FIT Friday: Don't hit the wall. Climb it!

My son, Ben, and me at camp this week!

Hey everyone,
It's Friday and you know what that means! Time for a FIT Friday post! If you're new to FIT Fridays, please read our week one challenge before you jump in where we are now.

This week, I went to student camp and had the honor of leading the seventh grade girls group. It's been a long time since I was in middle school -- let's not dwell on that, though :) Some things I noticed about these precious 13 year olds: they have incredible energy. They do not need sleep -- at all -- at least if there's mountain dew available. They like to look alike -- we braided a lot of hair this week. Seriously, they were amazing and they reminded me how precious it is to just love living!

Our last day at camp, we participated in a team challenge -- to get four of our team members up and over a 15 foot wall. Seriously. I had two who are afraid of heights and one with a sore knee. That left five girls... and our team needed a sixth participant. Obviously, the sun had burned my brain. I said I'd do it. WHAT??? Their 44 year old leader? Climbing a wall? I'm afraid of heights too, you know. AND I leave on vacation this weekend. What if I break my arm or leg -- or neck?

We sent girlie number one up and over that wall in no time! With three of us helping her go up and our strong hoister at the top (seriously, this girl has amazing strength), it was a piece of cake. Then it was my turn.... YIKES! No fear. Or at least never let it show!

Our strong base girl (she's incredibly tough too and such a sweetie) held out her palm. I stepped into it and she pushed me up. I stretched. She and another girl pushed. And I locked arms with the hoister. I "climbed" the wall and got near the top. With a little help that first leg went up and over -- oh my gosh! We did it!!! I have a few bruises which I wear with pride.

The next two came up quick and easy. Four of us went up and over in 2 minutes and 17 seconds. AWESOME! We did it!!!

At lunch, I told my teen sons that I had climbed the wall. One high fived me -- "Great job, Mom. I tried, but I couldn't do it." My other son, "Really? You climbed the wall. No way." Hints of disbelief. The girls backed me up -- and then, "Cool. Good job, Mom."

FIT Fridays is just like climbing that wall.

• When you struggle, the rest of us are here to lift you up. You can always comment to share a success story or word of encouragement or scripture that has helped you. You can join our email group (just email me privately or post a comment below that includes your email so I can add you).
• We are stronger together than any one of us alone. No one can climb a 15' vertical wall without help. Becoming healthy is just as hard to do alone. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 reminds us that two are better than one, and a cord of three strands is not easily broken. Alone we are weak. Together, we are strong.
• Celebrate your success. When we finished, we screamed and hollered, jumped around and hugged each other. We were so proud of ourselves!!! It felt good to celebrate. Inside, I knew I succeeded because of the exercise and healthy eating I've been doing lately. I know my body was ready for that challenge. I had confidence I didn't have last year (when I refused to climb the wall).

Healthiness takes a commitment of heart, attitude, and mind. This week's "homework" is intended to help you make a healthy commitment. 

First, write down what you want in this life. When you're 40 (or older), do you want to be able to play frisbee in the hot sun with your kids without feeling like you're having a heart attack? How about doing laundry or dishes or cooking dinner without a backache? You can do it! Set the goal, make choices that will help you reach that goal, and celebrate. You'll get there quicker than you think!

Second, pick a theme verse. I am motivated by 1 Corinthians 10:31, "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." At camp, I ate healthy. People noticed. One girl asked, "Why do you take the bread off your sandwich?" I explained that I want the food I eat to make me strong so I can do whatever God asks of me and I don't want to eat more than I need. So, I take the white bread off and eat more salad. 

Another girl asked how I stay so fit. Me. Really? NEVER had that question before. Then again, I've never been able to play soccer and ultimate frisbee, cheerlead and climb walls before! I explained, briefly, how I work exercise into my day so that my body can be strong for whatever God brings... I told her how I wished I had done it younger. Whatever you do... Glorify GOD!

Third, drink more water. Water is your "secret weapon." If you drink more water, you aren't as hungry. If you drink water, you have energy. My husband's job sometimes requires him to be up most of the night -- he sometimes only gets one or two hours of sleep. He has never reached for the coffee pot for a quick burst of energy. As long as I've known him, he has reached for the water bottle. He can drink two gallons of water on those exhausting days -- yes, more trips to the bathroom, but he is more alert. Your brain is mostly water. Without it, you get sluggish -- your mind is literally thirsty! For me, not enough water leads to migraines. Since eating healthy, I get fewer headaches than ever. Drink that water!

Fourth, keep cutting calories. If you've mastered the 25% less challenge, step it up. Never go below 1200-1400 calories per day. You can't function and be healthy on less! For those who are still over that, though, it's time to cut some more. What can you swap for healthier eating? How about cutting sugar out of your coffee? How about switching to more vegetables and a couple less fruits? Instead of dessert, how about just a bite? HINT: brush your teeth after meals. You'll crave sweets less.

Finally, get off that couch! Move it. Move it. Move it. And thank God you're alive! Park far away at work, at the mall, at church. Wherever you go. Run up those steps, don't just walk! Get up from your desk and do a lap around the floor in your office building or outside around the building every hour or two. It will keep you sharp! Or run a couple flights of stairs. Just keep moving!!!

One of our FIT Fridays friends did a backflip in the pool this week. AWESOME! Celebrate! God made you special.

Lots of love,

Karen