I've been considering this thought a lot as of late.  I've had an issue with exercise and diet.  My issue is this:  I don't like to do it!  Neither one.  Nope!  But now I am starting to reap the consequences of not wanting to behave in these areas and do those things that I've known for a lot of years that I need to do.  My cholesterol is HIGH - on medication now.  My doctor just checked me for diabetes.  I refuse to take medication for that one.  If the results come back positive, I am determined to make those needed changes through - gasp - diet and exercise.  I've had some other issues in my life the last few years that have made exercise painful and most of the time, not worth the effort for the pain I endure afterwards.  BUT - I know if I can be persistent with my exercise, I would likely lose some weight, (which is needed), and in the process alleviate some of the painful side-effects I am having to trying to be more healthy.  

I may even need to seriously consider a surgery on my neck.  I went to a neurosurgeon two years ago who told me that I was a prime candidate for surgery at that time, but that it wasn't an absolute at that point....he told me I would know when it was time.  I'm almost there I think.  But it terrifies me.  Everything about it terrifies me.   The surgery itself - the risk of serious complications - the pain - the recovery - the 'what if's'.  That's what I have to work through before I can get to the point of having it done.   I'm getting closer....to even talk about it is getting closer!

I see so many elderly people who are using walkers, or the little motorized carts or who just sit and do nothing.  I. Don't. Want. That. To. Be. My. Life!!!   So --- it's time for some changes.  Aerobic exercise - 150 minutes/week to start.   (I know some of you probably do that in one or two days time - yay for you!  Keep it up!)   More fruits and vegetables (been doing this for several weeks now).  Lean protein.  High fiber (I'm ok here - I make my own granola and add freshly ground whole wheat to many of my recipes).  More water - less soda (as I'm eyeing my can of Mr. Pibb......  Cut down on artificial sweeteners and high fructose corn syrup - and that's hard - because those two things are everywhere.  It means that we will be eating more home-made things - and less processed foods.  Nothing wrong with that!

And so this journey of persistently doing begins.  And I'm striving to have faith that with that persistence will come the power to continue forward, making those changes that I know will benefit me - not only now - but in my future.