Energize

I’m a lazy, selfish and stubborn individual. Admitting my weaknesses is the first step in overcoming them. I have to actively decide to resist my natural tendencies to sit, eat junk food, and think about what I wish I had in my life, or those are the only things I will ever accomplish.
The second step is to know my strengths. I enjoy doing things to help other people. I love to dance, ride my bike, and go for a run. Reading and writing inspire me and make me feel as though I have accomplished something worthwhile with my time. Listening to worship music refreshes my mind and my spirit.
The third step is to know my limitations. If I focus too much on assisting others, then I start to feel bad that there isn’t more I can do to help. I begin to feel lonely and isolated when I’m not able to be with someone else. And I begin to resent other people for not allowing me to do more for them or for not appreciating the service I wish to offer.
Exercise is awesome, but if I push myself too hard or too far, it backfires. I injure myself or make myself physically sick with overexertion. It also takes a mental toll; I decide to take it easy for a while so my body can rest and heal, then it’s that much more difficult to get myself going again. I need to be able to recognize the tipping point between pushing my body to develop greater strength and endurance and burning out my source of enthusiasm.