Once Upon a Time . . .

Once upon a time there was a little girl named Mel.
I’ll share with you the story, as it is mine to tell.

Mel was always busy. She loved to run and jump and play.
Winter, summer, spring or fall – She liked to go out every day.

In the winter she would ice skate, shovel, build and even sled.
Fall was great for football, raking leaves or even standing on her head.

Spring was made for gardening, jumping rope and riding bikes.
Summer meant it was time to swim! (One of Mel’s most favorite “likes”.)

Because she was so busy, Mel never put on weight.
She stayed tall and slender, no matter what or how much she ate.

This continued through her teen years since she was involved in many sports.
It wasn’t until college that she got all out of sorts.

Exercise became more scarce. Food choices were less healthy.
She would often tell herself, “I’ll do better when I’m wealthy.”

(Why is it that the healthy foods always cost you so much more?
It makes it hard to make a smarter choice while shopping in the store!)

Fast forward ten years later . . . now I have a different life.
I’m a sedentary woman, stay at home mom, and a wife.

I haven’t dropped my baby weight (though my baby just turned five!)
While I am living my dream life, sometimes I don’t really feel alive.

I want to be more active, healthy, strong, and an example for my girls.
I want to show them beauty is more than makeup, diamonds and pearls.

Finally feeling ready, I made a commitment to myself.
I am getting into shape, taking excuses off the shelf.

I’m ordering a salad – without dressing, croutons or even cheese.
Would you like a glass of water? Yes, I would! Yes, Please!

Protein, whole grains, fruits and veggies – I’ve stocked the fridge from front to back.
(Though I keep a dark chocolate kiss on hand when I get a sweet craving attack.)

Smaller portion sizes . . . by eating on smaller kiddie plates.
I order smart and immediately box half when I go out on a date.

I’ve started with some videos – Tony, Jillian and Jackie.
I even play on my Wii (though Just Dance makes me look so wacky!)

I tend to get bored easily, so I’ve got lots of choices
No excuse for getting tired of their faces, moves or voices.

I like to run outside, around our little neighborhood.
Unfortunately in Ohio, the weather’s not so good.

From snow to sleet to freezing rain . . . then the weather gets too hot.
Okay, let’s be honest, an easy to please outside runner – I am not.

I’d love to own a treadmill so I could run in rain or shine.
Morning, noon or night, it would be mine . . . all mine! ;o)

Actually to be honest I’d share with hubby, family and friends.
Because support from all of them will help me reach the end.

Making better choices together. Living longer for each other.
Becoming a better sister, friend, wife, daughter and mother!

*Disclaimer - I wrote this blog post while participating in the Bookieboo and Hayneedle Treadmill blogging program, making me eligible to win a treadmill. For more information on how you can participate, click here.