Can't Stop Me Now

“When people are ready to, they change. They never do it before then, and sometimes they die before they get around to it. You can't make them change if they don't want to, just like when they do want to, you can't stop them.” -Andy Warhol, Andy Warhol in His Own Words

You are not going to lose weight, quit smoking, eat better, exercise, or anything else till you really want to do it.  When I got to the point that I HAD to lose weight or go on blood pressure medication, I really WANTED to lose weight.  Now that I am one clothing size from reaching my goal, I will not be stopped.  I am more determined than ever to keep going, keep pushing, and keep changing. 

I'm not saying that it has been easy, but when has anything worth having been easy. Each day, I wake up saying I am going to eat right, drink water, exercise, and be happy with myself.  Each day, I make the decision to keep going.  When I first started my diet plan, I reminded myself several times a day that staying on track was more important than any cookie, cake, or brownie.  My long term goal of being healthy outweighed the so called pleasure of a sweet treat. 

I think of Jesus when I struggle with staying on track.  How difficult it must have been for Him knowing that His time on earth would end in pain and agony.  He knew that He would be arrested, beaten, ridiculed, and put to death.  However, He willingly went through it all for us.  It wasn't easy for Him, but it had to be done.  There was no stopping Jesus of sparing us a life without hope because He loves us that much.

Now, I am not comparing my weight loss to the life of Christ, but I think of what he did for each and every one of us, and then I think about what I want for those I love.  I don't have children now, but I hope to one day.  I want to be healthy and energetic for them.  I want to teach them healthy eating habits by the example I give them.  I want to reach my health goals for my future children, my future husband, and my family.  We change for ourselves, but when you love someone, you want to do everything you can to enrich their lives as well.  I decided to change for me, but I want others to benefit from it as well. 

Change can be a terrifying word, but it can also be exhilarating and exciting.  When you say you are ready to change, whether it is weight loss, exercising, or quit smoking, then embrace it and don't let anyone or anything stop you from reaching your goals.