I didn't get this Way Overnight!

Some of you know me in real life but for those of you who don't, do not realize I have been struggling with weight for several years now. I used to be this skinny chic that could eat a ton and never gain weight. That was 15 years ago and since then there have been many factors that have contributed to my lack of exercise and bad eating habits.

You see, 12 1/2 yrs ago , my first husband left my daughter and I. I won't go into details because my precious daughter reads this blog and I do not nor will I ever bad mouth her father to anyone. What's done is done. At the same time, my father made the decision to leave my mom after 31yrs of marriage. Again, I won't go into details because I have forgiven him and I love him.

Add all that on top of losing my house to forclosure, getting a job (I was a SAHM at the time) and getting in three car accidents during that year caused a lot of emotional baggage. Looking back I wish I had channeled my emotional frustration via exercise rather than food. But It wasn't to be.

It started with a friend at work being pregnant. She ate more to accommodate her little one. And we ate lunch together often. She allowed me to feel less guilty over the amount and types of foods I was eating. And it gradually took a toll on my bod.

By the time I got home from work I was too tired to exercise and the less I did the bigger I became. I used to hike, rock climb, walk, canoeing, etc. I was an outdoorsy person. It bothered me to no end when I was cooped up in the house. It still does but not as much as it used to.

Since that fateful year I have gotten remarried and had two more children to add to my family. But the year Little Monkey was born was a tough year too. He had many medical issues, had many surgeries and almost died a few times. So there I was back to eating to help me feel better. And now it's morphed into eating because I'm bored.

I don't want to be like this the rest of my life. I have a heart condition and I want to do everything I can to stay healthy and be there for my kids and my husband. I'm turning  . . AHEM! 40 in two years. Yeah I know I shouldn't tell everyone but it's true. I want to be back to my old self by my 40th Birthday! I have two years.

Today is day one and the start of the new me. I can't do this alone. I love my family but they aren't the best at being encouraging. I need help from my readers and friends. Who's with me? Do you want to lose the weight too? Why don't you join me . I don't care if you have 10 or 300 lbs to lose.

On Mondays I will weigh in and actually show you a picture of the scale *gasp* . Yep I'm brave . . . I think.  I will post Mr. Linky here for you to join in If you'd like.  I'm working on a button that you can get to place on your blog to encourage others to start living healthier.

 So today I did my first workout using EA Active for the Wii. It kicked my butt. I'm so out of shape. I did this about three hours ago and I have been sore ever since. I know it's going to get easier and I will go at my own pace. What ever you do to get your heart pumping is ok. Not everyone has a Wii. But I encourage you to get moving!

So here's a number for ya. What's yours? Are you brave enough to share it on the internet?

Write about your goals, how are you moving your body, what are you eating, how much water you are drinking etc. Let's get Healthy. We owe it to ourselves and our families!