Hi Everyone!

I have actually been a member of sparkpeople for over 2 years. I can't believe it has been that long since I made the wonderful discovery of this amazing website and community and a random day of googling. My original sparkpage is under pssn4fitness. I am starting this page because I need a fresh start.

So much has happened since: I lost 37lbs, got married, started grad school, completed my first 10K, 15K, and then half marathon, moved to Boston, traveled ...

Hi Everyone!

I have actually been a member of sparkpeople for over 2 years. I can't believe it has been that long since I made the wonderful discovery of this amazing website and community and a random day of googling. My original sparkpage is under pssn4fitness. I am starting this page because I need a fresh start.

So much has happened since: I lost 37lbs, got married, started grad school, completed my first 10K, 15K, and then half marathon, moved to Boston, traveled to Asia for the first time, added 9 new passport stamps within one year, met a ton of incredible people. The list goes on and on. Unfortunately, I have also managed to lose track of my need to take care of myself and gained back 20lbs!

It is startling to write that number. I was convinced that this past time ws truly the last yo-yo for me. But, I recognize also that I can't regret the past. I can only be committed to making it right and moving forward.

My starting weight is 152 and my goal weight is 130. I weighed that weight briefly a year and a half ago. I didn't appreciate it then and have steadily gained weight ever since.

So why do I say my ideal life? First, "ideal" is a construct of our own minds. So any of us can live our ideal life right now just by saying it and believing it. Second, I realize that I have defined my wants in life by the standards of others. This is my chance to be deliberate and reflective on the things that actually make me happy. One of those things is feeling strong and fit. It is an exhilariting feeling to know that your body to ready to conquer 13.1 miles or just the massive staircase to get out the subway without losing my breath. I miss my muscles and knowing that Jillian Michaels had nothing on me.

How am I going to do it?

1) Mentally commit and prepare myself for hard work.
2) Loving myself and accepting that I am only human
3) Reveling in the joy that each workout brings me
4) Listening to my body's cravings, not my emotional cravings

Read More About LOVINME2013 (Updated July 4)