Happy Independence Day!
Since we are talking about freedom...there is a quote by Dwight D Eisenhower that goes like this:
Freedom has its life in the hearts, the actions, the spirit of men and so it must be daily earned and refreshed - else like a flower cut from its life-giving roots, it will wither and die.
I love this quote because it illustrates that freedom isn't cheap. Nor is it just handed to us.
This week I tried to be intentional about an area of my life that I have to pursue freedom: Body Issues.
I know this particular issue is one we women would rather sweep under the rug and refuse to look at. It bothers us, but we aren't sure we want to talk about it; especially since we assume that those around us never worry about it. That is not the truth. The trap of discontent and self hatred does nothing but stifle who we are and what we do in this life!
I'm proud of those of you took the challenge to go to the True Campaign. That is a first step to freedom! I know that it is not easy (in fact it is a down right scary-feeling) to look at these things. To some, this is how we've have defined ourselves for so long that it feels like truth.
I also wanted to address the question that came up regarding those who are truly in need of being on a "diet"; the ones who need to lose that last bit of 'baby-weight', or those who need to lose a significant amount of weight to be clinically healthy. Here is how I handled (and will handle) taking steps to keeping healthy:
A couple years ago, when we moved from TX to NC I gained about 12 pounds. I don't know why, other than the change in schedule, or the fact that I was headed towards those mid-thirties, (or maybe it was that delicious southern food I had never before experienced!) but I remember seeing those numbers and freaking out just a bit. I knew I needed a plan, but I also needed to be smart. So, for the first time ever, I told The Mister, and three of my friends (who know my issues and hold me accountable) that I was going to be cutting back a little on calories. I wasn't being sneaky, and I wasn't be foolish. I was eating sensibly and exercising and doing my best to be "normal".
I ended up only losing 6 pounds. I have never lost that last 6 pounds. I have been the same ever since. However, there is freedom in this place.
I began to realize that that last 6 pounds were really "vanity pounds". Those around me cannot actually see the difference those 6 pounds make. It was all about my focus; all about seeking freedom where there wasn’t any.
I'm telling you this because I don't think being on a "diet" is bad (although we are smart to remember the dieting industry is a multi-billion dollar business that often offer solutions that don't work for the long term).
I believe we all have to watch our diet (what we eat) to be healthy individuals. Being extremely thin so that you cannot think or have normal relationships is not freedom. Being overweight to the point that life is interrupted because of obesity related health issues is not freedom...they both are the same issue, although the world makes one more 'glamorous' and 'acceptable' than the other. They are both lies.
I have weighed many pounds more, and many pounds less throughout my life, than what I currently weigh right now. Both ends of that spectrum feel the same when my mind is focused on the wrong source of freedom.
Weighing a certain amount, or wearing a certain size doesn't bring freedom. Feeling strong and healthy, and focusing on things other than myself? That is worth fighting for!
What does feeling strong and healthy look like? That's a question I cannot answer. As you pursue freedom you will begin to understand what it feels like...once you have tasted living in freedom, the old cage of a past stronghold will start to feel confining...your desire to dwell there will decrease. You may find yourself walking back there on occasion, but that is where learning to define your actions based on Truth will come in. It's a journey, my friends, not a destination.
I hope that answers some questions you have...there isn't a formula for freeing one's self from the destructive path of trying to be someone you aren't.
Oh! How I wish that we could be talking about this, face-to-face over a cup coffee! If you are wanting more of a dialog on this, or if you have questions, please email me. I would be more than happy to chat.
Also, if you are wanting specific information regarding balanced nutrition for long term please follow this link. It's a good start.
On to bloggy business! Here is the random number that the generator picked:
Here are your random numbers:
8
Timestamp: 2008-07-04 14:07:27 UTC
Rae, you are the lucky winner of the giveaway. I will email you for details!
Also, last week I was awarded two awards:
2 comments:
I cannot believe I have won!!!! I could not be more thrilled...I feel like I already have a connection to this book as well as to Constance Rhodes! Thank you so much for introducing me to her and her work. I can't wait to dive into the book!
Kellie, I love reading your insights on this. You really put everything into perspective; it's so easy to lose sight of who we are and our true worth.
Congrats to Rae! :)
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