4 months

It goes by in a flash, but seems like an eternity at the same time. 4 months of healthy living. What do I have to show for it? I'm not really sure. It' s not a straight path to the finish line, that's for sure; and who wants to race to the finish line anyways? It's trial and error, and becoming aware of choices that affect how you feel and function as a human being.

It's about becoming wiser and more intuitive. It's about increasing self discipline and foregoing instant gratification. It's about patience and perseverance and not stepping on the scale every day.

Here's what I've learned:

1. Even doing little things inconsistently is better than doing nothing at all.
2. Slowly, you adjust and even the little things become habits for living.
3. Drinking 8 glasses of water a day, although maybe an old wives' tale (alright, so I am an old wife!) seems to work, for a lot of reasons
4. The difference between soreness and pain is subtle...
5. You can take more than you think you can, so working with someone who can push you is crucial
6. Sometimes it's hard to know when to stop pushing through pain, so see number 5.
7. Never give up, because it's never too late to improve your well being.
8. Do not waste time brooding over the past....because it is gone and you cannot get it back.

So, even though I just had a slice of cold pizza for breakfast, my body is telling me that probably was not a good choice, and I will remember that the next time I get the impulsive urge to eat something that has been sitting in the refrigerator for 3 days.

But I will drink my water and take my vitamins and do my crunches and push ups and stretches and arm exercises and not look back. 4 months will turn into 5, then 6, then a year. There is no finish line, really. Life is a journey, just like the cliche...slow and steady wins the race. That's a hard one for me...I am learning to be slow and steady instead of fast and furious. Good things come to those who wait...I'm sure, but better things come to those who can grow and change and continue to learn.