Today's lesson is about--time out!

Being healthy is not a low number on the scale in the morning. That is a result of (hopefully) being healthy in the body, mind and spirit.  If one, two or all three are out of balance, there's trouble.

This week, I've had to unexpectedly deal with all sorts of  imbalance, my own and others.  It's been coming at me from all directions. And it's been tough. It's tough because the daily management of deadlines at work and schedules for the family suddenly go from being a well-laid out plan to being items of which I have to prioritize and choose which ones get accomplished and which don't.  Add a killer migraine, achy body and  very sore throat and compounded by the weight the imbalances bring and, man, I have one heck of a country song on my hands.

We've all been there.  Especially if we're parents. As moms and dads, we strive to maintain balance and harmony in our families to keep them physically, emotionally and spiritually healthy.  When that balance is off, we feel like the weight of the world is on our shoulders.  We put forth super-human effort to fix what's broken and restore balance. And it's tough.

One of the hardest things to do during stressful times is to take care of yourself.  Do something that makes you happy and brings a physical, emotional and/or spiritual respite, however brief, from the battle. Take a break from the stress and make some "You" time. In this article about the importance of having quality time, the author validates that "Taking time off for yourself allows you to renew and rejuvenate. You will emerge with more vigor and energy to face every day’s chaos."  For me, my "me time" this week is daily trips to Dunkin Donuts for their Sausage Wake Up Wrap and a small coffee.  The wrap is only 290 calories and it makes me feel like I'm starting out the day doing something special for myself.  I'm also taking a couple of days off of work, even though there is a project on my desk waiting to be finished. And that's okay.

And I've been praying. A lot.

Do for you so you can do for others. Restore your own well-being so you can be the help others need to restore theirs.  It's important to make time for *you*. 

Seriously?

I am totally in love with my husband and am grateful for everything that he does for me.  But seriously!  How am I supposed to lose weight when he makes a huge batch of oatmeal raisin walnut chocolate/peanut butter chip pieces of heaven?!

I guess the oatmeal and raisins are healthy, right?

Decision Day (and this time, I mean it!)

I officially have gained the "freshman 30".  Except that I'm not in college :(.  In my first year back to work full-time, I have put on that much weight. Ugh. 

So, today's the day. I have made the decision to never see that number on the scale again.  No, that doesn't mean that I'm going to close my eyes when I weigh myself.  It means that I'm changing my ways. And I mean it this time.

I've struggled with my weight all of my adult life. Sometimes, I've fought really hard. Sometimes, I've given up. But, I'm inspired by some of my friends and acquaintances who have lost a serious amount of weight. I know that I'm not like them and that I have challenges unique to me in losing weight.  I *know* I need support, guidance, and advice. I welcome it all.

My goal is not a number on the scale.  It's a feeling.  It's a vision. I'll get there when I get there, but I have made the decision to work at it every day. No matter what.

Today's the day.