Put one foot in front of the other

If you want to change your direction...
A good way to start is to stand

These are lyrics from a Christmas movie I've watched since I was a little girl. The song is entitled "Put One Foot in Front of the Other".

As I was talking with two very special friends of mine over lunch yesterday, I asked a specific question to one regarding what her time-line is for a goal she has. In discouragement, she said that she wanted to succeed, but that she probably would not try.

I felt led to encourage her to stand and take the first step to begin a journey she has wanted to make for probably most of her life. It is not important to share what the nature of her personal journey is. The bottom line is, you'll never get to where you're going if you don't start.

A little over two years ago, Philip & I started a financial journey--we actually sat down and mapped out how long it would take us to be debt-free. Seven years is what we calculated. Even though "life happens" and we've hit some financial bumps, God has still honored our goals and has given us strength for the journey.

About 18 months ago, I weighed the most I have ever weighed in my life. It was discouraging. Like my friend above, I had tried a few things, but never seemed to see real and lasting results. I almost settled for just accepting the lie that I was going to be increasingly fat--it must be my lot in life.

Then one day, a co-worker simply gave me a link to a website that would help me track my calorie-intake (for free!). Pessimistically I said "counting calories doesn't work". He then said "Well, I've lost 45 lbs doing it". Intrigued, I signed up for an account and began that day. Nearly two years later, I have lost 30 lbs and have kept it off. I still have to log my food--but most success (spiritual growth, money, weight, starting a business) never really has an end point. It is an on-going, methodical process.

What journey do you want to start today?
If you want to change your direction...
A good way to start is to stand