Dunamis: The Power to Change
Choosing discipline today so you don’t live with regret tomorrow.
I finished my last email with the thought that when it comes to healthy habits, we must choose between the pain of discipline or the pain of regret.
If I’m being completely honest with you, I have more regrets than I care to admit.
One of the biggest was allowing myself to become morbidly obese for several years. As a doctor who talks about health and wellness every day, it felt incredibly hypocritical.
“How can I lead someone toward health if my own is completely out of control?”
As the number on the scale crept closer and closer to 400 pounds, I felt like my health was spiraling—and with it, many of my hopes and dreams. It seemed like everything I valued was slowly slipping away.
But I want to come back to something I mentioned last week: ability, or dunamis. The word refers to power, strength, and the capacity to change.
Each of us has that power.
My hope is that my 150-pound weight loss isn’t just an interesting story, but that it might give a little dunamis to someone else who needs the courage to start making a change.
Last week I also told you how badly I botched Valentine’s Day. Thankfully, I managed to redeem myself a week later on our anniversary.
During our lunch date, I asked Ellen two questions. They were meant to help me learn more about her, but they turned into a powerful conversation. I’d be curious how you might answer them as well.
1. What would you attempt to do if you knew you could not fail?
Interestingly, Ellen and I had very similar answers. Both of us talked about the vision for our office expansion and the development of the Massage Academy.
(Shameless plug: the building should be finished soon, and we’d love to see you at the grand opening.)
Our vision is simple—help people become healthier versions of themselves so they can be more productive at work and more present at home.
2. What is worth doing even if you fail?
This question moves from achievement to the heart.
With tears in her eyes, Ellen answered simply:
“I want to try to be the best mom I can for our boys. Even if I fail sometimes, being their mother is worth it.”
My answer was this: continuing to fight for my health so I can be there for my family.
Maybe those questions are worth sitting with for a moment.
Your friend,
Dr. Mosier
P.S. I’d love to hear your answers to those questions—or any prayer requests you might have.
