It’s day eight of my 100-day strong journey, and I’m finally starting to feel a sense of normalcy again. It’s a pleasant feeling, but I can’t afford to become complacent.

I’ve been reflecting on why this attempt is different from my previous failures, and I’ve come up with a couple of thoughts I’d like to share:

1. The first crucial step is getting into the right mindset. The first time I successfully completed the 100-day strong challenge, I had reached a breaking point with my circumstances. I not only recognized the need for change, but I felt compelled to change. When I tried again earlier this year, my motivations were unclear, and I wasn’t in the right frame of mind. However, that has changed this time around. I’m back to viewing this as a necessary endeavor that must be accomplished.
2. Being in the right mindset also means having clearly defined reasons for pushing forward. Over the past few months, I allowed some of my practices to slip and noticed I had become a bit complacent. I regained some weight I had previously lost. Considering these factors, my reasons for pursuing this challenge have become much clearer.

I believe that a key to success lies in failing and getting back up quickly. It’s irrational to think that we’ll never encounter failure, and expecting perfection is borderline insane. Instead, we must practice picking ourselves up as soon as we stumble or realize that we’ve fallen.

There’s no magic formula to it. I simply need to be aware of the goal I’m pursuing and relentlessly pursue it until I achieve it. Sometimes success comes swiftly, while other times it takes considerably longer. The important thing is to keep moving forward. It all begins with the right frame of mind.

What story do you know well? So well that you could tell it in your sleep? Or what thing can you do that you no longer need to practice? You know, the one that just comes so easy it is like breathing? Do you know all there is to know about it? You might say yes, but we both know the answer is no.

I took my family to see a musical today called “His Story” (you can check it out here: https://hisstorythemusical.com/). It is a pop musical based on the life of Jesus. Some historical liberties were taken with a few of the characters, but the heart and soul of the story of Jesus and His love were there. I didn’t know what to expect when I went in, but a few songs in, I found myself sitting on the edge of my seat. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

I know the story of Jesus well. I grew up in the church and have considered myself a believer for over 40 years (I made a confession of faith at a very young age and have never doubted it). When I encounter old stories and gain new insights, I get very excited. I love discovering that there is more depth, more to know, and more to believe.

This happened in two ways during the musical.

Mary Magdalene: I am not sure if the portrayal was historically accurate. However, it was a stirring portrayal of a woman who was far away from God and then encountered the love of Jesus. The Book of Luke tells us that Mary had been freed from seven demons. In the musical, she said that she was too broken to be loved. In the Bible and in the musical, Jesus loved her anyway. He cut through all the brokenness and mess and restored her. He loved her with a God-sized love.

There was a line in the song between Mary Magdalene and Jesus that struck me. Jesus looked into her eyes and told her, “Your darkness doesn’t scare me.” How many times have I felt that I have done things that are too much for God’s love? Have you ever felt that way? And then He looks at us and reminds us that He is the light that drives out the darkness. It doesn’t scare Him. This scene moved me today.

Judas: The musical portrayed him as the tragic character he was. But in the show, he knew he was tragic. He believed he was unredeemable and broken, just like Mary Magdalene did. He was portrayed with that self-awareness before his encounter with Jesus and then appeared to almost believe. Just when he was almost there, the enemy came in and reminded him of who he thought he was, and Judas believed it.

Please note, I said who Judas thought he was. He never fully grasped the picture of who he could be if he had fully surrendered to Jesus. The Bible tells us he was crooked. He was the treasurer of the group and loved to line his own pockets. I am reminded of the scene from “Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves” where Friar Tuck asks the Bishop if he is a man of God or a man of Gold. Judas most certainly was a man of gold. Well, silver anyway.

In today’s presentation, he was more human than I have ever seen him. I have tried before to see through his eyes, to understand what the betrayal at the end must have felt like. The actor helped bring that out in a new and fresh way. “Tragic” only begins to tell the story.

All in all, I was blown away by what I saw and heard. If you are in the market for a new show to see, check out the link above and give it a watch. You won’t be disappointed.

It is day 6 of being back on the right path. I am starting to remember how this feels. I like it. It feels good to be exerting control over my goals again.

Here are some thoughts from week one:

1. If there is a goal to be achieved during the day, you have to start early. Twice this week I have had crazy busy days and I had to finish my list of daily goals after 10 pm. Not the best way to do it.

2. Routine is normal. You just have to choose the routine you want to follow. Choosing to eat the right things and exercise takes the same energy as choosing not to if you plan out what you are going to do. Choose the routine and do it. Not choosing is still choosing.

3. Incremental wins is where long term change comes from. Learning to do the small stuff over and over is what is going to take me to my goals.

That is it for tonight. Time to finish week one strong tomorrow. Let’s do this. #100daysstrong

I have a confession to make. I don’t enjoy drinking water. I drink it, but I prefer it strained through coffee beans. I try my best to get at least 100 ounces of (non-coffee bean) water a day. In my struggle to motivate myself to stay hydrated, I did some searching to find the benefits (which I know are plenty). Here’s what I discovered:

1. Performing your best: Water is crucial for maintaining our physical performance. It helps regulate body temperature, lubricate joints, and deliver nutrients to our cells. When we engage in physical activities, we lose water through sweat, and if we don’t replenish it, dehydration can occur. This leads to fatigue, muscle cramps, and reduced endurance. By staying hydrated, we optimize our physical performance and improve our ability to exercise efficiently.
2. Thinking clearly and having energy: Did you know that even mild dehydration can affect our cognitive abilities? Research shows that dehydration can impair short-term memory, focus, and overall brain function. Since the brain is mostly composed of water, staying hydrated ensures proper blood flow and oxygen supply, which supports optimal brain function. So, next time you’re struggling to concentrate, reach for a glass of water instead of a cup of coffee.
3. Water and the gut: Water is crucial for maintaining a healthy digestive system. It helps break down food, facilitates nutrient absorption, and prevents constipation. Insufficient hydration can lead to digestive issues like indigestion and acid reflux. By drinking enough water, we support our digestive processes and keep our gastrointestinal system functioning smoothly.
4. Want to lose weight?: If you’re trying to shed a few pounds or maintain a healthy weight, staying hydrated can be your secret weapon. Often, we mistake thirst for hunger and end up consuming unnecessary calories. By drinking water regularly, we keep our stomachs full, avoid unnecessary snacking, and enhance our metabolism. Also, replacing sugary beverages with water can significantly reduce calorie intake and help with weight management.
5. Getting rid of toxins: Water is the primary means by which our body eliminates waste and toxins. It flushes out waste products through urine and sweat, keeping our kidneys and liver functioning optimally. Proper hydration helps prevent urinary tract infections and kidney stones, and it also promotes healthy skin by keeping it hydrated and aiding in the removal of toxins that can cause acne and other skin issues.

Another confession… I don’t really hate water. I know it’s good for me, and staying hydrated is important. Water is not only crucial for maintaining our physical well-being, but it also plays a significant role in our cognitive functions and overall health. By making a conscious effort to drink enough water every day, we can enhance our physical performance, support our brain function, maintain a healthy weight, aid digestion, and promote detoxification. So, whether you like it or not…drink it.