By Grace Through Faith

Since my college years, my well-being has been a major priority in my life. With the stress of school and lifestyle adjustments, I noticed my anxiety became more challenging to handle in my daily lifestyle. I started finding fitness activities that improved my mental health such as running and yoga. My senior year of college, a good friend asked me to go to a yoga class with her at our recreation center. Knew little to none about yoga, but the more we went, the more I really enjoyed it. It gave me space to strengthen my body as well as slow down, relax my mind, and focus on things that really mattered at the end of the day.

During the pandemic when I was in graduate school, I continued to do yoga in my apartment. While I missed the challenges of getting out of my comfort zone in a class setting with my practice, I loved getting into a discipline with my practice. I felt like my apartment became a sweet little safe haven for me as I felt more consistent with my quiet time with the Lord in the mornings and connecting with my mind and body during fitness activities.

During my last semester of grad school, I was overseas for a few months completing a field placement. While living in a more rural country away from home, I learned much more about my health and the importance of stewarding your body and health well. Our bodies were designed for daily necessities such as good sleep, nutritious food, and a ton of water intake. Being outside in the sunlight and connecting to nature also can boost your mental health, focusing on the beauty of creation around you.

Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body. – 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

After I returned home, I wanted to continue to steward my body well in such ways that helped me physically, mentally, and spiritually. It’s such a beauty to see how the mind, body, and soul are all connected. The more discipline I became in one area, the more consistency I began to see in another aspect.

I’ve started a few new things recently such as co-hosting a podcast with a friend and diving into a yoga teacher training, which both have been a joy and much of a learning experience in multiple ways. I’ve been so in awe of the opportunities and gifts that I’ve been blessed with recently. And incredible to see what happens when you say “Yes” to stepping out of your comfort zone and walking in obedience with where God leads you.

I wanted to offer some encouragement and a few tips for anyone who is wanting to try something new or has already taken the steps to start something new! That may be a career goal, a fitness goal, or a life adjustment, such as moving to a new city or starting a new job! Here are a few things that have helped me:

• Be bold and be open-minded. Let go of some expectations you may have, and life might surprise you even more!
• Plan it out and aim for consistency. Start small and don’t get too distracted with the whole staircase in front of you. Take it step by step.
• Set goals and track your progress. Where do you want to be in a month? In three months? In a year?
• Give yourself grace in the process. You won’t do it all perfectly. The goal of the journey is about learning and growing! That’s where the real beauty is at!

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
    He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
    He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness
    for his name’s sake. – Psalm 23:1-3

I hope this encourages you to try something new and step out of your comfort zone this week!

With love,

Claire