A few years ago I would have described myself as an overweight, underread, un-motivated, and somewhat isolated slob. I have been concerned about myself only enough to complain about what hasn't been right, but not enough to proactively try to fix it.  This year has definitely been a year of change. I am finally, after all these years, moving from undisciplined to disciplined. It's not an easy process!

Two books have helped me shake off the self-induced lathargy and try to DO SOMETHING about the shape I'm in.   One was Pam Forster's topical Bible guide "Polished Cornerstones" and the other was Beneth Peters Jones' "In The Best Possible Light".    I wish I had these in my teens!

I tend to let things go--chores, paperwork, friendships,  my health/looks. I recently celebrated my 34th birthday.  It set me thinking about the future, goals, and the need for accountability to keep them. There are some disciplines in my life that keep me accountable spiritually, for example, being a faithful church member and  friends who gently admonish and greatly encourage me in my walk with the Lord.

But I have been very resistant to inviting accountability into other areas of my life. I am a natural skinflint, so money has never been a problem.  Homeschooling isn't a problem either because I love to learn and so do the children.  Have I made it  too easy, though,  to learn about things instead of doing them?  I guess I just didn't want to hear somebody tell me where I've gone wrong, because I already knew it! 

A great help has been the Flylady emails. While I don't do them as faithfully as I should, those constant cheerful email reminders  to establish new habits are affecting on how I approach each day. Joining THE WALKING CHALLENGE was a major step. Reporting to others whether or not I kept my goals is forcing me to really try to keep them--just not pay lip-service to them.

This weekend, I discovered that two acquaintances are also trying to build accountability into their lives in different areas.  One is wanting to read more, so we agreed to try reading the same book together and discussing it as we go [we're reading Hind's Feet on High Places].  Another lady is needing help in physical fitness, too. We have agreed to remind each other to walk a little bit every day. Hopefully, this partnership will help us reach our goals, but will also develop Godly friendships, as well.

Remember at the first how I described myself ? I think I've attacked everything but the "overweight" part.  It's NEXT!