Finding Grace in My Weight Loss Journey

Highs and lows. A typical weight loss journey is filled with them. I find this especially true when it's not just the weight that needs to be changed, but the lifestyle. I've been hitting major walls since the end of July when my family and I took our vacation. I have had a really difficult time getting back on track and while not all of my choices have been bad, I feel the poor choices outweigh the good ones.

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I've also learned that during this journey I must allow myself to experience some grace. Giving myself grace has not always been something I've allowed. I beat myself up emotionally and I trash talk the face looking back at me in the mirror. Our words are meant to edify. We are meant to build each other up. That goes for ourselves as well. Talking down to myself only made me feel worse. It did the opposite of motivating me. That's where grace comes in.

But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God.

Acts 20:24

Through my Christian walk, I've learned a lot about God's grace. He shows favor upon us and carries us when we cannot carry ourselves. If we are supposed to strive to be Christ-like, it only seems logical that we should offer ourselves the same grace that we offer others and that which is offered to us by God. I've been thinking on this a lot lately, and quite frankly, it has allowed me to free up a lot of mental space. I no longer drag myself down as much as I was. I try to find quotes and scripture that motivate. I look for positive qualities in myself. I take great joy in the small victories. I've also been reminded that caring for my body in a healthy way is what I am called to do. By calling on God throughout my battle with weight loss I am not only building my testimony, but I am showing others His goodness. I am able to share my love for Him and His goodness in my life through the tests I overcome.

In order to make a lifestyle change of this magnitude and maintain it, we have to be willing to let go of our mistakes. We have to focus on what we are doing right and look for ways to continue to better ourselves. It's not just a change of mind, but a change of heart.

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I've realized the importance of connecting with others on similar journeys. I've found this to be completely true in my battle with infertility and I am finding it follows suit with my weight loss. My two major focuses this week are connecting and meal prepping. I've done pretty well with the meal prepping but I need the accountability. A sweet friend has agreed to share the load on this journey as she and I both move forward with our Low Carb way of life. She may be miles away, but her encouragement overcomes the distance. I am thankful.

So, while I continue to battle these 7-10lbs that keep fluctuating and keep me from my first 30lb goal, I will take into account what I am doing right and offer myself some grace when things don't go as I had hoped. I've made a lot of progress and I know I can do better. I will do better. I will meet my goals and I will love myself. The only one that can make these changes is me...but some grace and good friends along the way make the ride a little more pleasant.