As we tuck June away for another year, it’s a reminder that my journey back to good health is 1-year-old.

I picked another rose today.  May it be a reminder to take the time to continue to smell the roses.  And may it remind us that while life passes by, there is balance when we stop from our busy routine.  Inhale. Exhale. Breathe.  And find balance in whatever it is that we do.

I’ve come a long way but I still have a long way to go.  In fact, it’s a lifetime commitment.

Every area of life requires balance, as does this journey to good health.

I haven’t had a lot to say about my journey the last couple of months.  That’s because this has been a real test.  A test to see if I’m really committed to this lifestyle.  Will I stop when the party is over?  Or will I get back up?

We were out-of-town a total of three weeks in the last two months.  We celebrated both of our birthdays.  We took some time-out to dine at our favorite restaurants and ordered exactly what we wanted.  Yes, the best fried onion rings in the world made it to my plate, ice cream from Cold Stone was enjoyed more than I care to admit…It’s been two solid months of celebrations.  Or taking the time to smell the roses, if you will.

There was a major weight gain that took place during this last trip out-of-town.  Up until this trip, I maintained (of course gained and lost) my weight no problem.  Being away from home for 13 days, eating with the rest of the crowd.  And celebrating “big”.  That’s what we did and that’s life.  And it’s ok to allow ourselves these things.  No regret.

I did have a number in my head of what I thought I would gain.  Turns out, I was one pound under my expected gain.

Once we returned home, I lost 1/2 of that gain in the first 4 days.

Since then, I haven’t been practicing my good health guidelines.  While I have not gained, I certainly have not lost.

Today is the day, the day I have had in my mind the last two months.  The day I will get back to the health plan my Registered Dietician laid out for me last year.

I’m ready mentally, emotionally and physically to feel the way I feel when I eat for my health.  It’s time.

As far as the weight loss, it will come.  I know it.  There is no rush and I realize that it can become a bit harder getting the last of it off.  The way I see it, I still have 15 – 20 pounds to go.  While I have weight to lose, I do not have a set date for goal.  I will get there when I get there.

Cheers to good health and the desire to have it more than ever.

Blessings – Debbie