Just the beginning

I just took a 8 day vacation to Burlington, Vermont. I went for my cousins wedding, which was amazing and such a blessing! I left with an exercise plan. Pretty cool.
My Aunt Judy had a book, "Walk off Weight", and she wasn't sure if she wanted to keep it or not. So I read it. Most of the ideas are online, so she why keep the book, but it was very motivating to me.
I have been at the beginning of this "Health Journey" for a little more than a year. June '09 I did a cleanse through "Standard Process". My friend Abbe suggested it for some health issues and I LOVED it. It wasn't that hard. I was doing the 90 day bible reading with my church and the cleanse at the same time. I really think that is why it was so successful and easy. The second time I tried the cleanse wasn't a good experience, so that is why I think the bible reading helped. I ate fine for a while, but fell off the wagon quickly. I also never really incorporated exercise into my life.
So here we are 15 months later and heavier by 15 pounds. Shoot!!!! That was not the plan. Oh well, time to refocus and get my life on track. Being single, people might think that I put myself first all the time. That isn't true. I do things for other people and that is what keeps me moving. I learned sign for the fact that it helps people communicate. Yes, I personally love this language and learn it for my benefit, but that is the side note. I can use my language skills in church and that is most important to me. I teach children to help them understand life and how to work in this crazy world. Again, I love teaching, but it isn't a selfish thing really.
My mantra during this journey is that I am finally putting me first here. I will always put God as the center of my life, but I am understanding that if I don't prioritize myself here, I won't be able to serve God long. My health is great right now, but I see myself 10 years from now and am petrified and embarrassed. What does "me first" look like then? Well, not committing to many evening activities during the week so that I can go walk. Just because something is good to do doesn't mean it is the best thing for my health. As exercise becomes a natural part of my life maybe I can fill my weeknights again, but for now, NO!
I have lots of friends and family that have said they want to help me become healthier. Well, now I am putting them to the test. If you care about me, I see you supporting me in this journey. I will be asking you to go walk with me, teach me a new activity, encourage me in "nature", cheer me on as I do this. Ask me to join you for a walk after dinner. If you don't like walking, fine. I totally get that. Teach me what you do like. I love learning. Be there for me at the start and finish of a long walk. Call me, check up on me. Join me in some of the charity walks I want to do. PRAY for me. This is as much mental and spiritual as it is physical.
This isn't going to be a sprint. It is going to be even more than a marathon. It is for the rest of my life. I saw myself at 70 last week, unless I change now.