I can blame the stress. I can blame my health, I can blame the world. I choose to accept that I own my problem.

I got tasked with a new challenge… and I have an awesome boss who preaches work life balance (and actually walks her talk.). She reminds me daily not to burn out… and yet I don’t listen and work 12+ hours a day.

I have an awesome husband, who reminds me to be present and part of the family. Who is ready and willing to be helpful… and yet I try to do it all.

I have family and friends who invite me to do things with them… get outside, get fresh air… and I “can’t” because I am working.

I have a wonderful coach, who checks on me when I go radio silent, and encourages me to make healthy choices…

My support system is firmly in place… my head knows what to do… my body is screaming at me to listen…

Like any addict… the struggle between what we SHOULD do… and what we ACTUALLY do consumes our lives. And it takes wake up calls to make a change. The challenge is staying motivated and pushing through what is best for us, versus what is comfortable for us…

Following Ideal Protein isn’t hard… it’s uncomfortable. Yes it’s a strict diet, yes it’s pre-packaged stuff.. but others have paved the way to make it delicious. Is there an effort… yes… does it take planning… yes. Is that hard? No… but it isn’t easy.

The bigger challenge is facing all the reasons you didn’t make your health a priority. Finding something inside you worth the fight.. and the making that a lifetime commitment. Damn, growing up sucks!

Today is a new start. And the only way to start is to take a step… listen and activate support systems… breathe… dig deep… and make a plan. SMART goal time.

I will lose a minimum of 10 pounds between today and July 22, and I will do so following strict protocol, including weekly visits to my coach, and I will not hide from the scale.

Today I make my health my priority.