Rediscover Yourself: Embrace Chaos with 5 Tips for Balancing Health, Discipline and Faith

A Glimpse in the Mirror

I was drawn to a photograph of myself the other day, and it shook me to my core. It wasn't merely the physical appearance that caught my attention, although that was a small part of it. The image before me perfectly mirrored the profound sense of estrangement I had been harboring about myself. It was as if I stood face to face with a stranger, a silhouette of who I once was, lost in the shuffle of life's chaos and demands.

My mission has always been to inspire women, regardless of their life season, to understand that they CAN rise above their circumstances. However, somewhere along the way, I misplaced this purpose. I unwittingly began to shoulder burdens that weren't meant for me.

The image in that photograph sparked a revelation, and God's conviction pierced my soul. It ignited a long-lost determination within me, one that urged me to reclaim my true self amid the relentless clamor of life.

Embracing the Chaos

I can’t help but reflect on how naively optimistic I had been about my return to the classroom. I envisioned a seamless transition, believing that I could effortlessly balance my responsibilities. I have always been a glass-half-full person, expecting that I’d naturally fall into a rhythm just a couple of days into the school year.But the reality is God has had other plans for me.

I didn’t expect to be named a head coach just three weeks into the school year, thrusting me into a whirlwind of responsibilities that I hadn't anticipated. It was a role laden with demands I hadn't foreseen.

I didn't foresee the profound challenges that awaited me in the classroom. My students and their needs and behaviors have been far more demanding and challenging than before. And let’s not forget the enormous amount of work and responsibilities they ask of teachers outside of actually teaching; the paperwork, the duties, the meetings, the trainings, etc. Not all of it is dark; I'm endlessly grateful for the bright spots and blessings that God has sent my way during this trying time. The conversations with my athletes and my students that love that I am there.

To add to the chaos, I fell ill not once, but three times in the first month and a half of school. It was a relentless assault on my already stretched-thin energy and time.

The toll extended to my own children, who grappled with my absence more than I had expected. The guilt of not being there for them weighed heavily on my heart.

My own well-being took a hit too. My nutrition took a nosedive, and my once-cherished morning routine, and workout routine dwindled to near non-existence. Not to mention I was feeling so incredibly distant from God, NOT that He had gone anywhere but clearly I had drifted.

Losing Myself

In the last three months, as the whirlwind of life's demands swirled around me, I found myself swept away. Caught up in taking care of everyone and everything else, I gradually lost sight of the person I used to be.

It was a two-fold struggle, a blend of pride and disobedience. The pride stemmed from the knowledge of I thinking I was fully equipped to manage it all (isn’t God’s sense of humor funny), a mindset that whispered, "You can do it all and don’t need help."

I have coached countless women in the art of self-care and well-being, emphasizing the importance of putting our oxygen mask on first. But somewhere along the way, I disregarded not only my own wisdom, but God’s wisdom.

This journey was never supposed to be about me; it's been about honoring my Lord and Savior with the ONE temple I have and inspiring other women to know that THEY CAN TOO no matter WHAT season of life they are in. But somewhere along the way, I lost that. I’ve been trying to carry the weight of things that I am NOT SUPPOSED to be carrying.

But here's the heart of the matter: delayed obedience is still disobedience, and inaction, whether driven by pride or reluctance, results in a disconnection from who God calls us to be and how He calls us to take care of our bodies. It's not merely a disservice to ourselves; it's a deviation from the mission we hold dear. Through the chaos and the demands, I had unwittingly strayed from the path that leads to personal fulfillment and service to others, a path defined by God's calling and His guidance. My self-neglect had clouded my purpose, and it was time to rediscover it.

Honoring God's Calling through Discipline; taking on the 75 HARD Challenge with Hebrews 12:11

So, I'm wholeheartedly embracing the 75 HARD challenge in conjunction with my Netflix of fitness and fit sisterhood accountability. It's not because I don't already have enough challenges in my life, but because I understand that the discipline instilled by this challenge is precisely what I need at this moment, both mentally and spiritually. I'm well aware that opinions vary about this challenge (and I have had a few of mine in the past as well), and as a health and fitness coach, it's not something I typically recommend to most people. However, I've come to recognize my own needs, especially in this season of my life.

Hebrews 12:11 reminds us that "No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it."

My motivation extends beyond mere self-improvement. It's about honoring God first and foremost. It's about becoming disciplined and relentless in taking care of myself so that I can faithfully go where He has called me, even in the midst of life's chaos and the battles we face.

The goal isn't about making it through all 75 days, although I've accomplished 51 in the past. For me, it's about reclaiming the person I know I need to be and can be, about rediscovering my strength and purpose amid the chaos. It's about setting a precedent for self-care and well-being, demonstrating that it's possible even in the face of life's relentless demands. 

Taking the First Steps

So, here's how I'm leading myself back to the place He’s called me, and I want to encourage you to embark on this journey alongside me. If you are in a season where you are struggling, take these steps and challenge yourself to do them this week.

1.Move Your Body

For the last 7 days, I pushed play on my favorite workout program (choose one that you LOVE to do). It's not about perfection; it's about progress. Take a step, no matter how small, to rekindle your physical well-being.

2. Embrace the Outdoors

Every day for the last 7 days, I have walked EVEN when it was cold, and if you know me, you know I hate the cold. Research has shown that getting outside and getting some vitamin D can have a huge impact on you mentally. Don't let discomfort hold you back; embrace the benefits of fresh air and movement.

3. Find Solace in Worship

I spent time in prayer through the form of worship. I put on the garment of praise. Because DESPITE being in the valley; God is still good, and He meets me RIGHT where I am, even in the lowest moments. Sister, no matter what fight you are fighting; YOU were Made for More than the lies the enemy is spewing! Connect with your faith and let it be your source of strength.

4. Lean on Your Community

I plugged into my community; women who were right there with me in the midst of life's battles, and I allowed them to pour into me. The power of your support system cannot be underestimated. Surround yourself with like-minded individuals who not only understand your struggles but also hold you accountable and uplift you during your journey.

You Are Not Alone

The enemy has wanted me to hide, to feel shame and guilt, but I KNOW I’m not the only one literally and figuratively trying to crawl my way out of a pit. I want you to know, sister, that YOU are not alone! I see you, I hear you, and I am you. If you’ve read this far, and some of it resonated, and you said ME TOO, I’d love to hear it; and if you are needing help 🙋🏼‍♀️🙋🏼‍♀️, I’m always here with open arms. Together, we can take the first steps towards renewal and strength. Check out my next monthly accountability group here.

You’ll get: 

• A 30 Day workout and nutrition plan catered to you (with access to 1,000 of workouts and meal plans)

• Daily tips and inspiration

• Recipes and meal ideas

• Personal and group support from other women in the trenches with you

• Daily and weekly accountability check-ins

• Faith based encouragement

• Workbook for tracking, meal planning and more