"I think I can, I think I can..."

   Do you remember the story of The Little Engine that Could? It was the story of a little blue train that took on a task others refused and completed it successfully.  It's a great story of hard work and positive thinking.  It's amazing how much more you can achieve when you have a positive outlook.  Now, I'm not talking about ignoring concerns and glossing over mistakes; it's important to meet challenges head on and learn from our mistakes.  This is especially true on your weight loss journey.
   During the year and a half it took me to lose my 73 pounds, I didn't lose every week.  Some weeks, even though I lost, I was a little disappointed with small losses.  One thing I did not do was give up.  I would like to say that I chose to stick with it because of some noble purpose.  In reality I was motivated by the scare of another major life illness. (Did the cancer thing; diabetes was knockin' at my door.) I can honestly say that my outlook was more positive than negative, so after a while I was motivated by the thought of good health and enjoying life instead of being afraid of being sick again.
   There are a couple of good articles on Weight Watchers.com that talk about the importance of a positive attitude and encouraging yourself.  Check out "Tools for Living- Positive Self-Talk" and "Nix Negative Self-Talk." The second article provides links to other article that are good, including how to face weight-loss challenges and how to stay motivated.
  I'm inspired by hearing stories about how others have faced challenges and overcome obstacles to be successful.  One young lady that is particularly inspiring to me is Bethany Hamilton.  She survived a shark attack an went on to become a pro surfer. The movie "Soul Surfer" tells her story.  One of her quotes has stuck with me and I have used it myself on several occasions.  Bethany said, "I don't need easy; I just need possible."
  I want to close this post with some words from a very wise man:

You have brains in your head
You have feet in your shoes
You can steer yourself
any direction you choose
You're on your own.  And you know what you know.
And YOU are the guy who'll decide where to go. - Dr. Seuss (Theodore Geisel)