Be the Hero!

I have come to recognize in recent days that we are often given two choices in our lives for how we can proceed with the paths we take. We can either make a choice and follow through, or we can make excuses for why we have not done something that we say we want to do. Those who follow the first example are normally seen as those with a strong-will, and those who follow the second "do not." But, the reality of these two paths is that one takes a mindful approach to decisions and then makes everything in life reflect that choice, while the other approach becomes the victim where things just "happen" to them to hold them back. I call these roads either having a hero-mentality or a victim-mentality.

The person who chooses to have the victim-mentality is always stuck in a rut. There is always something about which to complain, someone did something to them, or something came up that stopped them from proceeding with their plans. It's never their fault that they did not do what they said they were going to do, because there is always someone or something else to blame. Little responsibility is taken in their lives because they make themselves none responsible for the consequences (I mean, if you take responsibility for something that means that you have the power to fix it, right?) It is easier for these people to point the finger at someone else than to look at themselves to see what they personally can do to amend the situation. They will likely stick with what they know, never really widening the scope of their lives, or pushing the bar, because they are comfortable in their known lives, even if they are miserable or lonely, etc. Rarely is change seen in the mentality or lifestyles of these people, because change means facing some area of themselves and accepting responsibility, which a victim does not do. They likely will have a negative self-image because they "can't do anything right," and therefore become the victim again (the "woe is me" mindset). Their attitudes are usually spikes and valleys of emotion and little disruptions to their plans through everything out of whack. In my experience, it is the life that "talks the talk" but rarely "walks the walk."

Those who have a hero-mentality take charge of their own lives, knowing that they are in control of the decisions that are made and the consequences of those decisions. They realize that they are responsible for making the outcomes of their days exactly what they want through the little decisions that are made throughout their days. Although they may have a slip-up here or there, or some random event through a wrench in their plans, they immediately pick-up where they were, and ask themselves, "Okay, what can I do right now to get back on track to reach my goal?" They do not make a habit of making excuses. They make decisions and then their lives noticeably change because of those decisions. Everything they do is purposeful and intentional, and they are rarely surprised by the results they get. These people are doers, not just talkers. They usually have a positive self-image and are confident in their ability to accomplish the task they set out to do. They make commitments and stick with them. They usually have no problem reflecting on their decisions to see what they did right and wrong, and then making adjustments accordingly, as they feel no condemnation for those decisions because they are what they are. They view events in the large scheme of things, knowing what is just "spilled milk" and what is actually a big deal. Their attitudes are usually very temperate, calm, and controlled.

These two mentalities play into every facet of our days, and most of us oscillate between the two. Obviously, the goal would be to more regularly adopt a hero-mentality, because more gets accomplished and lives begin to come together. If we look at these perspectives through spiritual eyes, the victim-mentality is felt by a person who is still consumed with their "old life" and has put back on the heavy yoke of slavery. But, Christ says that we can go to Him to get rest. His rest is all-consuming, so it is not just the kind where we lay down on the couch and sleep or do nothing, but it is a mental rest, one of peace and comfort, knowing that no matter what happens He is in control. He says, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light," (Matthew 11:28-30). Those who are secure in Christ's control over their lives will be more "even-Steven" in their handling of life's ups and downs.

Always being secure in the fact that Christ is in control will play into the fabric of our day. Everything will play against this truth, and our reactions will span accordingly. Will we adapt this mindset in one foul swoop? Heavens no! It takes time to really be secure in the truth of Christ's control, but the more we focus on it and the more we gauge everything against it, we slowly but surely begin to see everything through spiritual eyes. Eyes that can say, "Well, big picture, this does not matter so much...It's just _____." Will we still struggle sometimes with our old, fleshly mindset? Of course, because it takes time and diligence to mature. But, we can be assured that the more we make it a priority to respond (which is mindful) to events instead of react (which is emotional) we will find our maturing process moving steadily ahead.

So, how does this play into a decision to get healthy and fit? It plays into everything! For one thing, to be the hero of our own lives, we must take responsibility for the areas in which we have not effectively succeeded. We must recognize where we need to focus and then plan accordingly. If we have not been diligent in exercising, we must begin to structure that into our day and plan around it, not allowing for it to be an option (because if it is optional it will not get accomplished). If we have been weak in healthy eating, we must begin to make steps to clean up the food we eat, even if only one small step at a time. Just like someone who is engaged in overtly sinful behaviors needs to stop doing to sinful behavior (like pre-marital sex or alcoholism), we need to immediately cut out those larger acts that hurt us the most (like binge eating, or regularly eating incredibly high calorie/fat foods). We must begin to plan out our meals for the day so that there are few surprises, if any, and stick to our guns when presented with temptation. We should begin to see that temptations of all kinds (whether food, laziness, pornography, affairs, drugs, alcohol, etc.) are purposed to stop us from following through with our decisions to abstain from something. They all test our self-control and dedication to actually sacrificing our fleshly desire to satisfy ourselves. And, the ultimate fact: Truth can be applied ANYWHERE at ANYTIME in ANYTHING. One truth that a wise woman once told me regarding commitment to a decision was to "do the right things and the right feelings will follow." The fact is, sometimes we will not WANT to do what we have committed to do. Sometimes we might feel like we should just give in to the temptation to stray from our goal-path, but if we make the decision to continue to do the right things (things that follow the necessary path to achieve our goals) we will begin to have an easier time doing them because we will begin to prefer that way. A common statement I have heard from those who begin to implement a healthier lifestyle is "Wow, I just feel so good, now that I'm eating healthier foods and working out regularly," and on the contrary, when they miss a workout or eat something that is lacking in nutrition, "Wow, I noticed that when I did not workout I felt so sluggish the next day," or "I ate some fried food last night and I feel totally drained and bloated today! I am so not going to do that again." It's amazing the results that can follow determination that is not dictated by an emotional or feeling-fueled engine.

The moral of the story is BE THE HERO OF YOUR OWN LIFE! Decide today that you are ready for more. Do not let excuses hold you back any longer, but begin being purposeful with your time and actions, making everything move like a well-oiled machine. If things pop up and get you off track, or if you encounter a season of "falling off the wagon," get back up and jump back in. Who cares if the time frame for achieving the goal has changed! Better late than never! God wants what is best for us, and healthy living certainly falls into that category. He sees us as valuable and worthy, so we must view ourselves through His eyes and take care of the things with which He has blessed us (i.e. our bodies, minds, etc.) We know that our body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, so shouldn't we make it a habitable place both inside and out? Shouldn't we make choices to keep our bodies healthy? Don't get me wrong, there should be no pride or vanity included in this mentality. We really have little value without God as our redeemer. But, He has given us free-will and a charge over our own lives, the ability to make decisions and to reap the benefits or to destruction of those decisions. As always, in all things, "Remember this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously," (2 Corinthians 9:6). Put in the effort, be diligent, and you will experience great results!