Effort with unexpected results seems to happen more often than I want to acknowledge. Sometimes effort doesn’t come with advancement. Sometimes effort doesn’t come with change. Sometimes effort leads to a lot of frustration.
I spent decades trying to find the perfect diet and exercise routine to finally have the perfect weight and body shape. I researched nutrition, exercise physiology, the microbiome, and the brain to find the best combination of food and movement. I tried paleo, keto, low carb, low fat, and more. Nothing resulted in the magic change I was looking for.
My effort continued with unexpected results. I worked with a functional doctor to look at my hormone levels and other markers of health. We balanced my hormones but my weight didn’t move.
I decided it was time to deal with some emotional wounds that had been ignored. My anxiety and stress improved dramatically, but my weight didn’t move.
5 For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6 and to knowledge, self-control;and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness;7 and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love.8 For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins. 10 Therefore, my brothers and sisters,[a] make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble, (2 Peter 1:5-10 NIV).
Six months into my new COVID workout plan, I accepted that I had it wrong. The impact the exercise had on my emotional wellbeing was noticeable. Yes, my body was stronger than it had been in a long time, but more importantly I was able to manage stress and anxiety better. I had more energy. I liked myself again all while the impact on my weight was small. I had been focusing on my image rather than the image of God.
Improving my emotional wellbeing gave space and energy to focus on God, my faith and the practices God calls us to such as self control and perseverance. I needed to get the focus off me and onto Him. Exercise and good nutrition will stay a part of my life because it allows me to be a better Christian, a better mom and wife and a better employee all of which are meant to point others toward God.
My effort had unexpected results. It took decades to get here, but I believe the results I achieved are better than the ones I initially wanted. How about you? Have you experienced unexpected results? Share your experience here and breathe life and bring hope to others.