be for God’s glory and to never settle for second best.  And I want to take as many people along with me as I can, on this journey.  So, I have to ask myself, do I have any habits in my life that need to be replaced by a BETTER habit?

For example:

• Am I filling my mind and heart with God’s Word so that I KNOW what He has for me?
• Do I know that I’m getting the proper nutrition that my body needs to function at its best?
• Am I spending the money God gives me on worthwhile and intentional purposes?
• Are there any habits in my life that will inevitably prevent me from reaching my goals?
• Do I have a PLAN to get from where I am now to where I want to be?
• Are my relationships meaningful?
• What will I regret NOT making time for?

This whole process led me to a few good friends, and a very good program, called Beach body.  At first I didn’t even like the name, because my goal is not to be the beauty on the beach in the bikini.  I’m 55.   I looked deeper.   The program itself makes sure that I get a daily dose of good nutrition.  I work out everyday with a world class trainer, in the comfort of my own basement.  I have been taught how to eat the right foods, in the correct quantities, and I have more energy than I have had in years.  I have a coach who is there to encourage me that I can do this.  All my failures last year, taught me that I can’t just sit back and read about this.  I have to really want it, and work for it!  I want to serve God as long as He gives me strength.  Maybe, just maybe, I should have been doing something all along to help myself get stronger and more prepared to serve.

You see, I used to think that fitness was a destination.  Actually, in truth, fitness helps me to be successful in every other area of my life, because my mind is sharper, my body is stronger, I sleep better and I have hope for the first time in years.   This led me to sign up as a coach.  I want to help other women find their way out of that helpless, hopeless bog of defeat.  I know what it’s like, because I was there.  Reach out to me, if you’re interested in getting stronger and if you are looking for someone to walk this journey with you.   I would love to have the opportunity to encourage you.  

I want to be fit and healthy enough to grow old with my husband.  I want to be strong so I can play with my grandchildren.  I want to have vision to see that my life is not about me, and that God has so much more in store for me than just clock time, grow old and die.  I want to use my every breath to bring praises to God, and to pour into others, all that God has so bountifully poured into me.  “I am His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus, to do good works, which He prepared in advance for me to do.”  (Eph.2:10 paraphrase mine)

What is it that He want you to do?