So much of it is emotional, impossible to put into words.  I never identified with the Before and After stories I read in magazines.  Probably because deep down I really believed I could not do it.  These women were all stronger and better than me.  It was somehow easier for them.  No one can convince you differently if you feel that way.  Maybe you think you aren’t ready.  That, like me, you are waiting for some significant event as a catalyst, a sign that now is the magic moment when you’ll know without a doubt that it is time to change your life. Get over it, drama queen.  The significant event is that someone went in your closet and “shrunk” all your clothes!  The catalyst is the choices you are making that relate to your weight even if you say they don’t.  The lost opportunities, the moments in this short life you won’t get back.  What I mean is, you really could afford the plane tickets, but you didn’t go on the trip, to the reunion, to the event, etc because of how you look.  How much longer are you going to imprison yourself in this way? Looking back, I think I was ready long before I made that first appointment.  Why didn’t I go sooner?  So many reasons that all seem so trivial now that I know what an amazing program this is.  You probably have some of the same ones.

Change, even when needed and wanted, is scary.  You’re used to eating a certain way, drive thru’s and junk foods are cheap, fast and taste good.  It tastes so good while you are shoveling it in and then how does it feel?  Does it love you back?  You know what it is doing to your body on the outside – what is it doing to the inside? Is it giving your body the nutrients it needs to fuel your life?  Is it giving you the energy you need to keep up with your kids, let alone keep you healthy so you can stay around to raise them?  Is it facilitating a happy romantic relationship?  When you are happy (no, I mean really deep down happy) with how you look, you feel great – and that feeling radiates to those around you, especially your loved ones.  Don’t they deserve the best of you?  Still need another reason not to start the program?  How about price?  That was a biggie for me.

Allow me to share how I got over it.  And keep in mind; my husband had been supporting our family of five on his income alone for almost a year after my abrupt job end.  How dare I be so selfish as to spend money on myself and put “some diet” on my credit card? (That’s not my husband talking – that’s me.)  Can you relate to these feelings – even if you are contributing financially to your household?  Why do we put everyone else’s emotional and physical needs in front of our own?  Why are we not comfortable taking care of ourselves?   Do we enjoy these unnecessary feelings of guilt?  Why can’t we realize that we are not being selfish by nurturing our bodies and souls?  The healthier, happier, and more fit we are, the better equipped we are to help and nurture the ones we love.  Putting yourself in last place is what got your body in the condition it’s in today.  Taking off all your excess weight, getting healthy, feeling energized and full of vitality – you just can’t put a price tag on that.  And if you did, it would cost a lot less than this diet plan.  The fact is, on this plan, your weight is going to decrease so rapidly, that the total cost is minimal. I’m a serious budget girl, and I’m telling you, it’s really not that much.  However, what you will be gaining – emotionally and physically - is immeasurable.  You do the math.

There is an ancient adage that says, “The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”  So simple, yet so profound.  As I know YOUR journey will be.