I started up on SparkPeople again yesterday, July 4... Independence Day. I didn't do this on purpose, but it seemed fitting. I am finally declaring independence from these last 17 pounds I need to lose.

My motivator? The mirror, what else! It's everyone's eternal enemy.

I have come to the realization that I am not going to like the way my body looks at the end of the day. Gravity and food tend to have what I like to call The Sag Effect by the end of the day.

In the morning, though, I expect to at least be satisfied with what I see. I look at myself sideways in the mirror every morning. Why? Maybe I take pleasure in bringing myself down. Or maybe, it's the only time the day when I do like the way I look.

Until yesterday. I was absolutely mortified by what I saw. I hopped on the scale straight away and found that either the mirror and the scale have joined forces against me, or that I actually have gained back all the weight I lost in the last two months.

I'd like to go with the former, but I think I need to go with the latter.

Regardless, I'm back on Sparkpeople with a vengeance. I joined the 28 Day Fitness Challenge, and I'm committed to making the next month count.

Because, after all, if dedication led the American colonists to win their freedom from British rule, who am I to let a measly 17 pounds get the better of me?

Happy Independence Day, everyone! Make it your own!