Discipline is hard. I have good intentions. I start out strong. Maintaining momentum is my downfall every time. Eventually, I get bored or busy which results in a day, week, or even a month off from the discipline. Living a disciplined life is a challenge for me.

There are so many places in my life that need discipline including my physical and spiritual life’s. I have seen some changes in my life become habits, but it has been a slow process. When I am following through on eating my veggies, exercising, devotions and journaling, life is going well. I feel at the top of my game. I have the energy I need and challenges don’t throw me for a loop. I’m living this scripture.

6-10 You’ve been raised on the Message of the faith and have followed sound teaching. Now pass on this counsel to the followers of Jesus there, and you’ll be a good servant of Jesus. Stay clear of silly stories that get dressed up as religion. Exercise daily in God—no spiritual flabbiness, please! Workouts in the gymnasium are useful, but a disciplined life in God is far more so, making you fit both today and forever. You can count on this. Take it to heart. This is why we’ve thrown ourselves into this venture so totally. We’re banking on the living God, Savior of all men and women, especially believers. (1 Timothy 4:6-10 MSG).

Journaling and veggies are two parts of my disciplined life that I struggle to keep up. I have been challenging myself lately to journal and eat 4-6 cups of veggies a day. There maybe an upcoming vacation that is increasing my motivation. But really, I feel better when I live this way. Why don’t I just maintain it? I have been asking myself that question a lot this week.

When I allow work, family schedules and stress take control, my disciplines fall by the wayside. I am slowly learning (and I mean slowly) that saying no to requests, taking on less obligations and leaving margin in my life to maintain these disciplines allows me to do more overall with less mental, physical and emotional wear and tear.

What disciplines have fallen by the wayside in your life? Do you know what disciplines are needed in your life? We are all different. We all thrive under different conditions. However, I would argue that eating real food, exercise and time with God are disciplines we all need.