Whole 30 Day 43

It’s here, day 43 of the challenge. I haven’t updated the past two weeks, for two reasons. One, I pretty much experienced the same thing for the past two weeks. Two, I have been busy and I didn’t take the time to do it. But here is a brief update:

Days 29 – 35, not much took place. I continued to have a ton of energy. I continued to eat Whole30. I continued feeling really good. From an exercise standpoint, my enthusiasm waned. I didn’t get as many work outs in as I would have liked, but it was ok. From a spiritual standpoint, God continued to become more prominent in every aspect of my life. I sensed a new direction for devotions. I sensed what my next steps were. And I really settled into the lifestyle being lived for the past several weeks.

Days 36 – 42, a lot seemed to take place, from a task perspective. Work, home projects, projects with my daughters – all kept me busy. Busy kept me out of the gym. I still don’t feel guilty about it, but I am ready to get back into a four times a week routine. A couple of the gals and I were able to meet for dinner Friday, and I am blown away by what God has done, is doing and will continue to do! Seriously. I am overwhelmed at how things came together – I’m in awe.

Last Wednesday we collectively decided to begin re-introduction, so we were ready to go into Thanksgiving informed and prepared. I learned quickly gluten is not my friend. I had a pretty serious reaction to it when I re-introduced it last week. Needless to say, I am steering clear of it, from here on out. Rice seems to be ok, as well as peanut butter. I’m not much of a dairy person, so I see myself leaving it out completely, but I will re-introduce tomorrow.

Where am I with weight loss? I am down three pounds and some inches. Again, not a dramatic change compared to others, but that’s ok. I have gained SO MUCH MORE from this challenge. I am more sensitive to the Holy Spirit than I have been in a long time. I feel energetic and wake up ready to go every day. My relationship with my husband has improved 100 fold. My children and I are much closer and more devoted to one another. I have gained some pretty wonderful friendships and I have a clear vision of God’s will for my life.

This is why I don’t see much changing. I thought I would take a break from Thanksgiving until January, simply because I felt I “deserved” it. However, after some conversations, time in God’s Word and presence yesterday, and then two messages that came from two separate Pastors, I need to “Keep going”. It doesn’t make sense to potentially undo all that has been gained, just to have a break. It makes more sense to keep in place the very elements that have brought me here, and see just how further He can take me.

So, I am going to begin the Shepherdess study Monday, December 1st; I have no idea how long this may go, but it could be a while. I am going to transition to Paleo indefinitely. Finally, I am going to work out four days per week, incorporating lifting and HIIT cardio. In the meantime, I am going to finish strong and encourage my husband and girlfriends to do the same. I am going to look forward to date night this weekend, and celebrate our crossing the “finish line” TOGETHER. And then I am going to enthusiastically “keep going”!