As you may know, Kirby and I changed our eating plan five years ago because of health issues we were experiencing. Our switch to a plant-based diet has resulted in so many benefits.

Courtesy 123RF/Judit Katai

I have totally enjoyed this new plan of eating and am never unsatisfied with any meals, nor do I have any issues eating out at a restaurant.

And yet, over the past five years, I have wrestled with some basic health issues that required several prescription medications. My cholesterol was too high; I still had pain from osteoarthritis in my thumbs; and, I continued to struggle with recurring respiratory infections every winter which necessitated four more prescriptions to alleviate the severe symptoms each time.

I knew God created our bodies to be self-healing. My healthier eating had given me tremendous benefits yet I still wasn’t experiencing the relief I desired in these other areas.

Fed Up

I’d had it. I prayed for answers to get beyond where I’d been for so long.

One day a friend suggested that I use an essential oil to support my immune system. A daily drop. It sounded too simple. Would it make any difference in how I felt every winter?

It did. A solitary daily drop was able to strengthen my body so effectively that I’ve enjoyed the past two winters with no respiratory infections.

I then began to attack the other physical issues that were causing me angst in my life. One by one, the answers were coming and the medications were being eliminated. I was able to do the things that I’d had trouble doing for years. A good life was becoming wonderfully better.

Don’t Settle For Less

What is stopping you from enjoying life to its fullest? Are there physical issues that, if you addressed, would make a significant change in your lifestyle? Socially, are you connecting with others for mutual encouragement? Emotionally, do you have the support you need? Spiritually, are you part of good church that has Bible-based teaching and challenges you in every area of your life?

Taking stock of your life and what is holding you back is something that is beneficial almost any time of the year. Too often we settle for what has been instead of confronting the areas that should be addressed. Yet when we stretch ourselves and address those areas that may be holding us in an unhealthy place, we move forward with more freedom, more confidence, and a knowing that we are becoming the person God intended us to become.

Question: What breakthrough have you experienced recently as a result of stretching for something better? Share your answer at https://kirbyandersen.com/2016/03/a-healthier-life-starts-with-a-desire-for-better/.