Today marks my first anniversary of signing up for SparkPeople and beginning my journey towards a healthier me! It’s hard to believe that there was a time when I didn’t even know about SP, but now I can’t imagine not having it! It’s been such a valuable tool and a huge source of encouragement and guidance, and I’ve learned so much about myself and fitness and nutrition because of this site. Without SP, I doubt I ever would have thought to track all of my food and exercise, nor would I know nearly as much about exercising and eating and staying on track (/end unsolicited commercial). As of today, I have lost 54.6 pounds, and I couldn’t be happier!

But even more than a number on a scale is the value I have found in feeling more confident about myself and what I can do. I have proven to myself that I am worth the effort it takes to say no to all the junk and yes to exercise and more fruits and vegetables. I am worth the effort it takes to wake up and work out. I am worth the effort it takes to push myself through a strength training session or an interval session. I am worth the effort it takes to avoid mindless snacking. I am worth it, and I am strong!

My life has changed, and I don’t want to go back to who I was before. That person was lazy and unmotivated and unconcerned with her health. That person was drowning in self-pity and discouragement about her body. That person was convinced she would always be fat, that fat was her destiny. That person is GONE! In its place is a woman who wants to take care of her body, wants to cherish the temple God has given her, that she may honor God. In its place is a woman who knows that she is more than a number on a scale or a number on a clothing label. She knows she is loved by God no matter her size but doesn’t let that excuse her from taking care of herself.

Essentially, I want to continue becoming the woman God has called me to be, in ALL areas of my life, not just health. But I have learned that by neglecting my weight and bingeing on food, I was allowing gluttony and self-pity to have a stronghold in my life. I think I will always battle an addiction to food, but I know that it will not control me. Galatians 5:1 tells me that it is for FREEDOM I have been set free, so I will not let myself be burdened again and be a slave to food! I will embrace who I am in Christ, and I will live each day in gratitude that He has brought me out of darkness and into His glorious light.