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Becoming, Not Just Arriving: How Small Habits Are Shaping My Mind and Body.

Embracing the Process of Growth with Faith, Consistency, and Resilience.

By Cathy (Christine Acheini) Ben-Ameh.Published 11 months ago 4 min read

Change isn’t about waking up one day and suddenly being transformed. It’s about the daily choices, the small habits, and the quiet moments of discipline that slowly shape who we are becoming. For a long time, I thought of self-improvement as something with a clear destination—a point where I would finally look and feel my best, be fully confident, and have everything figured out. But what I’ve come to realize is that the process itself is just as important as the results.

Right now, I am still in the middle of that journey. I’m making intentional changes to my health, mindset, and daily routines, and while I don’t have all the answers, I know that every step is leading me to a stronger, more resilient version of myself. This is a reflection on the habits I’ve committed to, the struggles I’ve faced, and the growth I’m witnessing—not just physically, but mentally and emotionally as well.

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1. Setting Intentions and Surrendering Them to God

At the start of this journey, I realized I couldn’t rely solely on my own willpower. There were too many moments in the past when I started strong, only to lose motivation and slip back into old patterns. So this time, I approached it differently—I set clear intentions but also surrendered them to God in prayer.

Rather than obsessing over results, I began praying for guidance, consistency, and the strength to keep showing up. I asked for clarity in my goals, wisdom in my decisions, and peace in the process. This mindset shift made all the difference. Instead of feeling pressured to be perfect, I started seeing each small effort as an act of faith—trusting that as long as I stayed committed, God would handle the rest.

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2. Drinking Hot Lemon Water and Prioritizing Wellness

One of the first physical changes I made was starting my mornings with hot lemon water. It seemed like such a small thing, but it became more than just a health habit—it became a ritual of self-care. Taking a moment each morning to nourish my body, hydrate, and start the day intentionally set a positive tone for everything that followed.

This habit reminded me that wellness isn’t just about big transformations; it’s about the little things that add up over time. By making this one simple change, I started craving more healthy shifts—eating more mindfully, moving my body, and making choices that align with how I want to feel.

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3. Reducing Carbs and Becoming More Aware of My Nutrition

I didn’t go on a strict diet, but I became more aware of how food affects my energy, focus, and overall well-being. Cutting back on processed carbs and sugar wasn’t about restriction—it was about learning to listen to my body.

Some days, I still crave comfort foods, and I allow myself to enjoy them without guilt. But I’ve noticed that fueling myself with better foods makes me feel more alive, more focused, and more in control of my choices. It’s a process, and I’m learning as I go, but every good decision I make builds more trust in myself.

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4. Cutting Off Toxic Company and Protecting My Peace

One of the hardest but most necessary changes I’ve made is being intentional about the company I keep. It’s easy to underestimate how much people’s energy, words, and attitudes influence us, but I’ve learned that surrounding myself with negativity drains me mentally and emotionally.

Letting go of toxic relationships wasn’t about anger or resentment—it was about choosing peace, clarity, and a space where I can grow without constant doubt or discouragement. It’s not always easy, but the more I prioritize healthy connections, the more I realize how much my environment shapes my mindset.

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5. Prioritizing Sleep and Creating Structure in My Days

For the longest time, I thought grinding through exhaustion was the only way to be productive. But as I started taking my health seriously, I realized that rest is just as important as effort. I started prioritizing sleep, creating structured days, and allowing myself to recharge without guilt.

Now, my days have a rhythm. I wake up with purpose, follow routines that support my well-being, and go to bed feeling more accomplished, not just busy. Having structure doesn’t make life boring—it gives me a sense of control and stability that keeps me grounded.

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6. Building Mental and Emotional Resilience Through Habits

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that sticking to small habits builds resilience. Inspired by James Clear’s Atomic Habits, I’ve started seeing discipline as something that compounds over time. Each time I drink my lemon water, choose healthier food, stick to my sleep schedule, or say no to toxic influences, I reinforce the belief that I can trust myself to follow through.

I used to think willpower was about pushing through struggle, but now I see it differently—it’s about creating systems that make good choices easier. By setting up habits that align with who I want to become, I don’t have to rely on motivation alone. I’ve built a foundation that carries me even on the tough days.

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7. Staying Hopeful and Embracing the Process

I’m still in the middle of my journey. I haven’t “arrived,” and maybe I never will—because growth isn’t about reaching a final destination. It’s about continuously learning, evolving, and becoming better than I was yesterday.

Some days, progress feels slow. Some days, I slip up. But instead of getting discouraged, I remind myself: every small action matters, and every step is shaping me into the person I’m meant to be.

I am hopeful for better results. I trust that as I stay consistent, as I lean on God for strength, and as I continue building habits that serve me, the transformation will come—not just on the outside, but in my mind, heart, and spirit.

And that, to me, is what truly matters.

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About the Creator

Cathy (Christine Acheini) Ben-Ameh.

https://linktr.ee/cathybenameh

Passionate blogger sharing insights on lifestyle, music and personal growth.

⭐Shortlisted on The Creative Future Writers Awards 2025.

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