Itz Holistically Wholesome

This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.” “For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh…” Galatians 5:16-17.

I have been on a very interesting journey; one of self discovery. I realized that some way along the road, I lost the core of who I am, and I am determine to find it. Throughout the process I have been asking myself so very strong and uncomfortable questions that needed to be asked .

One such question I had to ask myself recently and not lightly was, “are your habits getting in the way of your success TOMIKA? Then the following sub-questions (if there is such a word) were what habits do you have? Are they good or bad? Are they helping you walk in purpose, or quietly blocking the success you’re praying for?

While we all want to have good habits, I had to admit that some of mine were standing in my way. And if I want to grow, I must do something about them.

Recently, I started reading The Daniel Plan, a book I literally found on a sidewalk in Brooklyn. I picked it up on impulse, and let me tell you, I only put it down when I absolutely have to. The authors said something that hit me hard:

“Habits are the key to your success.”

It’s like God purposely, allowed me in that space at that time so that I could find this book. Thank you Jesus.

We all know that making big, lasting changes is hard. And even though the changes we need to make look different for each of us, we can agree that the end result after fostering these habits will hit us where it hurts. Our habits shows up in ways such as how we interact, who we entertain, what we put up with, how we manage time, money, rest, relationships, and especially how we treat our bodies.

And here’s the truth:
When we finally take inventory of the habits we need to change, sometimes we get excited and motivated… but over time, that enthusiasm fades, our willpower break, and we slip back into old patterns. But habits were never meant to control our lives. You see, we shape our habits; and then our habits shape us; we are the ones in control , not our behaviors.

And deep down, you and I already know which habits are hurting us; they make us cry, and feel bad about ourselves. We hate the pain, the consequences, the guilty feeling , our conscience telling us to do better right! So why do we hold onto them? Why do we get defensive when someone points them out? Why do we pretend they are not there? Why is it so hard to replace them?

Let’s talk about it.

1. These habits are rooted — and comfortable.

We’ve spent years practicing them. They didn’t form overnight. For many of us, unhealthy habits became survival tools, coping mechanisms for fear, stress, loneliness, depression, anxiety, or feeling unloved. They soothe us… even while they sabotage us.

2. You identify with your unhealthy habits.

We say things like:
“I’ve always been this way.”
“I can’t help myself.”
“This is just who I am.”
“I must eat sweets.”

But habits are not our identity. They are simply things we do. And God never intended for us to be ruled by them. He wants us to change, grow, and He empowers us to do it.

3. These habits will eventually harm us.

This is the hardest truth to face.
The habits we excuse, entertain, and protect will one day cause us pain. When they come collecting, we can’t pay. We treat them like friends, but they are not our friends.

Instant gratification, sin, and unhealthy indulgence feel good for a moment…but torment us afterward. You know exactly what I am talking about because we’ve all experienced it.

4. There is a spiritual battle behind your habits.

Have you ever wondered why it’s so easy to entertain the things that hurt us? I am convinced that some of this is spiritual.

The enemy will use anything, including habits to delay our purpose. He wants us stuck, defeated, hopeless, and living beneath our potential.
He wants us to dishonor our body, our mind, and our calling.

But we don’t have to let him.
We can ask God to help us break these habits once and for all.

Here’s the good news.

You, I do not have to stay stuck.
We only need to do the hard thing , make the change. And when we do, the entire trajectory of our life will shift. we’ll look back and wonder, “Why didn’t I do this sooner?”

So let me ask you:
What unhealthy habits are you holding onto that you know deep in your soul need to change?
How about starting today so you can become the absolute best version of who God created you to be.

Be well and be blessed.

With love and purpose,
Tomika Chance
Itz Holistically Wholesome