Accountability

I have a fire lit under me, now I need to keep the flames going.  I've given a lot of thought in how to accomplish this.  This life change is not going to happen unless I am held accountable to my goals.  Nina Siders has graciously agreed to be my accountability partner.  We will help keep the flames of change burning for each other. 

To make changes, I need to know what I want to change and how I will accomplish it. Nina will also need something to hold me accountable for, so here we go...

First, I want and need to lose weight. Before leaving Florida, I was diagnosed with diabetes. This runs in my family, yet I felt a great deal of shame at first.  I truly believed I had brought it on myself.  I was overweight, not eating right, and not really taking care of myself. Perhaps it was my fault this family illness was upon me. Honestly, I still struggle with this, but enough is enough.  My Doctor told me it was early and I could control it through diet and exercise.  I alone have to the ability to change it myself or continue down a path towards medication.  Today, I choose to do something about it.  My goal is to lose 1 to 1-1/2 pounds a week.  I have chosen to accomplish this journey through the Lose It App. This is a self tested method that I know works for me, I just need the will power to see it through.  I will stay within my calorie count and exercise at least 3-5 days a week.  I will also work on changing my eating habits by watching my portion control, eating balanced meals and including diabetic friendly snacks.

Second, I want to be a better writer. I will stop procrastinating and complete the writing course I am currently enrolled in.  The same course I paid for, completed a few chapters, and stopped.  I will also write everyday.  To get better at something you have to do it and do it often. The only way to be a writer is to write, so no matter how many or few words I spill, I need to make this a daily priority.  I will also keep a journal of my progress.

Third, I need to be more financially stable.  Our move was difficult and it took the help of two very important people.  These two people were lifesavers and owing them weighs heavy on my mind.  I want to get these loans paid off, put an end to payday loans, and start saving.  To accomplish this, Billy is going to do the shopping.  Seriously, I know this is a weakness of mine and until I can get a handle on it I will not do any shopping unless I come armed with a list to shop from (and I will only buy what is on that list). The days of reckless spending are over.

Finally, I started taking courses with Ames International School of Ministry.  I decided on the paid program, paid for the course and then guess what I did?  That's right, got too busy and just stopped.  I want to follow through and complete this program.  This involves a lot of memorization and that is hard for me.  Perhaps that is subconsciously why I quit.  However, completing this has been one of my heart's desires and it is time to suck it up and get it done.  I will commit at least 1-2 hours a day to this course.  I will put the Scriptures I need to memorize on note cards and review them several times a day.

There you have it.  These are the goals that I need to be held accountable for.  Why have I shared them with you?  There are several reasons.  I want you to help Nina hold me accountable.  I also know I will need encouragement at times to stay on the right path.  However, perhaps most important, I want to show those people who think they can't do something that they can.  You can lose weight, you can do something you have always dreamed of, you can be financially stable.  You can do ANYTHING you set your mind to.  I will update my page weekly to share my progress.  If you think I'm slacking, call me on it.  A special thank you to Nina and each of you for taking this journey with me.  Let's do this!

~ Chelle
    12/2/13