Monday Pep Talk

“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.”

Psalm 139:14

Confession: I’ve been less than forthright with friends and family about my desire to become a bootcamp instructor and have a side business focused on fitness.

However, after last week’s event–as amazing as it was and as enthusastic as everyone was–I feel more compelled than ever to just own it! Own this little blog and all the dreams and goals that go along with it, despite what others think.

But, for me at least, that’s a lot easier said than done. I’ve given it some thought, though, asking myself: Why am I so self-concious about Fit for a Bride? Why don’t I want people knowing I am studying to become a personal trainer?

Is it because I’m shy? That’s a bit of a stretch; I’m pretty outgoing. Is it because I’m ashamed? What’s there to be ashamed of? I’m posing often! The content is strong! Is it because not everybody understands what a blog is, and it’s difficult to explain? Eh, maybe.

Or is it because I need to let go of negative labels?

I listed to Joel on the way home from Williamsburg yesterday and he told the story of David; and how Samuel came to find a King among Jesse’s sons– there were seven total. David was the smallest and youngest of all his brothers and his father didn’t even call him from the field for the line-up. See, cause, David was the least likely to be chosen as King. His dad thought he was too small, too young, too inexperienced, whatever…

Well, as the story goes, Samuel asked David is there was another son, and when David came, God said he was the anointed one.

Most of us know what happens next, right? David was chosen and later, he defeated Goliath. This too small boy, whose own father thought he should stick with tending the field, became a legend. He became a giant-slayer, despite the negative labels (“too small;” “too weak”).

I can relate to David. I’m the last of several people I know who you would think of as a fitness instructor. I certainly don’t look the part (buff arms and six pack), and there’s been a lot of negative labels put on me (remember? My first crush called me fat)!

But there’s something to be said about removing those negative labels. Overcoming them. Deciding that, in fact, you are fearfully and wonderfully made and you are fully capable of fulfilling God’s destiny for yourself (the dreams he’s put in your heart), no matter what anyone else thinks (even family)!

Do you have negative labels holding you back? 

Did someone once tell you that you were too small, too big, too slow, too fill-in-the-blank? 

My goal is to remove those negative labels from your mindset and encourage you to uplift yourself with positive affirmations. As a start, write a list of positive labels you could use to describe yourself. I’d love if you left your list in the comments! Here is mine:

I am friendly. I am strong. I am knowledgable about health and fitness. I am not fat. I am not too big. I am not too slow. I have a knack for uplifting others. I would make a great personal trainer. I am a motivator. People like me. People look to me. I will fulfill the dream of encouraging others to have better health– it’s part of God’s plan!

Now it’s your turn!!