Why?

    

  Why?  Why do you want to lose weight? Why is it important to you to stay healthy?  What's your motivation?
   For me, it was my health.  I didn't see my weight as a problem.  I mean, I had great friends, a great job, and I was happy with my life.  I had cancer, but with my faith, friends, and family, I made it through just fine.  It wasn't until after my chemotherapy treatments and a visit to my doctor that I realized I had a problem.  My doctor informed me my blood sugar was going crazy and I was headed for diabetes. I asked her what I needed to do (besides pray really hard) in order to avoid another major life illness; one was enough for me!  She said I needed to lose a lot of weight; I joined Weight Watchers and did.  My blood sugar is normal and I've been able to reduce my blood pressure medication.  My health was my primary motivation to get to a healthy weight and maintain it.
   Now, however, I have a few more things that motivate me to stay healthy.  Two of those things are my nephews.  Both are very supportive and help me stay accountable as I shop and eat out.  The comments they make now and again keep me wanting to stay healthy.  The youngest noticed he can wrap his arms all the way around me and touch his elbows; he used to only be able to touch his finger tips when he hugged me.  The oldest made the comment when we were playing football, "Hey, now you can catch us!"  Going upstairs he said, "Wow, you're not even breathing heavy!"  I intend to be around for a long time...I want to be a part of their lives so I want to stay healthy.
   Think about a time when you were super motivated to do something...lose weight, clean house, save money for a treat, etc.  Are there specific quotes, or things people in your life have said that gave you that boost to keep going?  Don't you wish you could bottle that feeling so you could use it when you experience a set back or get down because you didn't get the results you'd hoped for?
   Here's a suggestion:  Set up a Motivation Journal.  Get a blank book and use it to record those great sayings you come across.  Write down those compliments that put a smile on your face.  When you're having a good day, write about it and tell what made it so good and how you feel.  Go back and visit the journal on those days that make it hard to stay motivated.  Include in your journal a list of a few people you can email, text, or call that you know will be encouraging.  Remember, everyday is not going to be perfect, but everyday always provides opportunities for growth and change.

Every change in human attitude must come through internal understanding and acceptance.  Man is the only known creature who can reshape and remold himself by altering his attitude. ~John C. Maxwell