30 Day Weight Loss Challenge: Day 2

I wouldn’t be surprised if Sundays won’t be my easiest day. Not much time at home = not much time to think about food.

Today I had my shake before I left for church and even though we had typical southern fare at Sunday School (biscuits and jam), I didn’t touch it. I have to admit, I don’t crave those things, but when I have an empty stomach, it can be difficult to resist.

For lunch I had a delicious stew waiting in the crock pot and I enjoyed a bowl. When I got home from church this evening I decided to mash up an avocado that was on the verge of rotting. I mixed a bit of salsa with it and ate it with some celery. I know I should have had the shake, but like I said, I didn’t want the avocado go bad.

Anyway, I think the day went pretty well! Tomorrow is my first cleanse day. I’ll be praying a lot! Lol!

 

Vulnerability: The Making of a Friendship

We all know her. The lady who acts like her life is perfect. You ask her how she’s doing and she puts on this smile and assures you she’s fine. Yet, you know she’s just been through a rough time. She makes you feel like there’s something wrong with you because you’re still struggling in this life and she appears to have it all together. (She doesn’t do this on purpose, of course. But, perception is reality.)

Why do some people put on a front? Why can’t they lay aside the mask and be real?

(Before I go any further, I am in no way suggesting that it’s okay to be moody and let people know what’s on your mind. This is something much different.)

I think for some people, the mask is a defense mechanism. Maybe they’ve been hurt one too many times. For others, it may be something in their past that they’re especially ashamed of and don’t ever want to go there again. So they go to the other extreme and act like the perfect Christian. They are afraid that their friends will lose respect of them if they show the human side.

It is with extremes that we push our friends away. I had coffee with a couple of friends the other day and it was so refreshing to be around people who don’t pretend that they have it all together. I feel that I can be at home with them. I can admit I’m struggling with having an attitude towards my husband. (Gasp! Did I just say that?) I mean, really, if I can’t even be that real, there’s a problem.

If I could challenge you with one thing today, it would be this: Take off your mask. Be someone that a hurting person would feel comfortable with. Allowing yourself to be vulnerable builds trust and respect.

Women Protecting Themselves

Women have always been vulnerable, but it seems that as time goes on we are becoming more so. What should a woman do if she finds herself in a situation where she needs to defend herself? I found a great website that gives women tips on ways that we should conduct ourselves for optimum protection. Go to Matrix Defense Solutions to learn more about this topic.