COUNTDOWN TO DAY 1

I knew it was time to do something about my body when I was listening too intently to a client who had gone for a gastric bypass consultation. I talked to my friend and colleague, who can hide behind a Bic pen, and she told me that all I needed was to work out. I thought about that for about 15 minutes, and then called for information about the employee fitness center at Baptist Medical Center. I didn’t have my car that day (my husband and I carpool to work), so I could not go sign up. Another day of reprieve! I could use this time to think of all the excuses I needed not to go. Honestly, there weren’t any. I talked to my husband, Dave, who was completely supportive as long a he did not have to go even though it was cheap for an employee’s spouse. So, the next day, I took my husband to work and went to the fitness center to get signed up.

The trainer with whom I had talked had waited to meet me, but I was running late. And this wasn’t an official I-have-a-good-excuse late. It was a dawdling, procrastinating wait. But I went. I completed the paperwork, including the one to have the fee payroll deducted, and thought to myself, “Step One completed.”

I called two of my dearest friends, both of whom are pixie elf-type women, and told them of my plan. My best friend was relieved. I never realized just how concerned about my health she was. I told my mom, the travel agent for guilt trips; because I knew she would keep me motivated. And, I spent a lot of time with my 3 year-old son, who is the biggest motivation of all. I realized an investment in my health is an investment in my life with him, and I don’t know what can be more motivating than that.