Recently, I decided it was time to make a change in my lifestyle. It is no secret that I have put on quite a bit of weight over the last couple of years. Having a parent with terminal cancer will do that to a person. However, I have accepted what is and decided there is only moving forward. So I took the plunge and joined Weight Watchers! It has been a solid month now since starting the program. I can proudly say I have lost 14 pounds!! Seeing the progress has restored a confidence that I thought was lost. I am slowly starting to love myself again, which is a nice feeling through all the grief. My only regret is not beginning this sooner while my mom was still around. Even before she got sick I had started to let myself go. We would argue from time to time about my poor choice in diet. I remember one time she did not talk to me for a few days, because I had bought girl scout cookies (laughing about it now). In her defense, I made a promise to lay off the sweets for a bit. Ultimately, she just wanted the best for me like any parent does. Especially since diabetes runs in the family. Although, I am still at the beginning stage of this journey. I already feel a strong motivation (first time in a while). It feels good to take control of my life again. I like to think my mom is smiling down on me, maybe even shaking her head about finally starting this healthier lifestyle. She has been gone seven months now. I miss her to no end. I just hope she is proud up there, watching me become a better version of myself.