When I was young, 55 seemed so old. Gratefully, I feel younger today than I did at 40. I feel more alive and healthy than ever before.
As part of my AMP group, we reflect upon the changes in our lives, analyze our progress, how far we have come each month, then each year, and how different our lives are even from a short three years ago.
Reflection is key. Reflection helps you realize how hard you have worked and what your GAIN has been, not what you haven't accomplished (your GAP.) If you haven't read the book The Gap and The Gain by Benjamin Hardy and Dan Sullivan, I will send you one. It is a must-read. When you look at the gains, not the gaps, you realize how much you have accomplished.
For most of my life, I have struggled with food. Sometimes, as an addiction, sometimes due to travel/situations, most of the time, due to lack of time, caring, and feeling like I deserve to eat whatever I want.
All of my life, I have believed in God. But it wasn't until I was getting ready to turn 50 that I genuinely started studying the bible, getting involved in a small group, and acting with INTENTION to study scripture. That began a true transformation in my body, mind, and soul. It became a refreshing way to live. It is wild how many solid leadership principles are in the bible. More importantly, it can answer just about any question, guide you in the most trying situations, and be a roadmap to help you along your journey.
It teaches us not to judge. Just to LOVE. It reminded me that my gluttonous actions were no better than the person who commits a crime or has an affair. I was no better than anyone else. I remember when I heard this lesson during a podcast. It was like being hit over the head with a hammer. Who am I to judge? I need to clean up my side of the street. It reminded me of the proverb, "Those who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones."
That set me on my health journey of exercise, eating right, and, more importantly, journaling, praying, and being with God each day. I have lost close to 100 pounds and exercise each day. I can walk up many flights of stairs carrying heavy objects, where I couldn't get up one flight of stairs without being out of breath just over five years ago! I can run over 1.5 miles on a treadmill, and I haven't been able to run anywhere in my life!
As I look at my "gains" over the past 55 years and all I have accomplished, which I am very proud of, the most crucial accomplishment and reward has been my improved relationship with God and the freedom it provides when you accept and know Christ. I am forgiven. You are forgiven. No matter the sin, you are forgiven.
If you want peace and direction in your life...it is never too late. If you aren't 55 yet, BONUS, you can learn this earlier than I did. If you are a "senior" like me, no worries; there is plenty of time left. Whatever your time left on earth is, it is never too late to find the peace and forgiveness offered throughout the bible.
If you find yourself judging others today, instead of judging, love them. Love them, no matter what. We need peace in this world that is full of chaos. We get that by loving one another, forgiving one another, and letting go of judgment.
No matter your beliefs, I do not judge you; you are my friend. I love you no matter what. LOVE is the first and most important commandment. We won't always agree, but I can still LOVE you. I LOVE YOU.
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