Throughout the past five weeks, I have begun my journey to health. I have been trying to lead a healthier lifestyle. Now, when I say “healthy," I do not mean diets and crazy amounts of exercise. I mean eating cleaner (not cutting out bad foods – just eating them a little less often), being sure to drink enough water daily, and going on occasional walks around the block. It does not sound like a lot, but I can honestly say that it is working. A few pounds have been dropped and I can see a slight change in the shape of my stomach. It’s not a lot but it’s something, right?

I have wanted to lead a healthier life for a long time. I have always thought about what I would look like if I were able to shed a few pounds. Would I look different? Would I look the same, only with a smaller stomach? What would change about me? The thoughts would run through my mind. I would wonder and wonder so much that I would be motivated to want to know the answers to these questions. “This is it”, I would think to myself, as I was about to start to make a change. But it would never last. It would last a few days – maybe even a week, but only if I was lucky.

This time was different. I am not sure what exactly made it different, but I was able to stick to it. Maybe it’s the weather. Maybe it’s because the things I am choosing to do are not as difficult to accomplish as what I have always tried before. Whatever it may be, I’m glad it’s working. I’m glad I was finally able to make a change; one that I was able to stick to, so far (even if it has only been five weeks).

I’m not here to preach about living a healthy lifestyle and all the good it can do for a person, I’m just here to be honest. Throughout these past five weeks, I have been happier. I have noticed an impact on my mood and my overall happiness. I am less bloated. I feel better.

I understand that it can be hard. I understand that there are times where you just want to give up. But understand, a bad day is not a bad thing. It is okay to have off days, as long as you realize that it is an off day and you try to get back on track as soon as you can. Try to make smarter decisions, and keep drinking water. Just don’t give up. If I can do it, so can you.