Howdy Y’all!
Lately I’ve been reflecting on the transformative journey I’ve embarked on (along with my lovely bride Courtney) over the past two years. As we’ve been striving to rebuild (or build) a healthy lifestyle, we’ve intentionally focused on our physical, mental, and spiritual well being. In the dynamic journey toward holistic wellness, Courtney and I have embarked on a transformative odyssey over the past two years, delving into the intricate realms of physical, mental, and spiritual wellbeing. From embracing mindful movement routines to nurturing resilient mental fortitude and exploring profound spiritual connections, our pursuit of a balanced lifestyle has unearthed invaluable insights. Join us as we unravel the profound lessons and discoveries that have sculpted our path toward optimal health and vitality, paving the way for a harmonious union of body, mind, and soul.
Here are some of the main takeaways (things this journey has taught me so far) as they relate to my personal physical health, mental health, and spiritual health. Now…mind you, there are many takeaways, but following highlights are the ones that stand out most.
Physical Health:
Let’s kick things off with a truth bomb: obesity isn’t a disease—it’s a choice. This realization was a game-changer for me. Understanding that my lifestyle choices directly impact my weight and health empowered me to take control of my journey.
I had to stop tapping into my typical excuses like: my genetics make me fat; I just don’t have time to workout; and my personal favorite… “Healthy food” isn’t as good as packaged processed food! SPOILER ALERT: There ain’t no junk food that tastes as good as being healthy feels! Which brings me to my next point…
Nutrition. What we put into our bodies matters more than we often realize. Over the past two years, I’ve discovered the incredible power of nourishing, whole foods. By prioritizing nutrient-dense meals and ditching the processed junk, I’ve seen remarkable improvements in my overall health and wellbeing.
If you’ve been following our journey, you know the impact roadside produce stands and farmers markets have had on our lives. The best foods come straight from the farmer and rancher to you! No added pesticides, hormones, and preservatives. PLUS…as a bonus, when we shop at farmers markets and roadside produce stands, we’re helping local mom and pops put food on their table!
Working out is crucial! Another important part of being healthy physically, is putting in the work as it relates to exercise! You see, being healthy isn’t just about eating right… It’s also about how (and how much) you move. Regular exercise has become a cornerstone of our lifestyle, and the benefits have been nothing short of life-changing. Not only have I personally shed over 200 pounds, I’ve also bid farewell to my blood pressure meds, cholesterol meds, and diabetes meds. Talk about a triple win!
Courtney and I were adding up our “mileage” the other day, and our rough estimate has me logging in just over 3,000 miles and her just over 18,00 miles since we began our healthy journey 2 years and 1 month ago. It’s safe to say we realize the importance of exercise…and it shows. This year we’ve started adding in weights and strength training as well as pilates and stretching (well…Courtney has added pilates and stretching…me…not so much…YET).
When it comes to our physical health, embracing a healthy lifestyle isn’t just about one thing—it’s about making holistic changes that support your body and mind. It’s about prioritizing nourishment, movement, and self-care every single day. When you start your healthy journey…you gotta make physical well being a priority!
Mental Health:
Embarking on a journey towards a healthier lifestyle involves more than just physical changes; it encompasses mental and emotional well-being too. Over the past two years, our journey has not only taught us the significance of maintaining physical health but also highlighted the crucial role of mental health in this process. I think the greatest gift I’ve received from Andy Fisella’s “75 Hard” and “Live Hard Program” is my newfound love for knowledge. Knowledge acquisition that is found outside the traditional resource avenues like the evening news and social media. I’ve read more books in the past 2 years than I’ve read in the previous 51 years. History books, self-help books, biographies…you name it. All the non-fiction I can consume. Which meant stepping up and rising above a “slight” dyslexia problem.
One of the most profound lessons we’ve learned is that the information we consume profoundly influences our thoughts and actions. In today’s digital age, where information is abundant and easily accessible, it’s essential to be discerning about what we allow into our minds. Whether it’s through social media, news outlets, or personal interactions, the content we engage with molds our perceptions of the world and ourselves. We must be strategic in what information we allow in…and what information we fend off.
By being mindful of the quality and source of information we expose ourselves to, we can safeguard our mental well-being. Choosing to consume positive, uplifting content can inspire us to make healthier choices and foster a more optimistic outlook on life. Conversely, inundating ourselves with negativity and fear-inducing narratives can fuel stress, anxiety, and even impact our physical health negatively.
Another significant realization on our journey has been acknowledging the intentional manipulation of information by various entities. We constantly refer to these entities as “Them” and/or “They”. These are the people and organizations around the world who oppose faith, unity, and pride in country. These entities come in all shapes and sizes. Whether we acknowledge “them” as an international organization, government agencies, a political party, an individual, or Satan himself (let’s be real…at the end of the day, Satan is responsible for all the confusion that is being hurled at us daily) there’s a growing awareness of deliberate efforts to control and divide populations.
This realization isn’t about succumbing to paranoia but rather about critically evaluating the narratives presented to us. It’s about recognizing that agendas exist, and there are entities that have vested interests in shaping our beliefs and behaviors. Having the mental wherewithal allows us to become more discerning consumers of information, empowering us to question mainstream narratives and seek alternative perspectives. In other words…freethinkers.
Our journey towards a healthier lifestyle has been as much about nurturing our mental well-being as it has been about physical transformation. Honestly, I’ve been amazed at the mental transformation we’ve gone through over these past 2 years more so than the physical transformation. Through introspection and experience, we’ve come to appreciate the profound impact of the information we expose ourselves to and the intentional influences that shape our worldview.
“They” need us to be unhealthy, broke, and uneducated. Why? Because “they” have a strong desire for us to be reliant on them. They want us to turn to them for “help” with our finances, our health, and as our goto resource for information (which they control). How do we beat “them”…we prioritize mental health and adopt a critical mindset towards the information we consume. By doing so, we can navigate our life’s journey with clarity and resilience. Ultimately, it’s about empowering ourselves to make informed choices that align with our values and contribute to our overall well-being.
Y’ALL…Mitch has become a radical conspiracy theorist! If that’s your opinion you’re entitled to it. BUT…IF YOU’RE WONDERING WHY I have this sudden interest in the mental state of society…it’s because as teachers, we’re witnessing what I call “The Chaos Design” playing out in real time in the classroom. There is an obvious intentional plan to cause as much chaos in our children as possible. Mental disorders are being left untreated…intentionally. Respect for country and authority is slowly being dissolved…intentionally. And “meritocracy” is being replaced by a push for mediocrity (which totally erodes the educational system) at an alarming rate… intentionally.
The only way to defeat this attack on our mental state is to strike back with knowledge. As the old saying goes, “Knowledge is power!”
Spiritual Health:
As I reflect on the past two years of the spiritual aspect of our health and wellbeing journey, I’m struck by the awesome lessons God has taught me. It’s been an educational period filled with self-discovery, growth, and a deepening connection with the divine. Here are a few insights that have shaped my understanding of true spiritual health.
In a world filled with uncertainty and chaos, embracing the truth that God is ultimately in control has been a source of immense comfort and liberation for me. It’s a reminder that I don’t have to carry the weight of the world on my shoulders. Instead, I can surrender my worries and fears to a loving Heavenly Father who knows what’s best for me. This surrender isn’t about giving up. On the contrary. It acknowledges that God’s plan is at work and is beyond my comprehension.
The extent of my potential doesn’t end once I do all I can do… it extends into what God can do through me. Discovering the limitless nature of my potential has been a game-changer in my spiritual journey. It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that my abilities and efforts are finite, but recognizing that God can work through me opens up a world of possibilities. By aligning my will with divine purpose, I’ve witnessed miracles unfold and seen my capacity for impact expand beyond what I ever imagined possible.
Once we define our purpose AND how it aligns with God’s purpose… we will know what TRULY matters and what doesn’t. We will begin to understand our boundaries and know what actions we should do and shouldn’t do. What we should say “Yes” to and what we need to say “No” to.
Clarifying my purpose and understanding God’s purpose for me has been instrumental in establishing clear boundaries and priorities in my life. When we have a deep sense of purpose, it becomes easier to discern what truly matters and what distractions we can let go of. This clarity empowers us to make decisions aligned with our values and goals, saying yes to opportunities that align with our divine calling and gracefully declining those that don’t serve our higher purpose.
My spiritual health and wellbeing journey over the past two years has been marked by profound revelations and growth. By embracing the truth of divine control, recognizing my unlimited potential, and clarifying my purpose and boundaries, I’ve found greater peace, joy, and fulfillment. I pray that God blesses you abundantly as you journey down your own path of spiritual health and that your relationship with Him grows beyond what you can possibly fathom.
Bottom Line Y’all…
As we continue on our wellness journey, Courtney and I are grateful for the profound transformations and newfound wisdom that have been introduced into our lives over the past two years. By prioritizing physical, mental, and spiritual wellbeing, we’ve unlocked a treasure trove of resilience, self-awareness, and fulfillment. As we look to the future, we’re excited to continue nurturing these pillars of overall health, knowing that each step forward brings us closer to a life of vitality, purpose, and an authentic, stronger relationship with God. My hope is that our life inspires others to embark on their own paths toward self mastery, armed with the knowledge that true transformation begins from within.
Mitch Fairchild 
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