There is hour lost!! I had finished a post that was nearly 1000 words but before I could hi enter it disappeared. I'm going to TRY to recreate it.

During the past five years I have so much to be thankful about that I journal in my Gratitude Journal. First of all, I found Spark People and joined. I decided it was time to have a healthy lifestyle and lost a whole person in weight while going on my journey. Then with my cancers, they were not my biggest threat. The poisoning after my treatments was. But they finally found what was causing it and with one treatment of antibiotics I was fine again. With the breast cancer it was found early - in stage 1.3 - and my genetic markers were such that I could have my chemo by pill. With the tonsil cancer, it was contained to the one spot on the one tonsil and was in stage 1. If I had to have it, and obviously I did, things couldn't have been better for me. Through all the radiation and chemo, I was able to keep on getting exercise and eating properly 70% of the time. I was so very fortunate.

Sure I have some bad times in my life, but I've had a lot more good ones. I have had all the encouragement and support from my Spark Buds I've had my wonderful husband, I've had my family, and I've had my faith. That's a lot for which to be thankful! My brother and his children would call and leave messages for me in email or on facebook. My husband supported me with my lifestyle change. He also did all the driving, cleaning, waited during my radiation and chemo treatments, When I was in the hospital, he would update my journal to let all my Spark Buds know what was happening. He also did what I like to call, "held my hair" when i could not keep anything down. He stayed with me in my hospital room, helping me walk from the bed to where I needed to go including walking the halls to keep me walking. He would only go home long enough to tend the dogs, take a shower, and change clothes then would be back. Whenever I would get down, he'd read all of the wonderful message of caring and faith my Spark Buds left for me. They always cheered me and made me smile. They were my prayer warriors! I know all of their prayers, good thoughts, and light, helped me through all of this rough time. He also made sure I had my Bible, prayer book, and rosary. When I had my feeding tube, he would keep it flushed, change my dressing, set up the bag and made sure it was filled so I could get enough nourishment. Now how blessed was I?

Along with all of that, I also have my family, how our parents taught us, my Spark Buds with whom I feel closer than most of the in person friends, and my faith. All of those things I have journaled about in my Gratitude Journal. If I even start to get down, I get it out and always feel better because I am reminded of how blessed I have been.

Do you have an attitude of gratitude? Are you thankful for all your blessings or do you have a negative attitude ? When you post about your problems in your blog or in your teams, do you take the advise of those who have had similar experiences or do you make excuses and say, "I can't"? Do you know how worthy you are of having a healthy lifestyle?

Most of the Buds you make here at Spark are encouraging and supportive, even if you have a bad day of eating or not getting the exercise you need if only for 5 minutes at a time. They truly care for you and want you to succeed. Most are willing to share and help in any way they can. Try to take advantage of that. if your family isn't supportive and make fun of you, bring you candy, sweets, and fried food, keep a tiny bit for a treat and give the rest away. Refuse to eat the fried stuff by pushing it aside on your plate or leave it in it's container. After a while they may see how serious you are and stop doing all of this. You are so worth getting a healthy lifestyle so you can lead a longer, healthier, and more active life. You have already started by signing up for this sight and take part in it. But the fact remains, it is all up to you. No one else can eat properly for nor can they do the exercising you need. I started my journey at 60 and attained goal at 65. I continue to come here and track everything. It keeps me accountable plus I enjoy it. You will need to stay positive rather than negative. You must be grateful for all your accomplishments and the goodness in your life. Most of all you need to believe in yourself and know you CAN do this. If not you, who will? Try to remove negative words from your vocabulary and eventually your life.

Most of the people here on Spark want to help however they can. All you must do is ask. Try to take advantage of their personal experiences. Keep in mind what works for one may not work for you. But then again it might. If one doesn't ask someone else and try their tips. Eventually you will find the proper combination that makes you happy and motivates you. Try to keep in mind how much better you will feel when you reach your goal. Think of how you'll feel when you'll continue on your life long journey. You are special and beautiful and deserving.

Have a terrific time of being positive and working for an attitude of gratitude.

Peace Love Thankfulness
Ev