Our lives include so many numbers. Numbers on the scale, numbers in our bank account, number of designer clothes in our closets, number of activities we participate in, number of calories we eat or workouts we complete, number of Facebook friends, number of page views. Sometimes we fall into the trap of  allowing the numbers to define our lives and our worth.

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We get discouraged that we don’t make as much money as someone else. We see a number on the scale and it determines our mood for the day. We constantly check in on stats as a way to verify ourselves. We doubt ourselves in comparison to others for not doing as much.

Numbers can start as a tool to help us reach certain goals. For example, to run a marathon you have to track mileage to adequately prepare yourself. When working to lose weight, counting calories can help progress. When keeping up with a budget, we must track the numbers in our bank accounts. Numbers do serve a purpose. They can help us achieve certain tasks. Yet often they can also create a slippery slope for our self-esteem to slide down.

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We need to stop using numbers as a measuring stick for who we are. You can’t put love for others on a scale. You can’t put passion in a bank account. You can’t put fun and enjoyment on a tally sheet. You can’t put friendship in a spreadsheet. We must look past numbers and to the bigger picture of what makes up our lives.

Have you ever been stuck in a number trap? What could you have focused on instead of the numbers? You may remember back at the first week of this series, I found myself slightly discouraged because there was a huge drop off in the initial participation of the 30 DSLR. I was letting numbers define its purpose and mine as well. Then, I reminded myself this will help some. It is still a passion of mine. All I needed to do was focus on the joy of writing, plus connecting and growing with others in the process. The numbers can say what they want – I’m happy either way!

Welcome to the last installment of the Gifts of the Body series. See the previous posts below:

• Part 1
• Part 2
• Part 3

Remember, each week we take a day to thank our bodies for what they do for us. Our bodies provide us the miracle of life and the ability to enjoy it. We need to thank them for their strength and what they provide, instead of wishing they looked different or did more. I’ll start us off!

My Immune System

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I thank my immune system and everything that works together to keep me healthy. I am lucky that I do not get sick too often, despite being exposed to things from Makenzie and her little kid friends. My body works well to keep me functioning at my best. Thank you body, for taking care of me.

My Hair

I used to always complain about my hair. It was too thin, too straight, got stringy, and didn’t hold shape. Now, I thank my hair for being simple to style and the perfect length to pull back in a ponytail. I thank my hair for complementing my features well and having a nice natural color. And for looking decent upon first awaking…like above. 😀

My Ears

I thank my ears for allowing me to hear so many beautiful sounds – Makenzie’s giggles, Peter’s loving and encouraging words, music, the sound of the ocean, the crunching of fall leaves, the preacher’s words and the songs of worship each Sunday.

What are you thankful for from your body today? Try to think of something different! 😀

• A Fit and Spicy Life
• Running to a Healthy Life
• Making A Change
• Adventures in Cooking, Weight Loss, and Life
• Ulterior Harmony