On the outside nothing has changed (my scales show some progress, not much) but on the inside I am filled with joy. You and I are on a life-changing journey. Each of us will look back and say, ‘this is when I released old destructive patterns, sharpened my saw, and moved to the core of my divine being and purpose.'

SPIRITUAL thought/action: "Even if our efforts of attention seem for years to be producing no results, one day a light that is in exact proportion to them will flood the soul." Simone Weil

Even if, at the end of your first week of balancing, your efforts seem to be producing little result, stay the course. Affirmation: Today as I commit (and re-commit) to my purpose, the universe moves in my favor.

PHYSICAL thought/action: Geneen Roth in Women Food and God talks about how her retreat participants tell her: "But I just like the taste of food. In fact, I love the taste! Why can't it be that simple? I overeat because I like food."  Geneen goes on to remind us: "When you like something, you pay attention to it. When you like something -love something-you take time with it. You want to be present for every second of the rapture. Overeating does not lead to rapture."Affirmation: Today I will select healthy foods for my body and savor every bite.

MENTAL thought/action: Somewhere I read that it takes 30 days to change a habit, to reprogram the brain to go in a different pattern. I've been feeding/stuffing my feelings for 40 years at least, so it might take me longer than 30 days to change this habit. But I'm in for as long as it takes.

Stephen Covey in 7 Habits of Highly Effective People uses the analogy of sharpening our saws. I changed the gender of the protagonist in his story: A woman is out sawing wood in her backyard when her neighbor comes up and asks her, "What are you doing?" She replies, "Can't you see? I'm sawing wood." The neighbor says, "Why don't you sharpen your saw? It will go so much faster." The woman, furiously sawing but not making much progress, says, "I don't have time!"

Stephen Covey's point is that when we take time to sharpen our saws, to balance ourselves on the spiritual, physical, mental, and emotional planes, everything goes better for us. Today I ask God's help in bringing balance to all areas of my life.

EMOTIONAL thought/action: "Attitude is like postage: the right attitude delivers our heart's desires." Magic Refrigerator  Today I thank God for all the lessons He has given me.

See you tomorrow! Lolly