Physical fitness has become a high priority in our home this year and the way we spend our time reflects this priority. It is a discipline and comes with some sacrifice, but also great rewards {like hitting my goal weight today!}.
That’s right. I’m feeling pretty strong today.
I want this kind of “fitness” in other areas of my life as well.
The two areas of I’m thinking of specifically are mental and spiritual, which I guess covers most of the rest of my life, huh?!
In the physical arena of my life, I carve out 45 minutes to an hour everyday to sweat it out so that my body is healthy and strong. I train for races to give myself goals and motivation. I stay accountable with my husband and my best friend, as well as checking in with the Living and Active Challenge.
The way I plan, and stick to this plan, shows my commitment to physical fitness.
Now it is time to do the same for my mental and spiritual well-being.
Mental: My goals in this area mainly have to do with reading to keep my mind active and sharp. The list of books I want to read is a mile long, so I really need to make a plan and commit to chip away at that list. I will be making a list of the books on my to-read list to post on here and then cross them out as I go for some accountability! The books on my list include a little of everything: fiction, non-fiction, parenting, Christianity, marriage, writing, and more!
Spiritual: The Hello Mornings Challenge and the She Reads Truth reading plans have really helped me stay consistent with my time in the Word, but I want to dive in deeper. God has laid some specific chapters and verses smack dab in front of me several times and I’m taking that as a sign that I need to study them more closely, take notes, and even take action on some of them! I’ll share more about these as I go!
I am also planning more intentional time with the people in my life who feed my mental and spiritual growth. I had some of that this weekend at dotMOM and I came away feeling like a new woman all around! God knows what and who we need, right when we need it!
With all of that said, here is my plan for the week:
Physical
- Monday: run 4 miles
- Tuesday: elliptical, rowing machine
- Wednesday: run 3-4 miles {depending how my knee feels}
- Thursday: kettlebell workout
- Friday: exercise bike or run at my parents’ house
- Saturday: exercise bike or run at my parents’ house
- Sunday: elliptical, weights
Mental:
- Read/finish The Circle Maker: Praying Circles Around Your Biggest Dreams and Greatest Fears
- Read/finish Every Writer Needs a Tribe: A Practical Guide to Finding (and Writing For) Your Audience
- Pick up The Greatest Generation
from my mom
Spiritual:
- Continue She Reads Truth plan
- Take notes on what I read every morning
- Start implementing prayer strategies from The Circle Maker
In which area do you find it easiest to make a commitment? What specific goals have you, or will you, set for this week for your all around fitness?
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Erin, you are gold, girl! I’m so thankful to know you and be inspired and encouraged by you.
I do best at the mental discipline … I always make time to read and seek growth. I’m definitely worst at physical.
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Hi, I am stopping by from the Peak 313 Challenge. You have an awesome blog. Congrats on hitting your goal weight. I love that you are striving to be come fit and healthy in all areas of you life. God bless you and your family this week.
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Erin Reply:
September 26th, 2012 at 2:41 am
Thank you so much Veronica! Great to meet you!
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Visiting from Peak 313 Challenge – and so glad I did!!! You are a powerhouse sweet sista!!! HUGE Congratulations on achieving your goal weight – that is *AWEsome*!!! Totally inspirational!!! … Well done on pushing yourself to improve your mental and spiritual ‘fitness’ too!! I am also a fellow HelloMornings participant (first session), however I am failing this challenge miserably!! I’m also participating in the current GMG’s study on Colossians, so at least I am getting *some* spiritual guidance though. I do love listening to either my audio book version of the BiBle or Chuck Missler’s podcasts though, and have been listening to quite a few of these (podcasts) lately – they always push me to go deeper into God’s Word, challenging me and my understandings … and always make me *think*!! … Also means I can get in some extra spiritual sustenance while I’m doing the dishes or folding laundry – two things I loathe doing
Good luck this coming week on the goals you’ve set!! God is with you every step of the way – he’s got your back!! … Will be praying for His strength and guidance upon you this coming week, the rest of the challenge, and the months & years that follow!! Stay Strong in the King!!
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Erin Reply:
September 26th, 2012 at 2:44 am
Larissa, you are so sweet! Thanks for your encouragement! I love the podcast idea for during chores! I need to try that! And I’ve done Hello Mornings several times and it is still hard – we just have to keep trying every day! Great to meet you!
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You are inspiring girl! I’m doing okay in the spiritual and mental areas (I’m reading the Circle Maker, too), but I am awful at physical. I just hate exercise. I need to just start small.
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Erin Reply:
September 26th, 2012 at 2:48 am
So true! I hated exercise as well, but having the right support and motivation around me made a huge difference. Couch to 5K really got me jump started – starting small is good!
By the way, so good to meet you this weekend! You are delightful! Have so much fun at Allume!
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How do you do it all? I have run a half marathon (last December) and loved it, but ever since I’ve had a really hard time getting motivated an. I want to spend more time with God and studying His Word, but I just feel like I can’t get control of my day. I have 2 boys (5 and 2) and work full-time. I can’t imagine all that you do in a day and still fit everything in. What does your schedule look like?
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Erin Reply:
September 26th, 2012 at 2:55 am
Hi Martha!
First of all, I don’t work full time! I’m not sure where I would fit in everything if I did!
I did work full time when Big J was little, but I wasn’t big into working out at that point! As far as time with God, I did a lot of worshipping and praying during my commute and read during lunch!
I may do a post on what I would like my schedule to look like, but it is still very much a work in progress! Early mornings are my biggest struggle but also my biggest reward when I actually get up and use them wisely.
I’m praying you can find more time for studying God’s Word – I love your hunger for that!
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Stopping by from Peak313 challenge and I love how clearly you’ve laid out your goals. A good balance with your reading, too!
Blessings and congrats on reaching your goal weight!
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