Recently, I posted a blog about a dressing room disaster I had. During a prayer time (whining is more like it), I felt the Lord challenge me about putting actions to my prayers. Convicted, I began to figure out what my plan of action was going to be.

One thing about me is that I am a brat. I don’t say “no” to myself nor do I like to restrict myself.  Many friends have mentioned giving up sugar or gluten, but I ignore them entirely. Yes, I am a brat. As I was thinking about my plan, I began to think about what I “can” do. I had a bit of an epiphany.

I can eat less! I can hike! I can stretch! I can cut out sugar! See what I did there? I am calling it the “I Can” plan. I realized that I have to figure out what works for me. Every day, I think about what I can do that will help me, even if it’s just one thing.

Making healthy choices

I have a few mantras I say to myself several times a day when I need a truth jolt!

I am not powerless! 


Tomorrow’s freedom is today’s surrender. 

I am drinking warm water with honey and lemon every morning to kick-start my metabolism

These mantras have kept me on track. When I feel tempted, I have promised myself that I will run to the Lord, not to food. The other night, I felt massive hormonal cravings coming on and I shouted in my living room, “I am feeling like I want to eat through the pantry right now!” Just saying it out loud helped me not to eat through the pantry.

It’s only been two weeks, but I do feel much better about myself. However, yesterday, I felt myself slide into a pit because I am not seeing the results that I’d like to see. The discouragement descended like a cloud. I began to berate myself. All my mantras and promises seemed to slip away. Yet, I felt the Lord nudge me to take a hike. I didn’t want to, but I knew it would help my heart. He met me in a real way as I was out in nature and beauty.

Getting a natural anti-depressant!