Welcome back! Last week I told you about my weight-lifting-induced back injury, and this week of recovery has NOT been fun. I completely take for granted how much I do without thinking about it.  It became so clear when instantly I couldn’t do so much of what was normal.  For anyone who’s ever taken down by an injury or illness, you know the struggle: every movement is a reminder of vulnerability. I was tip-toeing around, afraid to bend over or lift anything, asking my kids to help me pick up little things off the floor or get things from other rooms for me.

My mom had a bad back when I was growing up, and it used to irk me when she had me running around the house like her personal gopher. NOW I get it – she needed my help to manage. What a pain-in-the-butt teen I was!

Now that I feel what it’s like to be limited by my body, I want to take care of it even better so it lasts longer and is stronger than it is now. I want to age well, y’all! So I’m stretching, walking, and seeing my chiropractor, and as soon as I can, weights are back on the schedule. I WILL be a good steward of my temple – I WILL obey God in taking care of this body that he’s given me!

Now, as I start to recover (still taking it easy on the weights), I want to talk about something important. It’s not about physical changes like losing weight or gaining muscle. It’s about something deeper. We often approach our health with strict plans: diets, workouts, you name it. We get help from experts, which is great, but I want to talk about what really drives lasting change.

Think about how many times we’ve started a diet or exercise routine full of energy, only to lose steam later on. Whether it’s boredom, burnout, or life getting in the way, these obstacles can knock us off track. That’s why I’m not here to give you another diet or workout plan. Real change comes from mental strength—the ability to keep going even when things get tough.

So, what’s the key? It’s a simple but powerful teaching from Romans 12:2: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”I

In other words, true transformation starts in your head, not with what you eat or how much you exercise. What you DO comes from what you THINK. This verse encourages us to look beyond quick fixes and focus on long-term change that’s grounded in faith and mindfulness. It’s about aligning our health goals with something greater than a number on the scale or an outfit we want to wear. God calls us to become aligned with Him in every way, and that includes how we treat our bodies. How does God want you to think about food? How does the Spirit guide you in caring for YOUR temple?

When you’re feeling demotivated or overwhelmed, remember this: Real change comes from a renewed mind, one that’s focused on what matters, not the perfect diet for you or the exact exercise regimen to “torch the fat”  or “target your trouble areas” (that’s not really a thing).

Let’s embrace this wisdom and let it guide us on our journey to better health—body, mind, and spirit. And let’s remember to care for and honor the amazing bodies we’ve been given.

Until next time, stay focused on renewal and transformation.

Do you need support and accountability on your wellness journey? I’m here to help! Schedule your first coaching session for free and let’s get you going in the the direction God is calling you!