The realization of how important it is to stay healthy and fit didn’t really come to mind until month 4 for myself. After a grueling 7-9 days of traveling we arrived in Cambodia for month 4 and this is when I realized how bad my knees started to hurt. Not one, but both knees and I will tell you it was really frustrating. I realized what was going on was called “jumpers knee”. This is when I knew I needed to start doing something about my overall health and fitness.
Months later multiple other people started having issues with their bodies. Whether it was their knees, foot problems, shoulders, etc. issues were rising. It’s one thing to get sick from water or food or something out of you hands, but when you can prevent getting sick or hurt; why would you not try? It is very apparent when one travels for months with lack of nutrition and exercise that ones body will start to change. People lose weight, gain weight, but the worst change is atrophy. It’s a real thing on the race when you don’t take care of you body when you can. Muscle atrophy happens and when you don’t make an effort to reverse the atrophy then things can get much worse.
Having noticing the changes to people bodies and what was happening just from sitting around too much was very alarming to me. I realized through seeing the physical issues that this was a good time to focus on my own transformation. The world race ends up being a great time to start working on self-discipline and a wonderful time to start transforming not only physically, but also spiritually and mentally. Who would of thought, right? Being able to use this time to transform helps you out so much. Many people say that they don’t have time to read their bibles or exercise or make their bed or just read a book, but guess what, you do! This self-discipline part, comes in very handy.
Taking a few extra minutes to do some push ups or squats, a few minutes to read the bible, or a few minutes to read a book will do wonders. It also gives you some practice for when you get back home to your busy American life. Whether it’s waking up a little earlier, or taking 10 minutes reading scripture instead of scrolling through instagram. In order to make this happen you need to realize that you need to change the way you think. In order to change you habits or actions, start with changing you mind, your thinking and your attitude towards it. It does take some time, but trust me, it is so worth it.
Ephesians 4:23 “Instead, there must be a spiritual renewal of your thoughts and attitudes.”
A couple months ago I really started my own self-discipline. I started running (which I hated, but now enjoy) started really reading my bible daily and not just a few verses to feel good. I started waking up early everyday even if we didn’t have to be up early. Just these couple little steps showed me how much better things are when you try, and apply some discipline. My knees and legs are now stronger, my cardiovascular system is stronger, my knowledge of they bible is better and through the bible my relationship with God is MUCH better.
It’s so worth it to push yourself to a better you, even if it sucks at the time. Let this just be a reminder that being physically healthy and fit is very important, but so is you mental health and more importantly your spiritual health. So, what are you waiting for?
Until Next Time……
