Last week, I set out with a simple intention.
I decided to go meat-free for one week.
That decision quickly evolved into something deeper.
By Monday, I committed to a one-meal-a-day, meat-free fast, eating only at 6:00 p.m. I completed Monday and Tuesday successfully. Hunger was present, but manageable. I felt focused. Clear. Grounded.
Then Wednesday came.
By mid-day, the hunger intensified in a way I hadn’t expected. Instead of pushing through another eating window, I listened inward and made a new decision: Wednesday would be a full water-only fast.
That’s when everything shifted.
By Wednesday night, my senses became incredibly acute. Sounds were louder. Thoughts were sharper. Emotions moved through me more freely. My body was tired, but my mind and spirit were wide awake. Sleep barely came.
Thursday morning arrived, and I knew—deep in my body—that it would be time to break my fast at the 48-hour no-food mark. Still, I held the line until 6:00 p.m.
It wasn’t easy.
But I made it.
At 6:00 p.m., I ate pizza with vegetables and cheese—no meat. The effect was immediate and profound. My body relaxed. My nervous system softened. A wave of calm and bliss washed over me, and for the first time in days, sleep found me.
This morning, I woke up still a little sleepy—but deeply grateful.
Grateful that I had the strength to finish.
Grateful that I honored my body.
Grateful for what the fast revealed.
My Intentions—and the Results
I entered this fast with three intentions:
- To gain mental clarity
- To heighten my spiritual senses
- To cleanse and heal my body
All three occurred.
But the lessons went even deeper.
I learned that I have more discipline than I ever believed.
I learned that I am more grateful than I ever knew.
I learned that even the most basic, simple things in life—like food—should never be taken for granted.
I gained a small glimpse into what it feels like for those who do not have consistent access to food, and that awareness has stayed with me.
I learned that my body is a temple, and what I put into it matters—not just physically, but mentally and spiritually.
What Carried Me Through
During the hardest moments, I leaned on three things.
First, I thought of Jesus in the desert.
Then, I thought of those who do not have the luxury of eating every day.
Then, I returned to God’s Word.
And when it felt hardest of all—when fear, pain, grief, shame, nightmares, and emotional turbulence surfaced—I anchored myself in love.
The love I have in my life.
The love I have for others.
The love that sustains us all.
There were moments during this fast when temptation appeared in many forms. But each time it did, I called upon Jesus—and each time, I was carried through.
The Outcome
This fast was successful in every way that mattered.
My heart has softened.
My body feels renewed.
My spirit is singing.
I’ve learned how certain foods affect my mind, body, and spirit, and I feel better equipped to navigate a healthier, more intentional version of myself moving forward.
This wasn’t just about abstaining from food.
It was about discipline.
Awareness.
Gratitude.
Faith.
And for all of it—
Praise to God.
justkristi82 