My Body, My Money, My Faith

My body and my money are the two things I think about most. I haven't decided if that's selfish or not, but it is the truth. Only recently am I realizing the many ways they are connected.

My first realization came about when I decided to try and save some extra cash. When I began to strategize cuts in my budget, the first thing to go was eating out. New York is not cheap. A Sunday brunch with the girls can easily cost $60. That doesn't sound like a lot, but multiply that times four and you have $240 each month for salmon, grits and mimosas.

I still have the quality time with my girls, but less of it eating out. In support of my financial rehabilitation, someone different hosts brunch in their home at least once per month. In addition to saving money by not eating out, I've been trying to only eat what I make at home. Doing this makes me take a good hard look at what I'm putting in my body.

Thoughts of my body range from extremely positive to downright negative depending on the day and the hour. My thoughts also include action items and strategies for improving my body and overall health. Sometimes I follow through on those thoughts, other times they fall by the wayside. Having lost 200+ pounds, I am always in constant fear of gaining it back. But I still don't do the things that I should. I'm pretty body-happy right now, and even though I haven't been able to shake the fear of going back, in my heart of hearts I know I'll never be 300 anything, ever again!

My money is on my mind for obvious reasons. I need it to live. I make more than enough to live, but I desire to live well. I am always thinking of ways to make my money do more so I can one day do less. As a single person, saving is exceptionally important. If I don't save now for old age I will clip coupons, search for promo codes and ride the train instead of paying to park. Yes, at every turn money is on my mind.

The rest of my thought life belongs to the most important thing, my faith. Although I'm mentioning it last, it is most definitely first. Because of my faith, thoughts of my body and my money diminish in its shadow. My faith helps me keep the other things in check because it assures me that all is well. Too much time spent thinking in the wrong direction can create an unhealthy obsession. Faith won't let me worry because I truly believe that I'll be better, stronger and wiser. By faith, I even believe that I can do anything, including keep the weight off. Sure I could separate my body from my money and my money from my faith. However, life's a whole lot sweeter when faith rules and overcomes all I think about my body and money, simply because I believe that there really is greater for me.

Looking for more ways to save while shaping up at the same time? Learn how to lunch bag those extra pounds.