This journey into the News-Herald's "Lighten Up in 2011" Contest was undertaken for many reasons, however, one reason took precedent over all others...fear.  As I looked down the road of life and saw less years to come than years that have gone by, fear became a great motivator.  

 

   The weight loss challenge seemed a good starting point for evaluating how I wanted to live those remaining years.  Would they be lived in a state of continuing disintegration of health?  Would I fall into despair, observing my own physical demise with regrets that I never found the strength to overcome lifelong struggles with food addiction and lack of discipline? 

 

   The devil on my shoulder said, "So what?  Everyone develops health issues as they age.  Why start now, at YOUR age?  Enjoy the time you have left!  ENJOY!!!"

 

   Here are a couple of reasons why I must see this journey through to the end.... 

 

   Of all my friends, I believe that I am the only one who is not on a prescription medication (HBP, cholesterol, etc.).  One of those friends has argued the point that my blood pressure is in a seriously unhealthy range.  Her point is valid.  However, for the next six months I will remain hopeful that a substantial weight loss will naturally lower those numbers to a safer level.  If that doesn't help, "Hi-Ho, Hi-Ho, it's off to the doc I go!"  I have to try it this way first...try on my own terms and with the hope that this change in eating and lifestyle will prove a winning formula.

 

   I'm also seeing people who are taking on the characteristics of physical disabilities at much younger ages.  An insidious disease of dependence seems to enter life, almost unnoticed.  "Honey, my leg is acting up today.  Could you put my sock on, please?"  The change is subtle as it creeps in and steals away the physical ability to take care of oneself.  It is rationalized as being only a temporary issue.  But, when it doesn't improve, this "premature dependence" on another can become an (absurdly) normal and necessary part of everyday life.  I speak from experience and am embarrassed to admit it.  

 

   I have decided to thrive, not just survive through the rest of life.  In regards to health, I want to live without fear.  There will always be unknown factors, but what can be controlled, I want to control.

 

   Jack LaLanne passed away last week at ninety-six years of age.  I read an article on his life.  A comment made by him stood out and will end this ramble.  He said something to the effect that he didn't care how long he lived, as long as while he was alive, he was LIVING! 

 

   Me, too!