I Am What I Believe

Philosopher and Queen Oprah Winfrey once said, “Create the highest, grandest vision possible for your life because you become what you believe.” 

Just let that sink in for a moment.

Sidenote: Oprah always has a way of putting me in my feels and making me contemplate every decision I’ve ever made! 

Let’s be honest, this isn’t always easy. Sometimes it’s hard to see yourself out of a situation or to know the next step to take when you’ve been accustomed to a way of living or thinking.

I thought about this a lot, and it made me think about my never-ending health journey. I reached my heaviest weight during my senior year of college (2016-2017). Demanding course loads along with Cookout and half-priced appetizers are partly to blame. 

The worst thing about that time is that I was so comfortable where I was that I didn’t notice anything wrong even though my “shrinking” clothes thought differently. I remember looking at myself on my church’s live stream a few months after graduating and not recognizing the person I saw. 

I thought to myself, “Who is this? Caleb, is this really you?” 

At the beginning of this year, I saw my mom take control of her health and I decided to do the same. Seeing her determination challenged me to see myself healthier and stronger.

Although I’m not where I want to be, I’m definitely not where I started and my perspective has completely changed. 

There are two things I want you to take away from this that have guided me along this journey. 

First, look to others who are in the position you want to be. Whether it’s your health, career or finances, identify people who have been where you are or are growing through a similar situation. This shouldn’t be you comparing yourself to the person but looking to them as a reminder that you can do it to.

Secondly, take it one day at a time, one hour at a time, one second at a time … This journey hasn’t been easy but taking it day by day has been key. I’ve had several cheat days (keyword: several), but I make the decision to start again the next day.

Before, I would have let one bad meal ruin my week. I would say, “I guess I’ll start fresh next week.” Next week always turned into the following week and months afterwards. 

I wouldn’t be where I am without believing I could be healthier and working towards it. I’m challenging myself to apply this in other areas of my life, and I want to challenge you to do the same.

Let’s take this journey one step at a time as we become the “highest, grandest vision” of ourselves.