Count thy blessings

I was talking with a co-worker yesterday who said she had recently run into a fellow church member, who asked her how she was.

She told him, and then he replied, “OK, now tell me something good that’s happening in your life.”

That sparked a small discussion between us about how we try to remain positive and not complain. I told her that this blog has helped me tremendously in that regard.

When I get on the treadmill each weekday morning, I spend the time praying, meditating and thinking about what I am going to write for this blog immediately after my walk.

When I started this blog to document my weight loss journey, I had two main goals: Keep it positive, and keep it real.

Oh, I know I still complain. But I try not to every day.

How many of you would keep reading if all I did was tell you how bad diet and exercise suck?

So, this blog has honestly helped train me into a new way of thinking.

What can I find amidst the pain and struggle that will keep me going, and in turn help inspire my readers?

Now, I know that most of you reading this aren’t gonna go start your own blog documenting your struggles for the world to see.

You don’t have to.

But I do challenge you to write down your own journey in a private journal or wherever.

Examining myself daily for this undertaking has taught me so much.

Another exercise I encourage you to try is to each day take note of five things for which you’re thankful.

Some days, you’ll have to get creative, I know. But the blessings are there if you just look.

Take for instance the fact I am way too sleepy this morning. I am thankful for that because we were out late last night at a baseball game, surrounded by friends.

Or take my silly little blister. I’m thankful for it, too.

It means I’m still working hard and haven’t given up, even when this battle has seemed too overwhelming.

As you train your body or whatever on your own journey, don’t forget to train your mind, too.

All your blessings are there. Learn to see them.