From Year to Year

From Year to Year

One year has passed. One decade has passed. And what has been the dominant theme through it all? Change. Someone once said that the only constant in life is change. If it’s not true, it certainly feels true. At least for me. Some changes were forced on me while others were of my own choice. In keeping with my new focus on being more grateful I’ll highlight the changes for which I’m thankful and seeing how the most dramatic have happened over the past year, that’s where I’ll start.

The most dramatic changes have come from pursuing a healthier life through weight loss surgery and the accompanying lifestyle changes that came with it. Over the last 18 months I have lost 60 pounds prior to surgery, and over 120 after surgery. My energy is so much better, my need for many prescription medications has either been greatly reduced or completely eliminated. And while I didn’t start this journey with the intent to change my appearance, that has certainly happened. Many people no longer recognize me who haven’t seen me in a few months or longer. And for the first time in my life my appearance is getting me positive attention instead of negative. Several people remarked that “I have my life back.” My response is that now I have a life I never had.

What has really taken me by surprise is the changes that have happened internally. I’ve become more grateful for so many things; even things that I used to complain about. I have found that even in the hard things there are lessons to be learned, and invitations from God to lean into him more; to trust that God is continuing to form me into the person God wants me to be. And in response to a previous post I believe God is inviting me into a deeper spiritual walk in which I must learn to listen, trust, and follow where God is leading, even when the direction is uncertain. To that end I plan on incorporating several practices into my life to strengthen my journey.

I plan on taking a solitude retreat day once a month. I have found so much peace in being in nature and listening to God. It has been amazing to respond to God’s invitation to “come way and listen.” And along with this practice I plan on practicing centering prayer 5 days out of 7. There are so many distractions vying for my attention that I find these practices life-giving in helping me be more attentive to God’s presence in my life.

I am also planning on being more consistent in my physical activity. I plan to do something active 5 days out of 7. I have been walking and adding sections where I jog. I have also been strength training using a home gym I bought a couple of months ago. And I’ve recently started doing body weight exercises to improve strength and functionality. All this so I can engage in the kind of activities I love: fly-fishing, mountain biking, hiking and so forth. Things that my weight prevented me from being able to do.

I want to be more intentional as I live the next years of my life. I want to be more loving, more kind, more generous, more grateful, and more and more like Jesus.

D~