Let me start by saying that 2014 was full to the brim. Some of the highlights of the past year include:
Work... I worked a ton, became a great-grandmother for the first time, traveled more than ever before, we got water at our cabin (big milestone), bought a pontoon, increased our vacation ownership/membership (ensuring many more awesome vacations), spent my birthday in Cabo and came home with an awesome present on my ears, and my husband got two new knees (Feb. & Dec.).
2014 was full of F.A.M.I.L.Y. Holidays, reunions, vacations, and the rest of the things we take for granted. Our life as we knew it changed in April when my mother-in-law died after a few years of declining health caused by congestive heart failure and her struggle to stay alive. She was an amazing women and is missed terribly by our family and many friends. After her death, we did our best to create our new "normal", which has introduced more sadness as we watch my father-in-law's health decline. He's not able to live alone and is not able to drive anymore. Dealing with aging parents is bitter-sweet; we are so lucky to have them, but it's so difficult to watch them suffer and lose their will to live.
My MIL lived a pretty full life until she was 80 years old. Living to age 80 is great, but me personally, I plan to live past life expectancy which today is 86.6 for women my age. In fact, I plan to live at least 25 more years, which has been my plan for a few years now! 25 more years, just 25 more years!
Midway through 2014, I decided LIFE had to change. I have spent years of my life hoping it would change. Now it was time to change it so I could live 25 more years!
Then I got an 'aha moment' from Joyce Meyer:
Life itself doesn't change; in fact, it has the potential to get worse.
WHAT! If life doesn't change, that means I have to change ME!
I'll spare you with the history of all my attempts to improve my life by losing weight so I'd feel better so I could do more. None of them worked. So, let me tell you what did work.
I met and partnered with a Health Coach who introduced me to Take Share for Life. TSFL is a program for healthy living that begins with changes in your eating and ends with habits of health - healthy eating, healthy activity, and healthy sleep. It is more than a weight-loss plan. It is not a short-term solution. I had to face that my habits are not so healthy. For years I confused not being sick with being healthy. There's a big difference.
My health coach is my personal guide on this journey. She is my friend and she holds me accountable. By following the TSFL program and participating in challenges, I am happy to say that I have lost 25 pounds! And, kept if off through Thanksgiving, two weeks in Cabo, and Christmas!
Now it's 2015. A new year. But, I'm not resolving to start something new. I resolve to stay on the path to Optimal Health by following the Habits of Health system by Dr. Wayne S. Anderson, Medical Director and Co-founder of TSFL.
Also, I have decided to become a Health Coach myself. I want to share my success story and enthusiasm by helping others, which will also help me stay accountable. By this time next year I will be at my goal weight, much healthier and happier.
Here's to 2015! Wishing you all a very happy, healthy and prosperous new year!
