Some type of virus or whatever laid me low for an entire week. Finally, yesterday, I felt a bit better and decided to have a cocktail at dinner. I wasn't prepared for the negative impact that would have on my mood. Instead of feeling jolly after my martini, I felt down. The depressed mood continued throughout the day today. I felt I was spinning my wheels on every major front. I couldn't seem to get my diet and exercise "working" so far in the new year, couldn't focus on my work, and was letting household tasks go undone.

Feeling blue, I succumbed to consuming SIX Chips Ahoy style cookies at lunch. Naturally, I then felt guilty (though I did log them). I again felt I could not seem to get my act together. My spark seemed to have left me.

This afternoon, completely unmotivated, I forced myself to get on the rowing machine. Just 10 minutes, I told myself. You'll feel better.

The 10 minutes flew by, so I kept going. At the 20-minute mark, I decided to challenge myself a little bit. I pushed myself to the 30-minute mark. I was a little sweaty and a little out of breath, but I did it. And I burned 257 calories in the process.

Afterward, I took a nice, long hot shower. And I realized I felt better. I mean, my mood had lifted. I found myself looking forward to cooking dinner (lately, it's felt like a chore) and enjoying an evening of TV with my hubby. I had a couple of creative ideas on the work front, too.

It was a nice reminder that every day is a new opportunity to get back on track, to rediscover your spark. Every day is Day 1. Thank goodness!