New Beginnings

You know the saying that "life is a journey, not a destination?" Well, the same can be said for health. It's all about the journey, the lifestyle changes, the commitment to enjoying the good things; it's not about making drastic changes just so you can look good for the next event (you know the crazy thought to stop eating altogether until you are your dream size has fleeting crossed your mind in a brief moment of desperation).

I can't tell you how many times I've thought that I was commited to turning my health around because of an upcoming hot date, wedding, class reunion, job interview... you name it. The problem always is, the date of the event would come and go and I'd either hit my goal (or wouldn't) and I'd go right back to my old habits. Someone once said that the definition of insanity is doing what you've always done expecting different results. Well, I'm pretty sure I'm not a crazy person, so I guess it's time to change what I do so that I can get the results I want.

Let me tell you about my defining moment...

Christmas was fast approaching and I was in charge of the company Christmas social. The social was a huge success and seeing as how much I love a good party, I was thrilled that everyone had a great time and I was feeling pretty darn good about the outcome (okay, there was a little pride involved). I had finished cleaning up and was heading down the stairs with a group of employees that had stayed behind to help and we were laughing and talking about our holiday plans. We were about halfway down the stairs when I glanced up into the mirror lined wall opposite the stairs and had to take a closer look because I didn't recognize one of the people coming down the stairs.

That woman was ME! And she didn't look anything like how I pictured myself. All the happiness that I had felt only moments before was instantly gone as the realization sunk in. Now, like you, I see my reflection in the mirror every day, but when I saw myself in relation to those around me, I was forced to see my true reality. And let me tell you, I didn't like it.

Way back in my college days I majored in Community Health Education so knowing what to do has never been the problem, but actually living it is. I joke around with my mother that I'm much better at helping other people do things and organize things than I am at doing it myself. Those that can't do, teach, right?! :) I have had many defining moments during the past few months, not only in relation to myself, but my family also, that has made me realize that if I want to have the type of life (and body image) that I envision, then I have some changes to make.

The purpose of this blog is to share my journey and the journey of my family. Perhaps you can relate to myself, my husband, or my whole family. Maybe some of the changes we have made and are making will be the same changes you need to make. Or maybe they will just inspire you to find your own path to health; after all, if you're doing the right things.... Health Happens!