For years, one of my resolutions has been to eat healthier and get into better shape. I hate to admit, it took brain surgery to get me to follow through with this resolution.

My resolutions for 2010 involved eating right, getting my weight down and exercising more.

At this point in my life, I was looking at the possibility of being in a wheelchair the rest of my life. The neurosurgeon was telling me to correct the complications from my first surgery, he would have to operate again. It would make me better in some aspects, but worse in others. I would end up permanently in a chair and need someone with me around the clock.

At my age, I was not ready to accept such, so I went back to the advice I was given at rehab. They told me to ‘keep moving’. I was killing 2 birds with one stone. The way I saw it, if I ended up having a second surgery….being as strong as I could be, would be to my benefit and the lighter my bodyweight, I would be easier to get in and out of a chair if I needed help.

In 2010, I came up with a few resolutions on New Year’s Eve; I changed my diet habits, joined a gym and started doing things around the house just to make life easier around the house.

1. cleaned out the pantry of anything I shouldn’t have
2. joined a gym
3. worked exercise into my schedule, no matter what else was going on!
4. my doctor recommended a diet plan, where
   I had to see her regularly to follow my progress
5. I got my hubby to agree to do everything with me.

By the time December 31, 2010 rolled around I had:

1. lost 50 pounds
2. dropped over 47 inches over my entire body
3. dropped 8 sizes in clothing
4. had more energy
5. felt better, higher stamina

The best news of all came with my yearly check at the neurologist. There was new research and some of the problems I had been dealing with, since the first surgery, could now be managed through medications. I was off to meet another neurologist, but NO MORE SURGERY was the main thing I heard.

So, long story short, it took me half my life to actually meet a resolution, but I continue to do it today! With the guidance of the good Lord above, hopefully I can continue to get stronger and healthier with each day! Whatever his plan, I’m following Him!