Balance

Sometimes, I'm not very original. I like to think of myself as unique, interesting and fun-loving. As the new year begins, I've done a personal inventory and come up with more of me than I would like to see. A check in with the bathroom scales delivered the final verdict. I've overindulged, again, and now it's time to get back in shape, hopefully slim down and be happier with my body shape. So, I'm joining millions of Americans in their annual resolution that THIS will be the year that all happens.

I used to be one of the lucky ones when it came to weight loss. I would up my activity level, stay away from junk foods and voila! Shapely and svelte were mine to behold. My mother used to promise me that one day, I would have to work harder to get those pounds off, one day I wouldn't be able to eat all that junk without paying for it, forever packed onto my hips and gut. Well, that day arrived, actually some time ago if the pictures I look at are any way to measure that.

I've been accepted into a Weight Loss Study on campus and have undergone the preliminary tests. I'm all set to get started next week, and have been living it up in the countdown to DS day, Diet Start day. I'll be asked to follow a strict diet and exercise program, and I'm excited about the prospect of weight loss success this time. The other aspect of this study is to look at activity levels for participants to continue or maintain that loss, and since this is where I've failed many times, I'm looking forward to assisting the study in finding that magic, all in the name of science of course.

But what I really think about is finding balance. Balance between my daily work life, home life and personal goals. Something that I can sustain as I go on this diet, log miles on a treadmill or elliptical, and find that slimmer me that is deep down inside, hiding behind the cravings of ice cream, chips and guacamole. I'll keep you posted.