Today is the last day of Ramadan, the month of fasting for Muslims. Fasting during Ramadan involves not eating or drinking anything (yes, that includes water) from sunrise to sunset.
To most people, this sounds daunting.
I've heard many reactions to fasting - 'It seems impossible.' 'I couldn't do that.' "I'd die without water.'
Indeed, fasting in summer months (for 15 hours) does seem daunting ... but when you set your mind to do something, for whatever reason, then it's amazing how your body can follow.
I fasted. I barely felt hungry or thirsty. I still maintained my workouts. I still ate 3 healthy meals a day/evening/night. The most disruption I got was really with my sleeping hours -- and with all that, I didn't die.
The month of fasting is not just about refraining from food and drink; it's a month to check yourself - check your behavior. In my journey to lose weight and get healthy, this concept is very relevant to my everyday life.
Each day I realize more and more how much I am capable of and it gives me courage. I know that if I put my mind to something, I can do it. There are many tasks that I find daunting - running, lifting heavy weights, and of course burpees!! However, they're not impossible. If I want to improve in these areas, I've got to focus, practice, and keep on trying. Nothing will change overnight, but with persistence, I hope that I can see good results.
I'm not so worried about my exercise, as I really do enjoy all the different activities that I participate in. What I'm more concerned about is food. My eating habits need to really get cleaned up.
When I first read about the Whole Life Challenge, posted by Jenn, I felt intimidated. That was a whole long list of foods that couldn't be eaten during the challenge - no grains? no sugar? not even any sweeteners? Impossible.
No. Not impossible. Challenging - sure - that's why it's called a challenge. It will require me to be vigilant of what I'm eating. It will require me to think before I put anything into my mouth. It will require me to make a conscientious effort to be healthy and eat clean --- and seriously, when I put it that way, why wouldn't I want to partake in this challenge? Shouldn't I be careful anyway?
I know that this is a change I want to make in my life. I've been able to coast so far, very steadily dropping some weight each month ... but how long do I want to coast for? Not anymore. I'm more focused now. I have more specific goals now. I'm definitely more driven, and most importantly I am not (as) afraid.
To most people, this sounds daunting.
I've heard many reactions to fasting - 'It seems impossible.' 'I couldn't do that.' "I'd die without water.'
Indeed, fasting in summer months (for 15 hours) does seem daunting ... but when you set your mind to do something, for whatever reason, then it's amazing how your body can follow.
I fasted. I barely felt hungry or thirsty. I still maintained my workouts. I still ate 3 healthy meals a day/evening/night. The most disruption I got was really with my sleeping hours -- and with all that, I didn't die.
The month of fasting is not just about refraining from food and drink; it's a month to check yourself - check your behavior. In my journey to lose weight and get healthy, this concept is very relevant to my everyday life.
Each day I realize more and more how much I am capable of and it gives me courage. I know that if I put my mind to something, I can do it. There are many tasks that I find daunting - running, lifting heavy weights, and of course burpees!! However, they're not impossible. If I want to improve in these areas, I've got to focus, practice, and keep on trying. Nothing will change overnight, but with persistence, I hope that I can see good results.
I'm not so worried about my exercise, as I really do enjoy all the different activities that I participate in. What I'm more concerned about is food. My eating habits need to really get cleaned up.
When I first read about the Whole Life Challenge, posted by Jenn, I felt intimidated. That was a whole long list of foods that couldn't be eaten during the challenge - no grains? no sugar? not even any sweeteners? Impossible.
No. Not impossible. Challenging - sure - that's why it's called a challenge. It will require me to be vigilant of what I'm eating. It will require me to think before I put anything into my mouth. It will require me to make a conscientious effort to be healthy and eat clean --- and seriously, when I put it that way, why wouldn't I want to partake in this challenge? Shouldn't I be careful anyway?
I know that this is a change I want to make in my life. I've been able to coast so far, very steadily dropping some weight each month ... but how long do I want to coast for? Not anymore. I'm more focused now. I have more specific goals now. I'm definitely more driven, and most importantly I am not (as) afraid.
I have always found Ramadan to be very interesting. I love the idea of purposely taking time to evaluate. Best of luck on your challenge, I know you can do it!
ReplyDeleteI definitely find it a good time to pause and reflect on different things in life. Thanks! :)
DeleteWe have friends who fast for Ramadan, even their kids in high school. Two of the students were some of my oldest daughter's best friends. It's so fun and interesting to have so many cultures around us.
ReplyDelete:-) Marion
I know! Love how the blogging world connects people from so many different backgrounds :)
DeleteWoohoo!! SO psyched for this challenge!!! It's gonna be great doing this together!!
ReplyDeleteI know! I can't wait :)
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