Restoring Order, Reclaiming Peace and Beauty
Take your time. I can hear Jackie’s voice saying these three words that I repeat to myself often now. Take. Your. Time. Giving myself permission to slow down, to rest, to play, and to nourish and care for my body and soul has been life-changing.
When I began Reform I had been struggling with disordered eating and overexercising for many years, and for the last several years I have also had chronic joint pain and inflammation. Even though I may have looked healthy on the outside, the way I was treating my body was anything but healthy. I was tired, frustrated, and feeling discontent.
I heard about Reform on a podcast and couldn’t wait to begin the program. From the first session, I was drawn in completely. The information shared was simple and universal, yet somehow it felt absolutely personal. When I heard Jackie speak about the importance of proper nutrition and rest, I KNEW she was speaking directly to me. Each meeting brought a feeling of gentle encouragement, and I always left class feeling my worth. I felt worthy to take my time. Worthy enough to care for my body, my mind and my soul.
Finding a new way of moving and caring for my body along with better nourishment and proper rest has made a tremendous impact in the way I feel in my body and the respect I have for it. Realizing that my body is a temple and learning to care for it as a gift has been a profound shift that has affected me to my core. As a mother to three beautiful daughters, this is priceless because I want my girls to understand their identity comes from God and in no way is their worth affected by body shape, size, or appearance. Taking care of my body because it is the home of my soul is the proper perspective. This body was designed specifically for me by the Divine Artist!
Intentionally living in a healthier way, I have been able to decrease my prescription medication and my joints are less stiff and sore. More importantly, I am at peace with myself as I am, right now and I am so grateful to my body for carrying me through life so loyally. There are still habits I am working on and virtues I am cultivating but I am making great progress with the help of some saintly and earthly friends. The fruits of going through the Reform program have been many for me, but I have realized that allowing God to set the pace of my days is essential. Before I begin each day running down my list of things to do, I need to ask Him, the One who created me, what He would like for me to do, what He needs from me. When I do that, everything falls into place. Living at a heavenly pace allows life to happen in the proper order and rhythm, which is where true healing and growth happen.
As a Reformer, I am committed to this journey to the best version of myself, and I intend to reach out and help others who struggle with disordered eating, exercising, and body image issues. But I will be taking my time!
—Amy Martin
Wichita, KS
