What is Our Motivation Towards Improved Health?

Over the last 10+ years of my wellness journey, there have been varying reasons for and motivations towards leading a healthier life. Some of them have been:

1. Weight loss
2. Digestive issues 
3. A desire to heal from disease 
4. Pregnancy 
5. Lack of energy 

But a consistent reason that has never left me has been stewardship. A desire to use this gift of my "temple" in responsible ways; to be a good example to others; to be the best that I can be in order to care for my family and community to the best of my ability. If I am sick and tired, then I lack the energy and ability to function in my every day responsibilities. And if I do somehow muster the will and energy to perform the tasks required of me, I'm surely unable to do so in a joyful, loving manner (which is super important to me). My efficiency and productivity, as well as my mental and emotional health, suffer when I do not adequately take care of myself.

There are hundreds, maybe even thousands, of books, websites and businesses devoted to health and wellness. It has become a multi-million dollar industry. Everyone thinks that they have the miracle answer that will improve your health. The best diet. The best nutritional supplement. The best exercise program. But I believe and have had proven to me time and time again by the many people that I've spoken to about their own wellness journeys that no one answer is the right answer for everyone. There is no one solution everyone. We are individuals created with individual dietary, exercise, spiritual and relational needs.

So what change can you make today to improve your health? What healthy suggestion have you been meaning to implement in your life? Or do you need some help discovering more healthy options to try for yourself?

Slowing Down and Assessing the Essentials

It's been quite some time since I've last blogged. So many things have changed. I've experienced the good, the bad, happiness, sadness, stress, peace... so many experiences in day-to-day life that make up who we are.

I've gotten married at the age of 33, which poses it's own challenges. Learning to compromise and share a life with another person can be quite the adjustment. But God didn't create marriage to make us happy (though it hopefully does some of the time). He created marriage to make us holy. So that we may imitate Him as he related to the church. I truly believe that there is no greater challenge with no greater reward than growing together in Christ in the ways that are expressed in scripture. It is character-building, for sure.

These last few months of new marriage have brought with them much reflection on who I am, who I am becoming, and who He wants me to be. How will my time be best spent? What activities/studies/hobbies will best serve my family and glorify God? What will contribute positively to my health, both physically and mentally? I've had some recent developments in my physical health that have proven to be the result of too much stress. So the reevaluation of my time and focus has become absolutely necessary.

So what are you focused on these days? How are you spending your time and attention, and how are those things serving your all-around wellness?