Recently I decided to focus on one word for this year: Restoration. I was led to the word when I considered what areas in my life I needed to focus on. Upon pinpointing specifics, I realized one common thread. All of the areas I wanted to focus on were in need of repair. These areas of my life need to be restored.
I've broken them down into specific areas with goals for each. I am beginning with my health. I am not terribly unhealthy and I'm generally active. However, over the last couple of years, and even recently, my body has not been functioning at its best and I need to work harder at caring for it. My body is the Lord's temple and I need to tend to it as such.
Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.
1 Cor. 6:19-20
Here are what my health goals look like...
-Lower BP
During my first pregnancy (2012-2013) I began having issues with my blood pressure. My doctor assumed it would return to normal after delivery. Nope. Despite losing 20lbs in addition to all the baby weight, it did not return to normal. This only caused additional concern during my most recent pregnancy. 6 months post delivery, my bp is still fluctuating and I am still on meds. To be honest, being on bp meds makes me feel SO much older than I am. I want to work towards being med free. This includes weight loss and stress reduction.
-Overall health/fitness
I have my physical coming up in 2 weeks. I'm both dreading it and looking forward to it. I'm dreading all the things she’ll say I need to work on, but I welcome devising a plan of action. I'm working on adding more exercise and eating differently. While I'm not sure what this will all look like, I am determined to see change.
-Address current health concerns
I developed some crazy symptoms during my last pregnancy. Only after continuing to have issues after delivery did I decide to speak openly to the appropriate doctors. I was having issues with my eyes to the point that my vision would sometimes become distorted. The resulting diagnosis was octal migraines. That's right, my EYES were having mirgraines. There is no cure since they typically develop from experiencing continuous stress and hormonal changes. ::sigh:: While I don't know when or where the next one may occur, I'll rejoice in the fact that I have not had an episode since October, praise God.
I've also been dealing with some leg issues and some super serious and painful shoulder pain. After having local doctors run blood work only to find nothing and to have one doctor give me his official (unofficial) diagnosis of mommy-itis (overtired and strained muscles), I felt at a loss. What was wrong with me? Due to the continuous and spreading pain, after an additional 4 months, I opted to see an orthopedist. She was a gem. After a thorough exam and x-rays, it was determined that I am experiencing issues with my siatic nerve and I have damaged my rotator cuff. Thankfully I don't need surgery but I do need physical therapy. I am in the process of setting all of that up now.
While I know things could be so much worse, I do not feel myself and I want to. I want to be able to play with my kids, be active, work on projects, drive etc. without pain. I know that this health journey is not one I can do alone (especially since it seems like I've started falling apart since turning 30 in April). Thankfully, the Lord's word is never short on encouragement.
He prays to God and finds favor with him, he sees God's face and shouts for joy, he is restored by God to his righteous state.
Job 33:26
And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up.
James 5:15a
God Bless
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