Sometimes it's hard to stay on track...sometimes we slip off the normal routine and stray from the normal lifestyle eating plan or exercise commitment we created for ourselves in the beginning.  We all do...it's normal and it happens, but do we want to continue in this direction. 

What do we do next...

Something I have learned over the last year that has really helped, is to ask myself this question:  "What is the next right step?"

"What is the next step?" and not just the "next step", but the next "right" step. 

This summer has been stressful and difficult for me and I am glad to see the season change, not that all the stresses have disappeared by any means, if anything, a few more have been added on, but for me, it reminds me that the old must pass and it's time to move on to new things. 

Some of the "right next steps" for me are to clear out the pantry and fridge again.  Replace those unwanted or  wrong choices with the right ones and take my environment back to a healthy lifestyle.  Access what bad habit have reared their ugly head and re-gain control. 

Bring out the winter wardrobe and access the damage, and set a new goal, make a new plan and get back doing the "right things".   Its back to the fish and veggies with an occasional pork rib instead of the opposite.  It's ok to have that banana, but my portions had grown from a 1/4 to a half...wooops!~ I need to eat at home more and not be tempted to eat out so often. 

I had to ask myself, what is it that I enjoy about eating out. For me, it is the social element, its relational, so my plan is to start cooking for others and have friends over for dinner, instead of eating out so often.  Does it mean I can never eat out or never have a pork rib, NO, but I really need to set my limits and immerse myself into a healthy environment. 

It's easy to get off track and sometimes difficult to get back on.  I have to ask myself some motivating questions such as, what is my goal and what is it that I really want?  Are the decisions I am making leading me in the direction I want to go?  Do I need to seek help from a friend or can I do this on my own.  Sometimes I need help to get a new perspective. 

I remember asking myself when I was overweight, "Why didn't you stop when it was just a few pounds, why did you give up?"  OK...so I have gained a few pounds, this time, I am going to do it differently...this time I can find the confidence that I am successful and I can succeed again. 

It is time to get back into my winter clothes, eat healthy, keep my blood sugar under control by eating right, get back into the walking routine, stay positive, immerse my self in motivational thoughts that will encourage me to do the right things...and last but not least...lose a few pounds...

yes I can.............I just did !