Filtering | Day 2

We use filters in our coffee pots to filter out the coffee grounds from the coffee. Who wants coffee grounds in her coffee?

We use filters for our water to filter out all the contaminants, so what we’re left with is pure, fresh water. Who wants floating bacteria in her glass of water?

We use filters in the oil for our vehicles to filter out any dirt, metal bits and impurities. It keeps our cars running longer and our engines in good condition. Who wants to buy a car sooner because the engine wore out?

We use filters in our air conditioning vents in order to filter out all of the dust and general yuck floating around. Who wants to breathe all that stuff in?

Filters.

They’re a good thing. They’re a necessary part of our daily lives. Most of the time, we use them without even being aware.

As we each begin our fight toward a healthier life, I want to encourage you to think about filtering. Filtering what comes into your mind and influences your heart, which in turn, impacts your motivation.

When I first started, I didn’t filter at all and I struggled. It didn’t take long for me to realize that wasn’t working. I needed to be intentional about what influenced my thinking during this time.

I was vulnerable.

My willpower was weak.

I felt like I was on very shaky ground and I was so afraid if I failed one time, I would just give up.

Again.

I slowly began to filter out all the outside noise and distractions, anything that could possibly drag my eyes away from the prize.

What is there in your life that could potentially sabotage you as you start fighting for your health?

Throw it all out on an imaginary table and sort through. Is there anything that you need to filter out?

Are there people who may not be supportive or excited about the steps you’re taking? There’s no need to be rude or unkind, but maybe you should throttle back on the amount of time you spend with them. Or maybe sit down and have a heart-to-heart with them and explain how important this is to you.

Are there certain magazines that only make you feel worse about yourself? Unsubscribe.

What about blogs? Is there a blog that you like to read, but afterwards you feel defeated? Stop reading it for awhile.

What about TV shows and/or books?

Imagine a filter filtering out all the negative, everything that might try to hold you back and then, imagine a steady flow of positive.

Be intentional about what influences you.

Take a few minutes today and think about filtering. It will be worth it.

P. S. I know some of the things may be hard to filter out. It’s going to require sacrifice. This is when you need to ask yourself, “How serious am I?” Are you ready to kick some butt . . . . or are you ready to get your butt kicked? I say it with love, y’all. xo