Changing the Narrative (Part Five - Final Application)

It's evident from the time we spent talking about the process of changing the internal narrative that many of the elements of change are rooted in how we think about God and ourselves. But understanding is not enough, because more Information, in and of itself rarely produces transformation. Success is about partnering with the process of transformation by being attentive and responsive to the spirit lead invitations that are in front of us every day.

Attentive: means developing the discipline of "paying attention" to the voice of God, to our internal dialogue, to emotional cues and looking for where God is inviting us to partner with him in the process of formation. But even paying attention is not enough we must willing to courageously respond.

Responsive: means have the courage to walk into the invitation and in some cases walk away or out of the often deceptive behaviors that keep is stuck. No matter how you slice it change requires courage because it beckons us to become something we have never been before.

Fitness for me has not been about living longer or even looking better. It has been about being a good steward of the vessel, this body, God has given me to continue to do his work. A vessel that I was neglecting, the implications of which were far more reaching and impactful than just my physical health.

Change began with an "invitation". God challenging me to be a steward of my health. With one small step towards His invitation life was breathed into a partnership of change. The fruit of which has been enormous. Rest assured the work associated with the change has been enormous as well. It's evident that we can't sit passively by and expect God to change us. Formation requires choosing and active participation.

Two questions to ponder-

1. What might He be inviting you into today?

2. Are you willing to choose?

I want to leave this fitness series with a final application that once again applies not only to fitness but to every other area of our lives that involves change or the formation of who we are becoming.

I began this series with 5 key steps but as you can tell in the absence of "changing the narrative" success against the other 4 is challenging. That does not however negate the power of each when they are combined with one another. Let me quickly comment on the application of the other 4.

As a reminder the 5 Steps...

1. I began to change the narrative: Lots on this in prior posts.

2. I had a plan: The plan was really simple. First, start moving, then after I was in the groove, I would begin to address my diet. That is exactly what happened.

3. I picked a platform. I needed simplicity. There is nothing simpler than an expert telling me what to do. I picked Crossfit, but a coach, a program, a bike in the garage (I love Peloton) is a great place to begin. You need to pick something. A good friend picked tennis because it was a combination of fun and exercise. Love that!

4. I showed up: "Never miss a Monday, one for the day, one for the week" is a Crossfit 737 mantra. I adopted it as a personal guidepost. I can't tell you how often it's gotten me in the gym when I did not feel like being in the gym. I also picked CF because of the community. When I don't show up people notice. I am accountable to God, them and myself. What I know about me is that I don't want to let other people down so I will show up as much for them as I will for myself.

5. I get better every day: I am a work in progress, and this is a lifestyle choice. Man am I different over 200 total workouts and a year later. Not just physically, but mentally, emotionally and most of all spiritually.

I could write a book on this one topic. There is so much more here we could talk about, like diet (what do you eat), gut health (Imagine from daily antacids to zero), Sleep (Big topic especially as we age) Supplements (Holy cow are they confusing) Data (Fitness trackers are my new toy. Sick I know! :).

I will share more on these topics as we go but if I can be of help to anyone navigating this journey now please, please reach out and let's chat live.

May God richly bless you on this amazing journey towards finishing strong!

Your brother in Christ!

Jeff