What an experience. There are even things that I entirely and albeit unintentionally gave up on in an effort to succeed in other areas. Overall I have to say that I am quite pleased with this whole endeavor.
I'm 40 days in and I feel like at least have something physical to show for it. Eleven inches lost in the distance between my bust and thighs, and just over eight pounds. I'm so amazed. Despite my once a week indulgence I have shed some serious Mel. I did something active a few times a week, slightly less than my hopeful four time per week goal. The last two weeks I have been sick so I have got off the active bandwagon. This week will be the return of all things healthy.
I continue to struggle with the meditation. I am not getting enough sleep. I definitely let that slip. But the food has made up for the energy lost in lack of sleep to a degree. My head feels clearer and I feel more productive overall.
I have not experienced a spiritual awakening, I was really hoping for some inspiration in this department. I have been feeling more calm and positive though. I've really been making an effort to think positively. It's easier to do this when you feel good about yourself I've been finding.
An interesting thing happens when you exercise self control in your life, it is empowering. So often we laugh off our weakness with our friends when partaking in indulgences. It's really not a fulfilling way to live. Most often participating in this form of denial, and usually some form of self harm we use the initial slip-up as an excuse to continue into a downward spiral of everything we want to avoid. It's a slippery slope, as they say. To be free of this cyclical pit and exercise self control, it it's own way is much more freeing. Taking care of yourself and freeing yourself to feel good by letting go of the cultural norms and indulgent desires let's you become someone you are intended to be.
Our bodies are so incredibly, wouldn't it be so fulfilling to help it become the thing it was made to be, instead of pushing it to see how much it can take before it starts giving it up?
For this reason, I am planning on continuing on this journey beyond lent. I want to feel good, to feel in control of myself. I want to keep grounded and know who I am. I'm the only thing I can control in this life, I may as well make it count.
