The Term "Recovery"

This year I have set new goals, new perspective change, and just a new way of living. It was time to make some changes in my life. Nothing was crazy or out of the ordinary for my life. Actually relatively stable for me :).

We all have our perspective on the term recovery. I've used it for years within my struggles of my eating disorder and exercise addiction. It has always been "striving" for better recovery. We all have room to grow in our personal lives. But as I have been reading through a book, I am once again reminded that the term "recovery" is keeping ourselves identified to that addiction or issue. We identify ourselves as victims of our past and struggles (Ditch the Baggage). I am guilty of this mentality each day. And it could be why I have continued to stay in the same stagnant places over the years. And not living in the full freedom that God has called me and you too.

But here is where I am reminded of hope and not victim mentality. And you also can be encouraged by this word:

2 Corinthians 5:17
If anyone receives Christ, You are
"a new creation; old things have passed
ways; behold all things have become new."

It clearly states that when we fully surrender our lives to the Lord, we are NEW!! How refreshing is this? We are NEW! Its a new beginning of your life. Its no longer "recovery" but new beginnings, daily surrender, hope, freedom, and HEALING.

This doesn't mean I don't think of my past or my recovery from my struggles. But I am reminded to not stay there and that I am healing from all things each day. I am a NEW CREATION. The past does not have to control us each day. We can make the daily choice to live a life of freedom.

Nancy also gave another verse from Paul that we can all glean and live with.

Philippians 3:13
Paul said he may not be all he should be yet,
but "one thing I do, forgetting those things
which are behind and reaching forward to those
things which are ahead."

Lets not live for "recovery" but for healing, freedom, forgiveness, hope. We are all given a choice each day. Lets choose the right one. Be free once and for all my dear friend!

I am daily learning from a book called "Ditch the baggage, Change Your Life." This is where I was reminded its not about striving for recovery but daily freedom and healing. If you want a copy of this book. Please email me: whitneyrwest@yahoo.com
I plan on ordering multiple books to give as gifts to other people who are wanting to go deeper. To be reminded how simple truths for your freedom. I am on this journey with you and willing to help!!

Keep on Warrior

Dinner for One

Dinner for One

As I sit here today. Recently, many thoughts have gone through my mind. I have been on the line (or for others working as a Flight Attendant) for two months now. Going on my third month. How rewarding this job is. But how hard and lonely it gets. Daily I am able to interact with many passengers and coworkers. I choose how I react to them. My goal is to be humble and loving towards each person, I come in contact with. 

As I sat over dinner recently in Las Vegas. I looked at my dinner and snapped a picture. This is my reality sometimes. You serve all day and work. Which I love. My job has given me more opportunity than I could imagine. But the downside of this job is you sleep in hotels from 2-5 nights a week. You are away from family. Its hard to build community where you live. And you feel lonely a lot of the time. 

Throughout this journey, I have had to rely on God so much more here recently. Which is a good thing. I've needed to be challenged in a way that will grow me. But doesn't mean it comes easy. Its a daily choice and a choice I sometimes have to make many times in the day. 

Getting out of my comfort zone is hard also. But being in South Florida, I am making the best of it. I love my times on the beach and running the beach. I love when I get to see my other Flight Attendant friends from training. Its refreshing. So I do find the good in the craziness.

I wanted to share that this job is rewarding and amazing. I wouldn't trade it for an 8-5 job ever. But its becomes very lonely at time. So when you see the luxurious job and travels. Remember it can be a lonely job also. But the good thing is that this job is teaching me to trust in God more than ever. I am having to lean on Him for my daily strength. 

When you see my fun posts on where I am, enjoy it. But don't be envious of this job. Enjoy where you are. That's what I do each day. Even when its more challenging than other days. 

Live for Today!