Becoming "less" obsessive

The title may cause you to question "what is she talking about?" Well I'm really excited about this blog post and what is on my heart. Just a piece of my story is I have always struggled with exercise and not having any balance in it. I would exercise to "eat" for most of my life or when I would eat some type of junk food, I would have to make time in my schedule to run. Even if that meant in my house at midnight or in place for an hour. YES call me neurotic! But understand me here: THIS WAS MY WAY OF LIVING.....sad I know. It kills me that my life revolved around exercise and food for way too long of my life. Some of you cannot even fathom this lifestyle or some of you are saying WHITNEY I GET YOU!!!!!! And if you are struggling in this area know there is help!!!

With a little history behind me, you now can see where I'm coming from. I have had much freedom and recovery for nearly 3 years now. Such a wonderful feeling. But being free or in recovery doesn't mean its been an easy journey for me. It has been easier to deal with because I have accountability, encouragement, and love that is surrounded me.

In 2013 I had two running injuries which all link back weakened bones from my eating disorder and over exercising in the past. I have had a few months off and on where exercise was very limited for me. It sucked if I was going to be honest. I missed running and getting that runners high. But as I've started 2014 off its been very different. I am exercising more than I was able to last year due to the injuries. It feels good to be back on the roads with some of my running friends and building new relationships. If your a runner there is NOTHING like a running friend. (that was just a random thought)

As I was running with Leah tonight and Monica a mile ahead of us :) we were discussing life. And something that came out of my mouth shocked me even. "I'm actually enjoying working out and being a slow runner and not pushing myself like I always had." It was like WHO AM I??? I'm obsessed with running. I get really anxious when I go days without exercise. But God had shifted my priorities. It felt GOOD. Realizing I'm doing this for good health and community not to be a certain size or weight. YES of course I'm a woman and think about those impulsive thoughts. Its not as obsessive as it used to be.

But God has been teaching me through a hard time of "rest" to be okay with my athletic abilities and what I can do. I may not be as fast or in the shape I used to be in and that's OKAY!!

So if you are struggling in any area: being lazy and not wanting to work out, working out too much, or just not consistent with it. THERE IS HOPE for you!! Allow the Lord to touch you in the areas that you struggle in. Continuously give it to him. This can be DAILY too. So don't get discouraged!!