Wellness Challenge

For the next several {this and that} Thursdays, I want to do a series of posts on another area of life that I am extremey passionate about. There are several ways to label it or describe it: health, fitness, wellness, etc. Whatever you may call it, it's about caring for your physical and mental well-being.

There are so many programs and fitness plans out there, but with any pursuit of well-being, it first begins in the mind. This week in the Wellness Challenge we will focus on getting into the right mindset.

1. Developing a healthy mindset: what's your motive?

Getting healthy or pursuing wellness is not about numbers on or off of a scale. Getting healthy actually first starts with your mind, not with your body. It's about your purpose and your motive.

I've always been an active person, involved in sports and activities as a child and as a teenager. During high school, in an attempt to get into better shape, I began "dieting" and working out excessively. As it happens so often in young girls, it spiraled out of control and became an unhealthy obsession. Contrary to what I set out to do, I was actually destroying my body rather than making it "better".

Thankfully, I had a major change of perspective and was physically and mentally restored from my bad choices. A few years later, I became certified in group fitness and have since set out to help others and myself pursue a healthy and whole lifestyle, rather than a fad dieting binge.

In order to avoid similar disasters, we have to evaluate our motive for wanting to get in shape/get healthy, as with any other endeavor in life. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• As followers of Christ, in everything we do, it should be to glorify our Heavenly Father, not for selfish gain. Yes, it's nice to look good in that swimsuit or new dress and that is an awesome by-product of our hard work, but there is a deeper issue.

So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 1 Cor. 10:31.

• Also, we are admonished in scripture to care for this "temple" that we have been given. We only have one and it's quite delicate. It very much responds to how we treat it and what we do with it.

Don't you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself. 1 Cor. 6:19

• Finally, as mommies of busy little ones, hard working women inside or outside of the home or a retired empty nester exploring new adventures, we all need the strength and energy to do it well. To do well the thing that has been set before us and to take care of those we have been entrusted with - whether spouses, parents, children, or people in our community.

...don't just do the minimum that will get you by. Do your best. Work from your heart for your real Master, for God, confident that you'll get paid in full when you come into your inheritance. Keep in mind that the ultimate Master that you're serving is Christ. (Col. 3:23-25 Message)

Physical and mental wellness is a lifelong journey. When it has the right motive and purpose behind it we benefit from it as well as those around us. The physical and mental benefits of a healthy lifestyle can be immeasurable.

Next Thursday, I hope you will join me as I begin to discuss other practical ways to in the journey of wellness. I will talk about the "H2O factor".

How do you pursue wellness? What are some ways you care for your physical self?

(Note: The content of this series is intended for informational use only and is not to be construed as medical advice. Everyone is different in their level of health and fitness. It is advised to consult a physician before beginning a fitness or nutritional plan.)