Heart Choices: Why I Will Never Stop Striving Towards a Healthy Lifestyle -->

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Why I Will Never Stop Striving Towards a Healthy Lifestyle


I will never give up!
I will never stop striving towards a healthy lifestyle.  I refuse to give up!  Yes, my sneakers may be wearing out.  But I still have my treadmill and my weights. And I have a good mind.  I am determined.


When I was a teenager, I was active and always moving.  My Aunt Ruth taught me how to twirl as a young girl. So I was very excited when I made my high school's twirling team and eventually became the captain for two years.  I was determined to do a good job so I found a summer twirling camp in upstate New York so I could learn more.  I have to say I was very intimidated since I knew nobody.  My bunk mates were state champions in the National Baton Twirlers Association.  But I learned so much and was able to share what I learned with the other twirlers on our team.

  • I am a nurse.  When I graduated from nursing school, I was amazed at how much chronic illness was caused by an unhealthy lifestyle. Talk about the cost of healthcare. It's only become worse over the years.


  • I have a family history of heart disease.  My grandfather died at the age of 70 of a sudden heart attack.  My dad suffered a heart attack when he was in his early 60's.  He is still living but has endured numerous heart procedures.  He has an implantable defibrillator and pacemaker but keeps on ...walking and living his life.  Way to go Dad!

Norwegian waffles

  • I enjoy good food.  There are a few Norwegian recipes that I continue to make and enjoy from time to time.  They are a part of my heritage and I enjoy eating them ...in moderation.


  • I want to have energy. I know that if I stop exercising for any length of time I will lose what I've gained over the years.  As we age, we lose muscle.  I don't want to become weak and be susceptible to falls.  After all, I'm not getting any younger.  I have to keep up with a classroom of 3 and 4 year old children.  And believe me, they are quite active.

  • I want to age gracefully.  I'm not trying to act like I'm 30 years younger than my actual age. But I enjoy looking good and fitting into my clothes well.  I enjoy working with younger healthy women.  They help to keep me continuously striving to be active.
  • I recognize who I belong to.  The Bible tells me as a Christian my body is a temple of the Holy Spirit.  I was bought with a price so I will honor God by taking care of my body.  After all, I want to be used by Him for His purposes.  

1 Corinthians 6:18-20

English Standard Version (ESV)
19 Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, 20 for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.

So I will continue to strive towards a healthy lifestyle as long as I live.  And along the way, I hope to inspire and encourage you to join me in this journey.

I'm linking up with Kim of Just For Clicks for Weigh-In Wednesday.

Blessings and love,

QuickEdit
Debbie Petras
7 Comments
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7 comments:

  1. You go girl; I am right there with you and I totally agree with all of your reasons to stay healthy...I am a few steps ahead of you and all the more reason for me, as my granddaddy would say, put my hand to the plow....and continue this journey. I also think you are a wonderful example to those younger women around you...I am hoping I am setting an example for my daughter and granddaughter...

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  2. I LOVE all the reminders of WHY we take care of ourselves. SO SO true. And I love that your sneakers are worn out.... That's a GOOD thing because it means you've been using them. :-) Thanks so much for linking up!!!

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  3. I love this, Debbie! You are only a few years ahead of me, and are a big inspiration in many ways. Thanks! (I recently had two young sisters, 21 and 22, who come to my step and toning class, tell me they hoped to some day have arms like mine. Well, I used to hate my arms. But after losing weight and stepping up my use of free weights, I now can say I don't mind. them. :) It is a good feeling to be a role model for others!)
    Linda

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  4. You go girl! And you are an inspiration to me. I really need to get healthier. Now that I will have Grandchild #3 coming, I don't want to be the Nana in chair all the time. I want to be active too. Let's promise together! It's easier when you have a buddy, right??

    Blessings, Ceil

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  5. Such motivation..I agree with it all and yet I have backslid lately...but today I did run with grand son at the pumpkin patch. I thought I have got to stay moving to enjoy these grand children

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  6. I admire your determined and totally commitment to serve the Lord with body and soul.
    In the end I think that's the only way it really works. Was it vanity or fear of death that drove you, you would not have managed to go through with it, as you have done these difficult years. Now you have never lost focus, and you are indeed a source of inspiration to me. P.S. I think I can manage to moderate most temptations, except for waffles, (and a few other topics).

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  7. Oh Debbie, I love all of this!! First of all, I was a twirler too, but only in Jr High. I was happy to trade in my batons when became drum major in high school (no practices and no bickering). And I want all those things too - I love food but want to be healthy, and I want to age gracefully. I think knowing Who I belong to will help :)

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I love to read your comments! I know you have something to share so join in the conversation. And thank you for taking the time.

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