I like to move it, move it!

I was going to post for the "Then and Now" tag from Learning to Be a Wife today, but I'm going to postpone until tomorrow. I have the day off and therefore can spend some time and scan a picture or two for the "then."

For today, instead my topic is again relevant to taking care of yourself. I heard a great little phrase today on the radio on the way to work that could really become a mantra of mine. It is: Medicate with Movement.

Yesterday, although I didn't give into the donut-McDonald's-Chipotle cravings, I did eat way more sugar than I usually do- a couple sugar cookies, a good size slice of cake, and then I made chocolate bit cookies last night and ended up eating several spoonfuls of dough. Ugh, my brain and body said afterward in a loud voice "Now you remember why you don't eat lots of sugar regularly!"

Anyways, I realize that sometimes (a lot of times) I eat not because I'm hungry, but to cope with something, whether it's boredom, a need for comfort, or whatever else. It's pretty much a natural reflex... except for the fact that most of the time I know I'm doing it. I go to grab a handful of cereal to munch on after work and I say to myself, "you don't need this, you're just eating it because it's there."

I've gotten much better, but learning to avoid the snack cabinet when I'm not actually hungry is a hard thing to do. However, a little something to tell myself, like "Medicate with Movement," might help. I can learn to have my reflex be a walk out in the sunshine or a dance to my favorite tune instead of several handfuls of Corn Pops or a package of graham crackers.

This little saying also relates to my "hugs not drugs" perspective. Although that relates to actual "medications," not food, I think it's so much better to get moving, dance about, take a walk to relieve stress... or whatever else you're trying to relieve. I know the benefit of doing these things instead of eating and I really hope I can push myself to "Medicate with Movement" instead of with snacks and unnecessary eating... or even unnecessary moping around the house!

In relation, below is a drawing I did that was inspired by a sermon at my Mom's church over President's Day weekend. It references a verse that depicts David dancing with all his might in celebration of God and the bringing of the ark of the covenant into Jerusalem. Although it's inspired by David's celebration of God, it can easily be related to dancing with all your might in order to refresh yourself and celebrate the health and body the Lord has given you.

So get moving! Dance with all your might- whether it's in celebration of God or yourself!

Blessings and Happy Thursday!