Self-Discipline

Are you anything like me? Is there something that you are still trying to achieve and accomplish or start and sustain, and just not there yet?

I saw an old friend the other day that I hadn’t seen in over a year. He asked me, are you still trying to lose ten pounds, unpack your garage, and find your husband. I stopped in my tracks, well, yes, I am. I have been trying to complete these for three years. Why is this I ask? Well, if I break it down, it has to do with daily habits, and in my case, lack thereof. Successful people have healthy daily habits that they adhere to. They plan for and devote time to that which is important. This is where it lies regarding my weight. If I want to get back to my ideal weight, it is not just going to happen without changing my daily habits. Things like daily exercising and not eating processed food and sugar. Two simple, yet challenging habits for me.

It starts with carving out time in my daily work calendar to exercise and menu planning to ensure healthy eating habits. I purchased an in-home elliptical to alleviate any excuses for when I am unable to walk outside due to inclement weather. I have a three-month goal to be able to fit into my bathing for a planned summer vacation. It is my hope and plans that this future event will provide the incentive I need to just do it, regularly and consistently. The truth is if this was easy for me, I would already have these healthy habits incorporated into my daily routine, just like I brush my teeth. Similar time and effort will be required to complete the laborious task of organizing the garage as well.

To accomplish these goals, I know that I cannot do it alone. As a single woman, while I will be doing the work myself, I will need the help of the Holy Spirit to provide me with the strength and focus for my self-care. The Word is my daily rock on which to stand, with my feet planted firmly. My mind focuses on taking the time to exercise, exerting energy to organize, making healthy food choices, staying hydrated, and getting adequate sleep. If not for me and my health, then because the Lord has asked us to be self-disciplined. ‘For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline.’ (2 Timothy 1:7)

As far as finding a husband, this is in God’s hands. After being divorced and single for ten years, repeatedly trying online dating, to no avail, I am at a point where I am going to be happy, even though. I have felt for so long that I will be happy when I find my husband. Through the Word, I have learned that God wants us to be thankful in the exact season that he has us, regardless. God knows the desires of my heart, and I am giving them to the Lord. It is in His hands, it is His plan, and if it is meant to be, it will be in His divine timing. I can finally say that I accept this season in which He has me. ‘But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.’ (Galatians 5:22-23)

Thank you for your support. I look forward to revisiting the success of my weight loss and my garage organization at the end of these three months. Perhaps sharing this journey with you is an additional incentive to achieve these goals. It is with hopeful anticipation that I will be saying to you, ‘We did it, and you can too!’

Please remember my friend, ‘The one who gets wisdom loves life; the one who cherishes understanding will soon prosper.’ (Proverbs 19:8)

Denice Choka is a child of God, a mother, an author, blogger, and encourager. You can contact her at denicechoka@gmail.com.