February: When We Chose Intentional Living

Whilst we constantly surround ourselves with the things that we deem important – money, fame, cars and sex, among other things – and work harder and harder to bring them closer to us, we tend to lose sight of those things that actually make us more bearable and better human beings; the things that define us. Things like peace of mind, a healthy heart, a hug that says “it’s going to be okay”.

We build houses, careers and even go as far as building an image or a brand that sometimes leave us feeling empty and wondering if there is more to life. Over time, I have come to realise that no matter what circumstances are dictated upon our lives, we’re the ones who get to decide how deeply they will affect us and what our reactions will be. We’re not robots, good heavens no, but we’ve been given a will, a spirit if I can call it that, that is filled with power, love and a sound mind. Things we can get to or reach only if we let ourselves.

Photo by Coop Pics

This February, as part of Project 2013, the idea, the purpose, the goal is to be be rich – both within and without. I may not have a lot of money, I may not be famous, drive the best car and surround myself with the world’s idea of sexy, but I can decide what goes into and comes out of my mouth, I can decide how positively I want to affect my society and how healthy I want my mind and my body to be. I am talking about healthy mental and physical exercise.

Fit is not a destination; it is a way of life.

I am doing this for me.

I have had the pleasure of taking this journey and sowing some seeds – somewhat irregularly – over time, but I know that it is one whose harvest yield’s fruit. It is tough and seemingly endless sometimes, but it is definitely worth it. Over the last few months, I have laboured to change my diet and exercise as regularly as possible. Almost every morning, I have made it my mission to drag myself out of bed and hit the treadmill or complete a Taebo session. It has been difficult at times, but doable too. At first, it seemed long and hard, uneventful and fruitless until I began to realise how alert I felt during the day, how easier it was to carry myself around and how exhilarated I was after every work-out, so I stuck to it. In 2 months, I lost 2.5kgs. I haven’t weighed myself again but I can still feel the difference. Of course, I “cheat” sometimes and miss a workout, or eat unhealthy – I’m only human – but I’m trying my best I believe.

Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks ~ Bible

This month, the decision is not just to take my body seriously, but to take both mental and physical health to a whole other level in choosing to be physically fit and practice soundness of mind. There are many ways to do this but I believe it depends on a lot of the things we choose to let into our bodies and our ears as well. The music we listen to, the conversations we have, basically whatever we choose to surround ourselves with and the spend our time doing will inevitably have an effect – direct or indirect – on the person we become.

Here are a few things I believe may be helpful for a start. I have been a little haphazard in the choices I have made concerning my mind, so now I’d like more than anything to make it intentional.

• Healthy Mind, Body and Soul Food
• Meditation
• Word Study
• Daily reading outside your comfort zone
• good music
• healthy & uplifting conversation
• silence/quietness
• rising early
• sleep early
• smiling for no reason (I like this one)
• random acts of kindness
• eating healthy
• running and other exercise

Hopefully, if time and schedule allow, I’ll be filling you in on what I have been able to learn so far. I implore & I encourage you join me on yet another magnificent journey! Also, remember to keep appreciating those friends. It’s not a one-time thing, this journey. We’re creating habits! Good ones to be precise.

Only love!

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things ~ Bible