And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
On a successful fast, I have to encourage myself daily. It's hard to even watch t.v. when on a fast because there are so many food commercials!!! So, with all of that being said - here are my tips for enduring temptation on your fast.
1. Stay away from the temptation: I'm not telling you to go to a deserted island, but do what you can within reason to not be in tempting situations until you know you have the willpower to not give up or give in. The first three days of a fast are always the hardest for me so I usually pre-cook meals for the kids so that on those three days, all I have to do is warm up food instead of prepare it. You will need to think of the methods you will employ to control the level of temptation you are faced with.
2. Limit tempting influences: I mentioned this previously, but the television can be such a huge distraction when on a fast. I can't say I give up tv 100% when I'm on a fast, but I reduce my t.v. watching drastically and the t.v shoes that are not positive in nature are reduced even further. I have dvr and fast forward through those commercials that are created to get us to give in the subliminal messages they so cunningly convey.
3. Pray : I've said it a thousand times and I'll say it again that I believe in God. Maybe you don't, but whatever higher power you believe in - I would encourage you to tap into very often during a fast of any sort. In fact, I'd venture to say that without the Lord it ain't fasting. I put a disclaimer on that last statement as my opinion only. You are free to come to your own conclusions about what fasting is or is not to you. I pray during times of weakness and believe that prayer sustains me in regular life- even more so whilst fasting. I also watch my favorite pastors on TV and attend church as often as possible.
4. Meditate on his word both day & night. Meditate on positive things. Stay away from negative people and thoughts. Speak life, and try to believe your success into reality.
5. Walk or partake in light exercise - there's just something about moving the body that releases tension, stress, fear and it's just good for the body & the mind. When we exercise, the body releases feel good hormones that helps us to better deal with stressful situations, including temptation.
6. Journal - keep a personal record of your experiences . This helps you deal with the emotions that may come up while fasting and to deal with them. Writing is lethargic. You can even go as far to do what I am doing: blogging & youtubing!! :) It also helps to see yourself change, the weight loss, the mental shift, and all the other changes that occur with fasting. You will one day look back on your journal and be proud of your accomplishments.
Those are all I can think of for now, I'll add more if they come to me.
til next time,
hopeforthehips
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