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Introduction Text 07/18/20: Update I'm starting my journey ... again. I lost 40 lbs last year and over the last 9 months or so, I've gained 30 lbs back. I have had so many wonderful things happening in my life and gaining back my lost weight wasn't part of the plan. After I lost my job and filed for divorce, I just started falling back into my old habits. Now I'm married to my best friend and the love of my life and I started my own business. Life has been crazy busy and I let my healthy eating and exercise go to the wayside. It's time to get back on track and lose all this extra weight. I'm starting with 10 lbs at a time, ultimately to lose 60 lbs total. The difference this time is that my husband and daughter are going to do it with me. There's nothing like losing weight as a family to encourage you. On a side note, my daughter doesn't need to lose weight, but she does want to start an exercise regimen for when she goes to college in a few years. 10/30/19: Update OMG ... So much has happened in the last six months. I'm not sure where to begin. It was a pretty uneventful Spring. I turned 45 in August. I'm looking and feeling better than I have in years. I've filed for divorce after almost 10 years of marriage. I tried so hard to save my marriage. After I made the decision, my pastor told me that a relationship doesn't last when only one person is working for it. I wasn't looking for a new relationship, but a few months later God brought the most wonderful man into my life. Actually, he had been in my life for over 2 years, but I was married focused on trying to save my marriage. I lost my job in September. This was the third job I'd lost in less than three years after working for the same company for 11 years. I decided I was tired of working for crazy people, so I'm starting my own business. It's a lot of work, but it will be so worth it. I'm also trying to stay focused on eating healthy and exercising which is difficult some days. I have been so busy with my business and volunteering that if I don't start my day at 5:00 am, I can't get in my exercise. It has been tough some days and some days I have had to miss, but I'm trying to stay on track for the most part. 03/26/19: Update The Spring 5% Challenge begins in less than two weeks. My team commitment is: To eat a healthy diet and exercise Cardio Workout: 30 minutes Cardio Walk: 20 - 60 minutes Strength Training: 3-5 days per week This will be the fourth 5% challenge I have joined. I plan for much success on this challenge. 01/01/2019 Happy New Year SparkFamily! I don't think I have made a proper introduction. I don't like to be negative, which is why I think I have never made a proper introduction. I read so many stories and other intros on SparkPeople where others are pouring out their heart and soul. I felt it was time to share my story. I am married to my wonderful husband for 9 years. We have four children and 1 grandchild. I will be turning 45 this year, and realize now more than ever how much I need to eat healthier and exercise, not only for myself, but to be able to be there for my family. I have been a part of SparkPeople since 2008. In 2006, I was pre-diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. My neurologist put me through a battery of tests for the next year and I was officially diagnosed in August 2007. I knew I had to make positive life changes if I wasn't going to let this disease beat me. At my annual visit with my neurologist, my doctor told me I am doing well, although my legs are weak which won't change. He also said that by eating healthier and exercising, it will increase my chances of not being disabled in the future. I left SparkPeople for a few years in 2012 when my husband was sent to prison for a crime he was innocent of. I was left to raise our then 7 year old daughter by myself. Although my husband is still in prison, I realize I am not able to be there for him if I cannot be there for myself. I decided to return to school in 2013 to complete my bachelors degree. I graduated in 2015 at 220 pounds, weighing more than I have since I had my first daughter in 1995. I have been very sedentary both at my job and at home. I came back to SparkPeople in 2016 to have the love and support of my SparkFamily. I have been trying to lose weight off and on, but frequently get discouraged because I will lose a few pounds, then I will gain them back, sometimes more. Today marks the beginning of a new year and a new me. I know this is so cliche, but I need to do this. I need to change not only my health and nutrition, but my outlook on life. I have a wonderful family and supportive friends. I do not have any reason to continue my pattern of unhealthy eating. In fact, I have every reason to want to be healthy. My youngest daughter is now 13 and I need to stay active to be able to keep up with her. She is a little firecracker. I wish I had half of the energy she does. Although she is not involved in sports, she loves to dance and sing. She joined our church's choir last year and has really bloomed in spite of her circumstances. I have taken the last few months to get organized and prioritize my nutrition, exercise, and self-care. These are three things are at the top of my list every week. I have spent too much time making excuses for not having time for myself and the things I want to do. Today is the beginning of 2019. May this year be your best year ever. Good luck to my SparkFamily for a goal crushing year. May God bless you and keep you and your family in all that you do.

(1) I want to get more organized to be able to fit making healthy meals and exercise in to my day. (2) I want to begin making weekly menus and shopping lists. I will only buy the items on my list. (3) I want to start an exercise program.

I have set small attainable goals to begin my journey to healthy living.





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