Start (Again) From Where You Are

I know--you were a paragon of virtue this weekend. You filled your nine-inch Thanksgiving plate with perfectly measured portions. You started the day walking the 10K through Covington. You took fruit and nuts with you to the mall and avoided the food court. You've spent the rest of the weekend hauling and sorting heavy bins of Christmas decorations (but threw in a couple of extra pushups, just in case).

Or, maybe not.

Saint or sinner--it doesn't matter. What matters is today. The new week begins and you start from here. Whether you are carrying two extra "water bloat" pounds or not, this moment, this choice is the one that matters now: What little change can you make today for your health and your future? Can you stub out that cigarette you are working on? Can you walk down to the corner and back? Can you eat a piece of fruit out of that decorative bowl instead of a leftover dinner roll slathered with jelly? The hardest part is getting over the inertia and taking the first step. Do one little thing, then do two.