Lasting Change

The direction of your life is always changing, whether you realize it or not. Take a look at the last 10 years… what is a current reality in your life that you never planned for? What changes have occurred over that time? Did you make those changes intentionally or not?

There are some areas of my life that have changed many times. Some of those changes were deliberate: moving to Alberta, completing a college degree, becoming a pastor, moving a few more times. Some changes were unintentional: burning out and having to change my expectations of what “performance” means for me; gaining too much weight and becoming physically unhealthy.

Personal health is one of those changes that I would be more intentional about had I realized how destructive my choices would eventually become. But, today is a new day, and I have an opportunity to make better choices. Intentional choices.

Some changes are temporary and can be done in relatively little time. The seasons we experience in the Canadian Prairies force us to make seasonal changes. We don’t really think much about this, and although we may not like it, we move from summer to fall to winter apparel fairly quickly and easily.

Other changes are meant to be permanent, and often are a result of a shift in lifestyle or health choices. In my case, I built up over the course of 15 years an unhealthy physique. I tried many diet plans, but I inevitably went back to my old habits and gained more weight, became more unhealthy, and experienced lower self-confidence and mental health.

A change toward increased, or even optimal, personal health is not something that can be done quickly. It’s not the same sort of change as adjusting from a raincoat to a winter coat. We know that that spring will come once again and we will revert back to the lighter and more enjoyable summer clothing.

A permanent or long-lasting change, whether it’s increased physical health, career development, entering into marriage, having kids, buying a house, or any other life-altering change, needs to be made with a few key considerations:

1. How will I need to rethink my own identity?
2. What obstacles will I be faced with?
3. Who will support me?
4. How will this affect my relationships?
5. Why is this important to me?

Take some time to think about and answer these questions for yourself. You won’t regret it.