February

About six months ago, I didn't have a gym membership. I only dreamed of getting a personal trainer. I didn't think I'd ever lose the 20 pounds. I didn't understand the purpose of strength training. I chose nights in front of the TV with pints of ice cream over going for a run and eating Greek yogurt. I wasn't concerned with the calories and the poison I was putting into my body. I'd wake up, not like how I felt and want to look better, but allow the same unhealthy habits to take over my day.

I've always been on diets. I've always been obsessed with the scale. I've always wanted immediate gratification.

Now, I'm living a healthier (not perfectly healthy, but healthier) lifestyle. It's not a diet. I don't feel like I'm depriving myself when I choose a handful of berries over a candy bar. I don't hate putting on my running shoes and putting down the remote. I have energy. I feel strong. I feel happy with where I'm headed with my health. I've become more educated about the ingredients in the foods I choose to eat. I'm seeing results.

Why? I had a personal trainer. I invested time and money for a priceless change in myself -- body AND mind. It's changed not only my outlook on health, but on life. It's made me want to make a difference and make other people feel as good as I feel now.

Moving toward a truly healthy lifestyle is a constant journey, and I'm finally taking the ride. I still have some weight I'd like to lose, some muscle I'd like to gain and some changes in my diet I'd like to make -- but I'm getting there. It won't happen overnight and that's okay, because any positive, permanent changes takes time, determination and dedication.

So, that's why I'm starting this blog... to track my journey toward good health and happiness.