Welcome to October, the month where leaves change, pumpkins are carved, football is watched, and I celebrate my favorite season. Bring on the open windows, snuggly sweaters and warm drinks. It’s also the month where thousands of writers take the challenge to write every day for 31 days straight on a topic that is near and dear to their own hearts.
In the past I’ve written about community, and I’ve introduced you to some of my favorite friends. Real life and online community have become so important to me and have shaped the way I do everything, from writing to my job, making new friends at church and working out.
Fitness has always seemed like an individual activity to me, one separate from the rest of my passions. I spent a season waking up at 5am to go to the gym by myself, headphones in, hoping no one would notice me. I’ve done at home workouts, not letting anyone in on the struggles or successes, afraid that inviting community into my routine would only lead to disappointment if I failed their expectations.
But we’re not created to do life alone, and this year God has started transforming my heart as I’ve worked to transform my body. He’s surrounded me with a community of women who are so FOR me that I can’t be against myself. Real life friends in my own town AND beautiful new friends I’ve only ever known inside my computer.
And there are incredible women doing great work for the kingdom through their love of fitness. So this month, I’m going to take us on a faith & fitness journey, sharing my own story, encouragement, introducing you to some of those friends, and of course, sharing some “Friday Favorites” to help you along the way.
No matter what the workout professional on the other side of the television is telling you, we can’t do anything we set our minds to. BUT we can do all things through Christ who gives us strength. And strong, my friends, is so very beautiful.
If you miss any of the posts this month, just click here to catch up!
I’m catching up on posts now – this definitely is a series I need to read since my fitness efforts always are in spurts. I’m writing about applying Benedictine spirituality to social media this month.
Yes I’m following along as well… we are in the middle of transition so no gym for my anymore.. I really need to figure out how to do work outs at home with kids underfoot.. and I am writing for 31 days as well 🙂 on transition..
You know how much I love this, right !?!?!? We are stronger (in all ways) together.
This is going to be great, Crystal! We joined a large gym with great childcare last Christmas. It’s amazing how much stronger and more confident I am knowing I can run fast, do burpees, and push-ups. Love it!
I am looking forward to this as I need to take some definite steps towards fitness.
Looking forward to following along!