I've had to think about this for a bit. A lot of things motivate me to make healthy choices, but my motivations have changed substantially since I started my journey in January 2009.

1. Feeling Fitter
I was never heavy until I got sick and had to come back to the USA. But, away from family and the life I loved, unable to be active, I used food as comfort. Now that I am slowly getting fit, I like the feeling of being more like the old Carrie.

2. Buying Clothes
When I gained weight, I started living in navy and black sweats. They fit (sort of) and were easy to care for. Since I was never into clothes and spent most of my worklife in jeans, workboots, workshirts, and a hard hat, it is still a source of amazement to be able to walk into a store and find nice clothes that fit.

3. Dancing at my Daughter's Wedding
When I got sick, my children were both in high school. All I wanted was to see them graduate. Now, I want to dance at my daughter's wedding, and that's not even on the horizon. But, when it is, I want to be there, laughing and giggling.

4. Sleeping
Since I stopped binging on sugary treats and started moving, I fall asleep easier and sleep deeply. I had forgotten the beauty of falling asleep within 10 minutes of putting my head on the pillow.

5. Not Feeling Weak
I had become the person I never wanted to be -- someone who could barely walk to the recycling without huffing and puffing. Forget things like lifting and toting, all things I had once taken for granted. Now, I can do those things again.

Go Jade Dragons.