Embracing Wholeness: My Journey of Faith, Fitness, and Renewal During Dry January
Hello, beautiful people! Welcome back to Kaye Consults! I know it has been a while, but I am back! As we embark on a new year, I want to share a personal journey that has not only challenged me but has also brought about a profound sense of clarity and wellness. This January, I decided to embark on a multifaceted journey of Dry January, an Instagram fast, deepening my relationship with Christ, and prioritizing fitness as a 34-year-old Black woman. I want to take you through my experiences, reflections, and the impact it had on my life in this short month.
For many of us, the holiday season is a time of joy, celebration, and indulgence. However, as the confetti settles and we step into a new year, it's common to feel the need to hit the reset button. As I am navigating the complexities of life, career, and relationships, I found myself drawn to the idea of Dry January as a way to recalibrate, prioritize my well-being, and deepen my relationship with Christ. Dry January and the Instagram fast deepened my appreciation for authentic connections and meaningful relationships.
Embarking on a month-long alcohol-free journey wasn't without its challenges. Experiencing quite a bit of grief during this time definitely had me wanting to pour myself a glass or five, but that is when my relationship with Christ came in handy. I found myself going to him in prayer, journaling, having therapy sessions and leaning on my village during those trying times. I also initially wondered how I would navigate social situations without my go-to conversation companion. However, I quickly learned that this journey was about self-discovery and redefining social connections beyond alcohol. Mocktails were my friends. I even bought some non-alcoholic wine and champagne. I am not a huge fan, but I will try some more brands to find what works for me!
Along with spiritual growth, I tried to prioritize physical wellness by using the heck out of my walking pad. I also purchased a standing desk from Amazon which allowed me to walk while working and I made sure to get those steps in as much as possible. Improved sleep, increased energy, and a clearer complexion were unexpected but welcome outcomes. It reinforced the idea that what we put into our bodies significantly impacts our overall health and vitality. I threw in a 5-day smoothie detox as well the third week of January that had me feeling amazing.
As we step into the rest of the year, I encourage you, my beautiful readers, to consider your own path to well-being. Whether it's through Dry January or something else, may we all find the strength to prioritize our mental, emotional, and physical health. Here's to a year filled with boundless grace, transformative growth, and the enduring light of faith guiding us through the depths of our being- one prayer, one breath, one step at a time.