People have been asking questions, so I thought I’d make a full disclosure. I decided a couple of months ago to make a personal change related to my health and appearance. I really needed to shed a few pounds and get back on a regular exercise routine. Life was busy, good and fulfilling, but I just wasn’t making time to care for myself. I’ll call it a lack of self-care.
Three factors influenced this change:
I’m working on a new project (for a book) on spiritual formation. Discipline is essential in formation practices. I came to a place where if I was going to write/teach on formation and discipline that I needed to practice it in other areas of my life. It was a realization for me that formation is not compartmentalized, but is about the whole self. I needed to practice discipline and any lesser attempt was hypocritical.
We began a video venue (service) this past year in our Sunday morning lineup. I periodically review the teaching videos as an aid in presentation. I’ve learned a lot about some of my annoying ticks in presentation – hand movements, eye contact and facial expressions. I’d encourage every teacher to video and watch his or her presentation. While this may sound like vanity speaking, I’ve always heard the camera adds a few pounds to the person on camera. While that might be true, I was on that screen and I didn’t like what I saw. I decided I wasn’t going to be the stereotypical overweight preacher.
Finally, I wanted to be healthier medically and bring down my numbers and perhaps reduce medications and dosages. I didn’t want to give into the excuse that you’re just getting older. I had to be proactive with a goal for a healthier me. This required a change in eating, exercise and routine.
Here’s the result so far:
I’ve lost over 25 pounds in the past nearly 90 days. My eating habits have changed. I’m eating breakfast each day – oatmeal, fruit, coffee and perhaps yogurt. I’m eating lean meats, more vegetables (the green stuff) and whole grains for lunch and dinner. Sugar is out. I’m eating earlier dinners, smaller portions and few late night snacks. My favorite new snack food, which is neither low calorie nor fat free, is humus – but I love it!
There’s a greater intentionality and frequency in the exercise regimen. I’m in the gym a minimum of four days a week. I’m currently focused more on weight training, but doing some cardio too. My numbers dropped, as did medication dosages. The new wardrobe is down one shirt size and two pant sizes. I definitely feel better and have a whole lot more energy. And, I think my attitude is a little better too, but you’ll need to ask Jo about that.
So why share this stuff:
I guess I share it because some people had questions. Perhaps more importantly, because if I can do it, then I know anyone can. At 50 years old (51 next month), it was a personal decision I made for myself. No one could have made the decision for me or shamed me into it. It became personal and so moved into action. I want a life that reflects discipline, I don’t want to be that stereotyped overweight preacher and I want to be healthier. These are my reasons, this is my story and I’m still on the journey.
May God continue to bless you and your ministry. Thanks for being a good example especially with health issues. This was very inspiring. Our bodies are God’s holy temple and we should take care of them as best we can. I think everyone wants to look better and most importantly feel better. As I’m closing in on 65 years young it’s easier on the old bones to try and start healthy when you are younger. I thank God for being able to walk at a good pace but the knees are starting to give out! Thanks again! Love in HIS Name~ Debi
Debi, thanks for the comment and encouragement! Keep walking! Brad
Thank you for sharing this journey.
Martha, thank you for the comment!
Thanks for sharing! Lots of us can see the change but have been not sure if we should ask you just how much you have lost.Are you shocked I was the brave one? I too have been trying to shed a few pounds and discipline is the biggest problem for me, we’ll so are late dinners and night time snacks. Thanks for the encouragement,I’m pressing on”
Laura, thanks for the comment and the question Sunday night! Congrats on your progress too. Keep pressing on!
Yes, Brad, as I shared Sunday, I’m on that journey too. There is reward in just finding healthy recipes and new ways to fix things and yes, the exercise piece itself helps me feel better. After dealing with thyroid disorder for much of this past year and finally over heart difficulties and stress fracture resulting from that, I am so thankful for good health and I want to do what I can to keep it. Thanks for sharing…we all can encourage one another on the journey.
Dale, I appreciate you sharing Sunday about your journey too. It’s amazing how just eating better and getting a little exercise can make you feel better. To better health as we continue the journey!
Brad, I totally agree with everything you are doing. You will be much happier and in much better health. You may motivate others to do the same thing. Keep up the good work! Carolyn
Carolyn, It’s good to hear from you. Hope all is well. Thank you for the comment and encouragement!
Congratulations and thank you for sharing and serving as a motivation – next time we meet for lunch I may try your humus.
Steve, thanks for the comment and encouragement. We’ll definitely get the humus next time!
Your Mom was so proud of you and this would make her more so! I am doing the same as you. So are Lanny and his wife. While our children are grown and we have for Grandchildren to to run and play with. May God bless your journey to better health. Christy
Hey Christy, great to hear from you. Thank you for the kind words and encouragement. Keep on keeping on the journey to better health!
Brad, I am so very proud of you and have so many fond memories of days we spent together talking and sharing our ideas on helping our fellow ministers in crisis. God has been so good to us in this area and I pray for your ministry as you continue loving and caring for others. You have a BIG HEART and I am blessed to be your friend.
I pray for you as you diligently strive to be all God would have you to be. Keep up the good work !! Love you, ‘lil brother.
Hey Bob, thank you so much for the kind words and encouragement. So many great memories! Love you and Rochelle! Thank you for being a wonderful role model and mentor!