Persevering When Life Happens

We can't avoid it. Life happens. You move. You get a new job. A loved one dies. A new baby is born. You're gone on vacation for two weeks. You get sick. Maybe you just need to rest.

You're not completely off the band wagon. I mean, you are still drinking lots of water and exercising or maybe you're not, but your eating is okay. Either way, you know you are not doing your best like you want. You have one foot in and one foot out and it feels like at any moment, you could tip one way or the other.

What can push you back into the band wagon instead of off the fence?

I've had a couple of weeks recently of feeling on the fence while dealing with a lot of change and stress. Some things I found helpful for making it through the really tough time and for pushing me back to that place of determination to stay on the healthy band wagon are:

1. Prayer, Worship, Devotion

Lent is here and a perfect opportunity for self-reflection. It's a great time to pick up a good devotional and spend a few extra minutes each day in thought and prayer. I find the simplicity of worship during this season also helpful for uncluttering my brain from all the craziness that life can bring in.

2. Call in Reinforcements

Seek out friends, family members, coaches, and your biggest fans who can really listen to you and be there, even if only for a hug. We all need others to share our lives with, especially during the hard times. For me, while I was away from Arizona and in Wisconsin, this meant staying ith my cousin, working out with my favorite trainer, and making frequent calls to my best friend. Now that I'm back in Arizona, I'm setting new goals, getting the support I need to reach them, and searching for new adventures to get excited about.

3. Ease Back into a Routine

Getting enough sleep, making time to cook healthy meals, and taking a few extra hours a week to relax can all help you get back into the band wagon. Take it easy and be kind to yourself; one good day might be followed by another challenging one. Like I mentioned in a previous post, there are no do overs in life; only opportunities to begin again. Give yourself the time and space to adapt to life after whatever it is that tried to derail you. And I'll do my best to do the same.