Staying healthy

This is not a post about weight loss or even running, even though they are both a constant part of my life. It is about making a mindful effort to take care of yourself each day, no matter how small... do something good for your body!

Recently Chelsea and I began doing the 24 day challenge, something I do to get myself back on track. I have ventured down this road many times, and while I usually don't follow ALL the rules, I do gain control over eating and portion sizes as well as a fresh start to eating healthy, and for me, thats enough. I will post more of my results once 24 day is complete.

This post is also not about standing on a soap box and preaching of the evils of not taking care of your health. Because many of the things that do happen are beyond our control.

It is mostly about my experience after quiting smoking over 11 years ago and making positive choices in my health. I too quit smoking and gained weight, unfortunately those things usually go hand in hand. Once that was undertaken I began an exercise program, which led to my running that became a huge part of my therapy of today.

As you make changes, it transforms you...this transformation which began with just a thought, has taken me to places I never thought I'd go, and built a confidence in me I never knew existed with the added bonus of feeling great! I remember when I smoked, I would smoke not to eat or eat because the smoking upset my stomach, it was a vicious cycle I needed to get away from.

Life is tough no matter what we have to deal with. I quit smoking on January 7, 2003 and inspired my brother Joe to quit smoking. In August of the same year Joe had his aneurysm and we spent three weeks at Metro hospital praying for him to recover from all the other health issues having the aneurysm caused, only for him to die during surgery. After that, I wanted to smoke again... isn't that what we all say, it helps the stress in our lives?  but I didn't, I wouldn't because I had inspired Joe to quit and what an injustice to Joe if I went back to it.

Yesterday we spent our afternoon celebrating Jane's 73rd birthday in a nursing home.  I've known Jane for over 35 years, she has been a mother to me, a friend and a constant positive influence in my life. Her positive attitude, strength and laughter are just a few of the things I admire about her.

Right now we are witnessing her struggles as she fights for her life since her diagnosis just over 2 years ago of lung cancer. It is an emotional heart ache one cannot explain. Since before Christmas Jane has been in and out of the hospital and nursing home, only spending mere days at home before symptoms left her helpless again without medical intervention.

Inspire to make a positive change in your life today...

What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us - Ralph Waldo Emerson