Fit For Service

I was so glad when the theme for Dr. King’s birthday became a day that was a Day ON instead of a Day OFF. There is much work to do. I realized that when I became physically unable to perform my own tasks due to chronic back pain. How could I be of service to someone else when I myself wasn’t fit enough to serve? My friend posed a great question the other night. What have WE done over the past 8 years? Very thought provoking question, and one that bears answering. For some of us we won’t really be able to serve others until we ourselves become fit for service, and I include myself in this. This is a reflection of my own past 8 years and what I have been doing to get to this place.

2008 – This was the fourth year that I was dealing with chronic back pain.

2009 – I spent most of the year going from specialist to specialist and trying physical therapy and different medications until I had surgery in the fall.

2010 – Trying to get into the gym and getting back the life that I lost because of the chronic back pain.

2011 – I got sucked back into being a workaholic and then emotionally eating because of work stress.

2012 – Shocked at my weight and not where I wanted to be physically before my trip to Europe. On the flipside going to Europe gave me a new perspective on having balance in my life. I renewed my commitment to getting fit and having a life outside of work. I considered being fit enough to live abroad.

Fall of 2012 – I started taking Zumba classes.

2013 – I started my fitness page called Getting Fit For Life to share my love for fitness and to encourage other people to get fit with me.

2014 – I focused more on my eating and looked at why I still wasn’t in the best shape that I could be in. To the best of my ability I reduced junk food in my life and gave up fast food altogether.

2015 – I started writing my fitness story as a daily devotional.

2016 – I published my book called Getting Fit For Life.

2017 – I started this blog.

This is just a glimpse of my past few years. I can tell you without a shadow of a doubt that 8 years ago I was focused on getting myself healthy. In terms of serving others, I had only a small glimpse of what was possible once I got healthy, and I am excited about what is ahead of me. I encourage you to take a look at what you have been doing over the past 8 years. Then make a plan for what you want to accomplish over the next 8 years. How can you be a service to others?