dear self, i am proud of you.

I love the show Biggest Loser! Seeing people transform over the course of 7-8 months is inspiring. You know their success doesn’t come easily. It took hours and days of sacrificing and staying true to the goals they had regardless of how they woke up feeling. Focus is of the utmost importance. That’s life, peeps!

One of the coolest things Biggest Loser does is have the contestants video a message to themselves. They video as they come on the ranch a message to themselves as the person they will be at the end of the show. And so as I embark on this mutiny against media this week, I’m going to leave myself a message to the me I’ll be a week from now. Remember, I have been out of town this whole week and these posts were written a head of time. I’m just betting this week has been harder than I thought, but I’m counting on God to show up in incredible ways as I turn my focus to youth camp.

As my heart begins to reflect on what I want to say, my eyes are leaking. Oh good heavens! Am I emotional because I know my life will change this week or maybe it’s the stirring of what I really want to say to myself in hopes of a change in 7 days? Or maybe it’s because I’m not sure how you will respond or why you need to read this? Or maybe it is because you need to read this and be challenged to write your own self a message?

At any rate — here’s a note to self:

Alene,

I know you fretted about beginning media week, just as you have the last two mutiny’s on food and clothes (thanks Summer of 7), but I can’t wait to hear the other side of the story where you share what God reveals. I’m sure this challenge was difficult because you’re passionate about using the gifts God has given you — writing, teaching, sharing, and connecting with people. You thrive on connections! But I’m thankful you dug in and stripped away the noise of the outside world for a week so God could whisper to you.

I am so proud of you! You’ve met challenges head on recently and set new goals to stretch yourself further. You’ve stepped outside your comfort zone while deciding to follow God looking for His signposts for you life’s journey. I know this week has not been easy for you; however, I am encouraged by your heart and spirit.

As you’ve snuck away to youth camp, I know you’ve seen God all over the place. You’ve seen Him in bright smiles and hurting eyes. You’ve seen Him early in the morning and late at night. You’ve met Him in new ways as you’ve poured in to others. Don’t forget those sweet morsels of truth He poured in to you either. Those morsels you’ll need for the rest of your journey.

This unplugged week with no excessive phone use or computer, has allowed for a renewed focus and more time to see others needs. Remember this for the days to come. Don’t go back to the chaotic days of trying to juggle it all, instead remember the beauty in the simplicity of this week. Excessiveness has to go.

You go girl — you did it!