Last July, my house flooded from the second floor to the basement. My family moved in with my parents and we spent the next 5 months renovating our whole house. It was a hard thing but it was in the long hard hours of physical labor on our house that I had time to think about my life, priorities and what I wanted for my future. Working through that prepared me for the next hard thing --- losing the extra weight I had been carrying around for the last 13 years. Despite efforts to lose weight, I was gaining a few pounds every year. I knew my body needed a hard reboot. A friend of mine had recently lost a lot of weight with Grace and Strength Lifestyle.

I asked her about the program and she said, "I lost so much more than weight, I have worked through baggage and guilt that has held me down for too long." Her body looked great and her face was full of joy. After focusing on my house for 5 months I was ready to focus on my body, spirit and soul!

I learned so much in the weekly meetings. When we worked through priorities I realized that I have always had my priorities in [this] order: God, my husband, our children, our families, community and ministry. But, I was not one of my own priorities --- that seemed too selfish. I went through a mental and emotional wrestling [match] to allow myself to be comfortable putting "me" as a top priority! My time needs to reflect that I value my own physical, emotional and spiritual health.

Serving everyone else first and letting the tyranny of the urgent run your life is a hard habit to break. Grace and Strength Lifestyle has given me the tools and accountability to break that habit. I have also learned to be thankful for simple wholesome foods. I have enjoyed the exercise of denying myself of my normal comfort foods, like chocolate, and instead going to God --- my only true comforter.

When I told my kids I was joining a weight loss program they told me, "you're not fat, you don't need to lose weight." They watched me eat my healthy meals while they enjoyed ice cream for dessert. They knew I went to bed earlier so I could get up in the morning to exercise. They have noticed my countenance change as freedom has replaced bondage and joy has overcome weariness. As an adult I usually don't have to do anything I don't want to do. It was good for me to submit to coach Monica's training and challenges especially when I didn't want to do what she said. It was a good exercise for me and it has made me a better parent and my children have noticed.

I am glad that I took this time to clean up areas in my life that had grown lazy and undisciplined. I feel strong, healthy and in control of my health.

Be Blessed,

Heidi

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* Individual results may vary.