By Melissa Black

I look ahead to the new year and what do I resolve to do
Lose weight and be healthy through and through.

Every year it’s the same, it’s come and gone
And I am always left singing the same old song.

So what is so different about this year?
What will make me do it and hold to it dear?

I’m making a plan and changing my life.
I need to do this to end the strife

This weight represents more than just overeating
It’s about all of the areas in my life that are so defeating

So here’s to a new year, and the baby steps I’ll take
To become healthy and fit, this is the new choice I will make

Gone are the days of telling myself I’m no good
And no more beating the blues by turning to food

No more watching TV with endless munching
The only sound you’ll here is carrots I’m crunching.

Too Big for the gym, that’s what I used to say,
but now you’ll see me there day after day.

So what do you want for 2006?
I know for me it’s weight loss that sticks.

One of the first things I have had to do to lose weight is change my inner dialog. I was telling myself that I was no good, that I would never lose weight, that I was ugly, that I would never accomplish the things in life that I wanted to do and that I didn’t deserve it. Well, I have changed my inner dialog and can appreciate what I see in the mirror even though I’m not where I want to be yet. Here is a challenge for you. On this post comment and tell me, but more importantly yourself why you deserve to lose weight. Then I challenge you to write down your list and post it on your bathroom mirror or the mirror you look in the most. Then on the fridge put a note that says I DESERVE THIS, so when you go to snack you will have a visual reminder. Eventually you will believe that you deserve it. I will start and then please think about this.

1. I deserve to live a long life and not die young like my Mom

2. I deserve to be able to walk in a room with confidence.

3. I deserve to be able to walk up a flight of stairs without feeling like my chest is going to cave in.

4. I deserve to walk into the Normal clothing section in the store

5. I deserve to walk with my head held high

6. I deserve to be my kids best role model

7. I deserve to feel sexy for my hubby

8. I deserve to laugh and feel happy

9. I deserve to try new things

10. I deserve it because I am pretty and I am a beautiful woman.

Please accept my challenge to write down why you deserve to lose weight. You DO DESERVE to be happy. Take care, Melissa