I just turned 58 in age and no more feel that number represents my mental attitude, outlook, nor even my physical status than ‘a man in the moon’. Why am I here?

I’m short… vertically challenged, that is. I have no problem with being short. I try to be healthy, don’t smoke/ never have, exercise as often as I can, and enjoy an adult beverage occasionally. I do like Breyer’s mint chocolate chip ice cream, double-stuff Oreo cookies, and more. I believe if anyone could be addicted to diet Pepsis, it would’ve been me. If you name a diet, there’s nearly a 100% chance I’ve tried it. The same 20 to 30 pounds coming and going across the years, I could probably say I’ve lost over a ton. But, from a practical standpoint, these few extra pounds are so very hard to conceal on a short 5’ frame.  Elevated blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, tendencies for strokes, and the medical profession prescribing drugs to remedy these nearly wrecked my life. So, why am I here?

All my life (and probably your’s, too) we’ve heard, ‘watch what you eat, step up the exercise, and you’ll lose weight; simple mathematics.’  Hmmmm, I don’t think so. I can remember ingesting 700 calories a day, running 6 miles a day, 6 days a week. At the end of each week, I would have added a couple of pounds! You cannot imagine what that’ll do to your morale. Then, someone would have had the audacity to tell me that well you’re not eating enough. Geeeez. So, why am I here?

I’m here because I don’t quit. I’m here because I know my body. I’m here because I want to be fit, not skinny, just fit. I’m here because I know I wanted to find out what’s going on. I’m here because I’m madder than hell at the medical profession that exposes all of us to eat healthier, exercise more, lower your fat intake, and lower your cholesterol. I’m here because I do not want to take their prescription drugs anymore. And I’m here because I’ve discovered I’m not alone. I’m here because I want to help others. I’m here because I care!!

Whew. Breathe. Just breathe, Vicki.