Hi Everyone!
This summer has been a very "interesting" time in my life. Early in the spring I had some health issues that prompted me to take a step back and make some big changes in my life. I wanted to improve my overall health, so I made some very serious lifestyle changes. I know that sounds very cliche, but it's very true. I don't want to use the word diet, because diet, in my mind, suggests temporary change in order to acheive a set goal, but rather I've changed what I eat, my attitude toward food, and started exercising. It's been a very interesting journey, with lots of struggles along the way, but I have decided I am worth it and I owe it to myself, and my family, to live the healthiest and happiest life I possibly can.
For quite some time I've been struggling with whether or not to share all of this with you guys, because while it's been a very positive change, it's also been very difficult and not always happy and fun. It's also a very personal issue. After much consideration, I have decided to share this journey, good, bad, or indifferent, with you. If my story can have a positive impact on just one person's life, it will be completely worth it.
Over the coming weeks, I will talk more about where I started, and how far I've come. I'll share with you how I've lost 25 pounds, the day to day changes I've made, recipes, and the adventures I've had over the summer. I'll also share with you an "incentive book" I'm creating to keep myself on track. I never want to go back!! So much to share!!!
For now, I will leave you with this fantastic quote that inspired a card I made for myself. I know, making something for myself! What a concept! I'm planning on putting it in my incentive book.
"Yesterday is the past, tomorrow is the future, but today is a gift. That's why it's called the present." -Bil Keane
(Papers used are from Prima's Almanac collection)
Congratulations! Your right you are worth it…looking forward to your journey.
Good for you sharing all this Melissa, as people learn about your new path, not only will it motivate them, but it will also give you more motivation as well!!! Fabulous Girlie!!! How empowering!!! xoxox
Melissa, You are a brave girl for sharing with us and I appreciate your transparency! Bless you as you seek to get healthier for yourself and your family. I look forward to the recipes you share as I, too, need to make some major eating changes that are permanent and not temporary
well done you, I hope your health issues are now behind you or at least improving. I lost 3 stone and have maintained my target weight now for over a year – I too said I never want to go back to how I was because I am so much happier now. You are right it should be a way of life not a diet, the most important lesson I have learnt is that one ‘blow out’/binge/treat is not the end of the ‘diet’ – before I used to think that I had completely blown it and may as well give up – thats rubbish, you can have the occassional treat just not every day!
Hope you continue in such a positive way – and by the sound of it I am sure you will x
Congratulations and Brava!!!! Glad you are feeling more healthy too.
So proud of you Melissa!!
Ohhh, I so much need to hear how you did it. I am in a rut and can’t climb out by myself. I am really looking forward to some encouragement from what you have to share with us. I am positive it will help many of us. Thank you.