I'm not even sure "baby steps" can describe the minuscule, incremental changes I'm trying to make. Every day is a struggle. It's not exactly the diet and exercise at this point; it's fighting the stress eating and total lack of motivation to exercise.

By blogging, I'm choosing to focus on the positive, to change the neverending negative feedback loop that's been playing in my brain lately. So much self-recrimination without giving any credit where it's due.

And it IS due. I've taken some positive steps lately but have chosen to focus on the negative. "I didn't do *enough* exercise." "I blew my calorie range today." "I stayed within my calorie range but filled it with 'bad' calories like cookies and instant mashed potatoes."

Enough!

Over the past week, I've logged calories some days and haven't logged on others. On the days I've logged, I've stayed within my range. I should pat myself on the back! In addition, despite the fact I've been in pretty severe pain due to (of all things!) a new pillow, I've taken the dog for a walk two days in a row. Even though it was a bit breezy for my taste. Even though I really didn't want to. And last week, I got on the rowing machine three times.

I need to stop the negative self-talk and focus on all the good things I'm doing. So I screw up once in awhile. So what?? Every morning when the alarm clock goes off is a new day, and a new chance to do things right.

I deserve a pat on the back. Life's been stressful lately, but I'm hanging in there!