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Write the Vision…
“We are limited, not
by our abilities, but by our vision.”
In his book, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People,
Steven Covey tells us to begin with the end in mind.
This means that if you were to visualize the last chapter
of your life, what would you want people to say and
know about you? If you were writing your own eulogy,
what would you say about yourself? What legacy will
you leave for your children in the area of health and
wellness? Do you have a vision for your health?
Please do not wait for “Jan 1”, before
you make another valiant attempt at making New Year’s
resolutions that will not last. Take some time to thoughtfully
reflect on what’s really important to you, and
in so doing, develop a better understanding of what
is stopping you from being in the best health possible.
I implore you to use the month of December to write
out your personal ‘Health Vision.’
What’s the difference between a vision and a
goal, you ask? Goals come and go; they’re made
and then, either reached or discarded. On the other
hand, your vision is what creates your future! Once
you take the time to document and commit to your vision
for a healthier you, you will find that your life (daily
habits and practices) will begin to undergo some radical
transformations, in order to line up with the declarations
that you have made. Remember, according to the scriptures,
‘as a man thinketh in his heart, so is he’
(Prov. 23:7).
One of the main reasons people generally do not exercise
or eat properly, is because they lack the motivation
and the will-power. But imagine if you had a powerful
vision that went beyond just looking good. A vision
that spanned generations; that broke strongholds of
disease and sickness from your bloodline; that brought
glory to God; and that redefined your culture! I am
convinced that this would motivate and excite you to
get healthier- wouldn’t it?
Use these guidelines to help you get started:
- Your vision should always be stated in the positive
and the in present tense - it should be based on the
qualities and habits you want to attract to your life.
- Your vision should not have an end point- it’s
not a place to arrive at but a life long journey.
- Your vision is always evolving and growing as you
are so revisit it regularly. In fact, say it aloud
daily.
- Think of someone you admire. What qualities of
that person would you like to emulate? Make those
qualities part of your vision.
- If you’re having a difficult time coming
up with a personal health vision then write down all
of the qualities you dislike and then write down the
opposite. Ie. couch potato, workaholic, eats junk
food all the time, drives everywhere, inactive etc.
Here are a few sample vision statements:
- My body is a priceless gift bestowed upon me by
God. My ability to consistently take care of my body
with sleep, diet and exercise is an expression of
love, worship and praise is a source of constant joy
and peace.
- I live each day filled with conscious eating choices,
high energy, physical activity and a passion to improve
the quality of people's lives. I am grateful for the
gift of excellent health.
- I live every day with the strength, power, and
confidence to make me happy and calm throughout the
day. I eat food without using scales or reading labels
and I exercise for the sheer enjoyment of it. I experience
the world outside and all it has to offer and connect
more with nature and it's peace and beauty.
Once you write your vision, it will be your new guiding
principle-, your compass so to speak. Every lifestyle
choice that you make will now flow from your vision.
Whether to eat at McDonalds or to cook at home; to walk
or drive, or to have extra butter on your popcorn, I
believe that every action you take will lead you toward
or away from your vision. It will force you to ask yourself
the question, “does the choice I’m about
to make fall in line with my vision?” When all
is said and done, the real objective is to get you to
engage in more of those actions and activities that
support the new future you are creating for yourself.
As you begin to visualize and plan for excellent health
in 2009 and beyond, begin to speak good health from
your mouth.
Declare that:
- I am in excellent health!
- My body is the temple of the living God!
- I create excellent health through my daily positive
habits!
- I attract healthy people, healthy attitudes, healthy
food, healthy activities and healthy habits into my
life!
- I receive the gift of excellent health! It allows
me to help more people, to enjoy a better quality
of life and to be free from bondage.
- I celebrate and I am grateful for my health and
my body!
Begin today with the end in mind, as you take the
time to write your ‘Health Vision’. God
wants you well and healthy for the purposes that He
designed you for. Make 2009 the year that you begin
to live out your vision in the fullness of God’s
grace and glory.
Cathy
Morenzie
Rhema Health and Wellness
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