What defines you? If you could reach into the core of your being and unravel it like a ball of yarn, what would you find? Truth? Lies? Roles? Love? Hate? Job?

I used to be defined by numbers. Yes, numbers. Let me explain.

Last year one of my first articles I shared with you was about my struggle with food and being overweight. It was the first time I was that transparent about that topic with thousands of strangers, family, friends, and people surrounding  my everyday life. But I am so glad that I shared it with you. It allowed me to step out from behind the curtain of inward embarrassment and step into a new world. My mind was experiencing a paradigm shift while my heart was shaking with both excitement and worry. My shoulders were straighter and I held my head up higher. It was super scary and crazy awesome!

As I mentioned before, I have been on every diet you can think of. None of them worked because I wasn’t dealing with the heart of my issues. I would lose, gain, lose, and then gain again. I would get on the scale daily, sometimes multiple times a day. It was a vicious cycle that always left me feeling defeated. But not this time. This past November, I decided that it was now or never with my health. I decided to dive right in and stare my problems in the face. I started on a six-week sugar elimination challenge. Success! Then I dove right into Whole 30. Instead of simply doing this for 30 days, I have stuck with it for 90 days. I decided to make this a lifestyle change. This decision is impacting my life in ways that I couldn’t imagine. It’s more than about the scale, my friends!

First, I no longer worry about what I weigh. I don’t even own a scale! I try to weigh only once a month as a guide, and I go to the doctors office or the gym to do it. Second, I don’t have to worry about my food. The only thing I worry about on the nutrition label is ingredients. I eat simple and clean. Third, food isn’t a drug unless you make it one. My mind is blown! We all have ways that we cope with our struggles. The solution is finding healthy routes rather than destructive ones.

Many of you have reached out to me in one way or another, offering encouragement or sharing how my story has inspired you. That’s awesome! We should all be a light for others. My encouragement for you is that you keep moving forward, however that looks for you. Never give up. Don’t be afraid to challenge yourself and change your way of thinking. Let go of the weight, just let it go. Free up space in your heart, mind, body and soul for things that will make you better.

I once saw a quote that made me laugh and cry at the same time. It said, “You are not fat, you have fat. You also have fingernails, but you are not a fingernail.” In order to soar you have to be willing to throw off the weight. Step out of your comfort zone and embrace a fresh way of thinking. You’ll be so glad you did!

“Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well.” 3 John 1:2